Catholic and Mormon churches partner to refurbish Straight and Narrow facility
By Jonathan Greene
Published: September 27, 2015
Nearly 100 volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partnered with the Catholic Charities to refurbish the Straight and Narrow residential facility on Straight Street.
Volunteers came from both Paterson and Morristown on Saturday, September 19 to paint resident bedrooms, bathrooms, and a five-story stairwell.
“Our clients will live in more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing surroundings because of this act of love,” Joe Duffy, President of Catholic Charities, said. “Latter-day Saints and Catholics share a common value – love of fellow men and women. We welcome the expression of that love in service days such as today.”
Duffy said his organization proudly serves people of all faiths and no faiths. Straight and Narrow is the oldest community-based treatment center in the United States. It has been serving those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol for 61 years.
“We are always looking for ways to bridge faiths, reach out, and serve our communities,” Ron Ahrens, Director of Public Affairs for the New York Metropolitan area for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), said. “We want to express our thanks to all the volunteers and especially Joe Duffy and his work to help those in need—we are honored to partner with Catholic Charities.”