Straight and Narrow Alumni Testimonials

We have serviced thousands of clients and are very proud of our alumni, below are some of the testimonials we have received from our graduates and their family.

 Russell - Graduated 1982

"I arrived at S&N Oct. 31st, 1979, I was 30 years old, it was either that or back to prison for the 3rd time. I already had been in all the N.J. reformatories multiple times. I started out being sent to an orphanage at 10 years old, by the time I entered S&N I had very little street time under my belt, only once did I survive more that 6 months in that 20 year period. Most of the time I only lasted 2 or 3 months before being incarcerated again. I remember when I first arrived and Angelo calling me a "Ball of confusion", other residents telling me I can't do this, I can't do that, etc. and thinking to myself, " they're worst than the prison guards". One counselor who had been working there for about 5 or 6 years said to me "He's only seen one person worst off than I was to enter the program". I was not suppose to have made it, they were right, after leaving the program I should have been dead 2 or 3 times, I just got lucky. I graduated in '82, it was not until '96 when I r eally decided to use what I had learned at S&N. Not to say I did not experience any growth up until then, because I did, I was a different person, just not enough to completely recover. I was never physically addicted to alcohol or any drug, but would go off every month or two. It was like, I wanted to feel that pain again, what I felt when I was young, thinking I can fix it this time. I was wrong. Today I have no urge to drink or use drugs, they are not on my list of options anymore. I've told many people before that S&N saved my life. Actually I had the answers all along, I just did not know it, nor where, or how to find them, the hard part was using them. S&N helped me find the answers. There's so many people to thank, including other residents. I now have fond memories of S&N, after all, that's where I grew up at. And there would be too much guilt on my part if I did not express my gratitude on this forum. Special thanks to Angelo, whom I've seen many times after leaving the program."

Karen - Graduated 2000

"I believe as a result of participating in this program, I was able to get legal custody of my children. I began to learn coping skills for the life that I live right now. Straight and Narrow kept me safe while I was learning how not to use drugs and alcohol one day at a time. I feel this program was created and geared for me and others like me. I am 18 1/2 yeas clean because of this program I can not say enough about this experience. I'd just like to thank the creators of this program all the staff, especially the counselors. You guys helped me to restore my life."

Natiba - Graduated 2018

Hardest program to complete, but Straight and Narrow truly changed my life!

Paul - Graduated 1982

On a whim I decided to visit the Straight & Narrow website, where I saw Sam’s smiling face. I thought I should reach out and give Sam a call. Low and behold not only did I get a chance to speak with Dr. Sam Pirozzi but also Angelo Zecca. It’s been over 35 years since I last visited Straight & Narrow. At that time I was 18 years old. My choices were either jail or the drug program, I reluctantly chose the Drug Program, after all I was all too cool. Well here it is 35 years later and I’ve never looked back. Drugs have never been an option or choice. Period. I guess the short version of the story would be I owe a great deal to both of these men, without them I couldn’t even imagine where I would be today. They gave me the tools and it was my choice to use them. Needless to say I listened. I feel humbled and grateful that they both remembered me. A true testament to their character. What Sam and Angelo gave has stayed with me for a lifetime. I quote Angelo often in saying “the names and faces change but the story remains the same”. And Sam who said "its not who's right or wrong but is how you handle the situation". Being 18 years old at the time I can say I was intimidated by the both of them, unknowingly at the time they had my best interest. I have to say it wasn't so much what they said to me, but more of what they didn't say. I never quite understood it but it worked! Straight & Narrow works. It's worked for me over 35 years. I hope somehow that this simple, yet humbling message can help someone. Too I wish I could sum up what worked for me in a sentence or two. But, I can't. Its all part of life's journey, God has a plan. And for all that ever read this, Straight & Narrow is part of that plan. Enjoy the journey! From the bottom of my heart I thank Straight & Narrow and in particular Sam and Angelo. The utmost respect and gratitude. God Bless you!!!!

Tari - Parent of S&N Client

"I'm writing this because I feel people only get in touch when they want to complain. The purpose of this is quite the opposite. My daughter has been in this program for over a year. It has saved her life and after losing 2 children already, probably saved my life as well. I've written to the governor's office a few months back to let them know also what a great program it is. I want to be specific, as it's Monsignor Wall in Paramus i'm referring to. My daughter quite often expresses her gratitude for the program. I've never heard her say a bad word about it, and from what I understand there have been a lot of changes. She always feels that they know what's best even if at the time she doesn't understand it. She respects and looks forward to seeing her counselor weekly and also loves the IOP groups. She is always coming home telling us about her day. Once again, I just feel people should express the good that's being done instead of always expressing the negative. Through recovery, she has been able to meet the goals she has set for herself in the last year. She just continues to move forward every day, and as a parent it's the best thing in life for me to witness. This program has given me back my daughter and for that I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart..."

Anonymous - Graduated 1979

"Thanks to Director Virginia Docey, Father Termyna, Father Reading for their endless help, without which I never would have made it."

