The Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) is an organization near and dear to our hearts. For the last 5 or 6 years we have been telling their story to the people of Connecticut, and in fact the entire country. With cable access television shows, nationwide CD, DVD and VHS program distribution, print and trade show materials, they tell us we have truely helped advance their vision statement, that "Society sees addiction treatment and recovery as a heroic and positive effort by the year 2005".

And we salute you, CCAR, for teaching us about the heroic characteristics of people in recovery. Before taking this client back in 1998, our focus was on technology. How can we adapt to telling such a deeply human story? Woud we be up to the challenge? Quite honestly, it was scary! But worth every bit of struggle.

With now more than 6 years serving this client, we are no longer client/studio. Many of CCAR's members are now dear friends. I can truley say, and I know they will agree, we are a family.

You can order our CCAR products soon at: http://www.nationalrecoverystore.com
You can watch live on the web some of the CCAR videos.
Read about what Bill White, noted author and historian, says about our "Healing Power of Recovery" DVD product.

Some of what we've created for CCAR over a period of 6 years, including books, DVD's, CD's, television programs, videos and trade show displays:

  



Phil Valentine and Bob Savage,
Director and Associate Director, CCAR

"Putting A Face On Recovery".

"You are a main piece in the overall puzzle that has helped us become nationally respected."

We first started looking into producing a video on recovery from addiction. The CCAR membership had a few ideas on who to approach about doing this project for us. We were pretty much set when Darrell Decker gave us your name. We met a couple of times and you proposed to us the idea of a more "flexible" CD-ROM. At the time we liked your idea but were more impressed with your attitude about doing this project. We saw some examples of your work and we decided to contract with you.

The CD-ROM and video clips you have produced for us have far exceeded our expectations. We appreciate the incredible amount of time you invested in getting to know the CCAR members in each of the stories.

These were not simply one-time shoots, but as their story unfolded you crafted each video clip into a work of art. When devotion to a project and amazing artistic skill are combined, the results are awe-inspiring. This was the result we experienced with you.

It was also apparent that as your understanding of recovery deepened, the energy you poured into this work deepened. Your emotional presentation at the "In Celebration of Recovery!" conference at the Ramade Inn in September of 1999, on how each of these stories changed your perception and your heart toward recovery will always stand out as a significant event in CCAR history. We continue to receive feedback from these folks on the relationships you have built with them. They were touched by your commitment, concern and caring. Many of them still are.

Jim, you have produced an astounding work. It is also our belief that these clips will withstand the test of time and will continue to have a powerful and profound effect upon the audiences that view them. Thank you for your dedication and commitment. Your work will go a long way in helping us promote the CCAR vision that "Society sees addiction treatment and recovery as a heroic and positive effort by the year 2005".

Please consider our organization as one of your top supporters. We would be privileged to serve as a reference for any of your upcoming projects.

Phil Valentine and Bob Savage,
CCAR Project Directors