News

For many of us, the holiday season brings peace and joy. We create memories with calm and cheerful moments. But for some, the reality is quite different. For those battling stress, depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, gambling addiction or family issues, holiday stressors can quickly pile up.

The holidays might seem like an inappropriate time to seek help, but it could be the opportunity someone has been waiting for. Substance abuse tends to ramp up over the holidays, and addiction treatment initiated during the holidays could be the best gift someone gives themselves.

Deciding to get help for an ongoing problem is often the hardest step to take but the Carpenters union is here to help members during the process. The Carpenters Assistance Program (CAP) provides free, confidential assistance for our members and their families. It is focused on treatment services and provides comprehensive assessments and referral, as well as emergency crisis intervention services to members and their dependents.

For over three decades, CAP has helped thousands of our members and their families lead a happier life by providing resources and support networks to navigate the physical, financial, mental or emotional challenges they were facing.

“We understand that not every glove fits every hand, and we want members to know that confidential help is available for any issue – from stress to alcohol and drug addiction to marital or gambling issues. We’re all in this pool together,” said Paul Greeley, Executive Director, CAP. “What’s said in the program is safe and protected. Without confidentiality, CAP would not survive. Once they pick up the phone, talk to a Brother or a Sister on the job or join our weekly Zoom meeting, CAP counselor Jeff Smith or I will work directly with them to get them the help they need and deserve.”

For Local 327 carpenter Patrick Dolbeare, this year marked 14 years of sobriety, and he credits CAP for changing his life. He says the peer-to-peer support that the CAP offered him was “vital” in his recovery and he continues to participate in the weekly CAP meetings – held every Tuesday night at 7pm on Zoom.

“I had picked up the phone many times but eventually the real pain was there, and I was ready and willing to help myself. Paul [Greeley] was vital in my recovery from the beginning and up until this very day,” said Brother Dolbeare.

He considers himself one of the lucky ones because he’s been in the union and has a Brotherhood behind him. “What the CAP program does, and offers, is incredible. They’re breaking down the stigma every day across the trades, and it’s great to have the contractors behind us too. If you’re reading this and you know you’re struggling, talk to us because we’re ready to pull you right out of that puddle.”

For Dolbeare and many other members, the Tuesday night recovery meetings is part of their routine to connect and offer support. Some joining for the first time, remain anonymous.

“It’s important for members to know that you have the option to block your number and turn off your camera, but it’s equally important for them to know that we type in our cell numbers and encourage them to call us directly. There’s nothing like the support from a member who has been in their boots. We say ‘who you see here, what you say here, stays here,’ and that’s why we succeed.”