February 13, 2017  | 

Organization Highlight: The Gavin Foundation

The Gavin Foundation was founded in 1963 by a former corrections officer, William F. Gavin, who purchased a former police station in South Boston, Massachusetts, transforming the station into a halfway house for parolees.

Funded through a combination of federal, state and city contracts, third party insurance reimbursements, fees, foundation grants, corporate gifts and private donations, the Gavin Foundation has continued to grow as the need for services has increased. Today, they operate more than a dozen nonprofit programs that focus on providing a continuum of care to individuals with substance use disorders. The Gavin Foundation serves traditional adult populations, while also providing special programs for criminal justice offenders and adolescents.

“There are multiple options available to treat the illness of addiction, but recovery also involves a personal recognition of the need for change. A commitment to the process, combined with treatment and support, make recovery possible and attainable.” – John P. McGahan, President/CEO of the Gavin Foundation

PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

Prevention and intervention programs include school and community educational outreach, overdose prevention training, and positive sport and recreation activities for adolescents.

Youth programs include school-based education and counseling services for Boston Public School students who traditionally have not had access to them.

TREATMENT AND RECOVERY

“There are two milestones on the road to recovery; One is staying sober and the other is getting and holding a job.” – Susan Bradley, Development Director of the Gavin Foundation

Treatment programs vary in nature, from residential to outpatient, clinical support services (CSS) and/or transitional support services (TSS). Recovery programs include recovery homes and a large-spectrum of recovery services such as ongoing behavioral therapy, foundation run recovery centers and programing, Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT), peer based recovery support, counseling, case management services, and employment assistance.

“After medical clearance we advise individuals to seek help in their recovery; don’t do it alone. Help is available through our programs and through peer to peer groups and services. Addiction is a family disease and we give the same advice to family members; Seek others to help guide you on the recovery journey.” – John P. McGahan

Learn more about The Gavin Foundation on their website.