Joseph - Graduated 2017

"Although I wasn't aware of it at the time, Straight N Narrow provided me with the base of knowledge that I needed enabling me to continue living my life clean and sober after my departure. I found Straight N Narrow to have had a huge influence on me during my stay there as even once I came home I frequently resorted to thinking back on what I would be doing during the different times of day while I was in treatment. It was really an eye-opening experience for me to see the progress that I made once I forced myself to look inward and believe in the changes that were needed because Straight n Narrow opened my eyes to many positive possibilities in my life. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have attended your Paterson, N.J.facility. "

Note Received With Anonymous Donations

"About 25 years ago, we had a daughter who graduated from this program. She is doing well, thank you. We have donated for many years …we know the drill

All these items are new, for the group of gals to use themselves or give away to family, friends and others that they wish to! They need to know the world cares! Please distribute as you see fit. It is our way of thanking the program! We continue to pray for your recovery-we feel it is the best recovery place. All the BEST to all of you! Happy holiday-a healthy happy New Year to all. Pray for us; we will pray for you."

Kimberly - Graduated 1999

"when my journey began it was through the judicial system. after completing my 18 months I decided to finish program and stayed 23 months to graduate. best move I ever made. all those in treatment please give yourself a break and allow straight and narrow to take care of you. all the staff was excellent and caring. thank you straight and narrow for the love and direction."

Christine - Graduated 2008

"I might have hated it, going into S&N but it changed my life! Staff and clients both supported me and put me not only on the road to recovery but on the road to a better life. I'm still friends with many of the woman I graduate with and have a love for all of them that I never thought possible before."

Stephen - Graduated 2011

"I completed S&N May 2010 to May 2011. I will have 8yrs clean May 18, 2017. I currently work at a residential unit in my home town Atlantic City. Im grateful for my humble beginnings"

Carlos - Graduated 2015

"Straight and Narrow saved my life"

Carl - Graduated 1972

"GOD,Father Greco and staff relieved me of my heroin addiction"

Chris - Graduated 2015

"For me it is the people who work and live a productive life in recovery at Straight & Narrow. That gave me hope when I thought all hope was lost!"

Richard - Graduated 1986

"If it was not for S&N and all their great people working there,they saved my life.I thank them all for all they have done for me and all the other people they helped throughout the years. THANKS TO ALL"

Client's Parent - Graduating 2017

"I just would like to take the time to acknowledge your facility and staff. My daughter is currently in Staright and Narrow. From the moment she was admitted there I noticed some extraordinary people that work there. I cannot say enough about the staff and daily structure that your facility exhibits. My deepest appreciation has been heartfelt since the day she entered Straight and Narrow. Thank you for all of the efforts that your staff provides on a daily basis to save ones life. I will always be grateful and remember Straight and Narrow and your amazing staff... Please keep up the the Sensational work... it is when we give up they give up."

Ed - Graduated 1992

"It took me 2 tries at S&N but sometimes we need to trip up a bit to move on. I was stipulated the first time and volunteered the second where i learned the most. I owe a lot of my life to the people who helped me along the way as well as my friends i stuck with from the program. It may sound weird but i miss it a lot sometimes not just the program but the fond memories that i'll never forget like the lake trips, the S&N softball team amongst other things but mostly the friendships or should i say my family that i've grown so close to. We've lost some great people along the way May God Rest their souls and they will not be forgotten. It was a very great and important part of my life."

Angela's unique testimonial appeared in The Herald News and focused on the help S&N and Monsignor Wall gave her and her family when her brother struggled with addiction in the 1960s:

 I am writing to commend Rosalie Longo on her article on Straight & Narrow's 50th anniversary. I am extremely grateful for her giving Monsignor William Wall the credit and rememberance he truly deserves.

I would like to extend my congratulations to all those making Straight & Narrow a success for the 50 years of its existence. This treatment center has done a superb job in helping those that society condemns and forgets.

I am aware Straight & Narrow began as a treatment center for alcoholics in the early 1960s, drug addiction became a problem among many youths. Little was known about it, help for addicts and their families was nonexistent and the problem was hidden behind many families' doors. For the family, there was only disgrace, shame and the horrors of all the implications of drug addiction.

Mny family was one of these in the '60s when my brother became a drug addict. I was 12 years old and shared the agony with my parents as well as my addicted brother.

At that time, we became one of the first families to participate in Monsignor Wall's program for drug addiction. Every week he held meetings for the families. His approach was very firm but caring. he was a pioneer in drug rehabilitation. He also was a precursor to groups such as Narc-Anon. Monsignor Wall could be seen in his khaki pants, sweatshirt and coffee in hand. He was a man's man as well as a man of God. he always showed concern for me, a frightened child facing a tough problem and helped me to understand and to continue loving my brother.

I truly admired the Monsignor and could never forget him. I treasure the picture I have of him hanging in my home. He created a bond with all of those he touched and I felt the need to honor him. I am sure his spirit walks the halls of Straight & Narrow, uplifting those in need.

He has been gone many, many years, but will never be forgotten by me or my family.