St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Addiction Resource Program coordinator to speak at Celebration Church in Arabi

Stanley Simeon, coordinator of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Addiction Resource Program, will speak Friday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. at Celebration Church, 7500 W. Judge Perez Drive in Arabi, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The event is open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Simeon, who has an extensive background in helping people with all sorts of addictions, works closely with Capt. Charles Borchers, director of the Sheriff’s Office Community Relations Division, and Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Aaron Johnson to facilitate the Addiction Resource Program.

Formed in June 2017, the program provides individuals and/or their families with information on resources available to them, such as rehabilitation programs, detox centers, therapeutic plans of action and faith-based assistance.

“The program is designed to help residents struggling with an addiction, whether it be substance abuse, or even gambling related, find the resources they need to better cope with their situation,” the Sheriff said.

Since the program’s inception, Sheriff Pohlmann said, the Sheriff’s Office has been able to reach out to more than 300 individuals who have sought help for their addiction.

Simeon, who will give his own testimonial on Friday about battling addiction, spreads the word in churches and wherever else people will hear him. He also makes a point of visiting homes where he knows people need help, including addresses where deputies have responded to non-fatal overdoses the day before.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Addiction Resource Program and would like more information, or if you would like information about Friday’s event at Celebration Church, call Simeon at (504) 517-2944 or (504) 278-7659. Participation in the program is kept confidential.