Personal Stories

Belinda Juran and Evan Schapiro: Helping to Maintain and Grow the Merrimack Valley’s Rich Cultural Tradition

As residents of the Merrimack Valley for the past 25 years, Belinda and Evan often took advantage of the rich and diverse cultural opportunities that the region offered. Unlike Boston, where the scene is dominated by large cultural institutions with a large donor base, the Merrimack Valley's arts scene typically consists of a more diverse group of smaller and less well-known organizations. So, Evan and Belinda were especially surprised to learn that the Merrimack Valley did not have a permanently endowed Arts Fund dedicated to the support of local cultural organizations. MORE

Peter S. Stamas: Dedicated to Education in Lowell for 17 Years

Peter’s Passion: Education and civic involvement.
As headmaster of Lowell High School for 17 years, Peter shaped the minds of Lowell’s future leaders and led by example. He believed community services was the way to better our region’s quality of life. More...

Substance Abuse Diversion Initiative of Lowell (SADIL)

A Project of the Lowell House, Inc, Lowell Police Department, and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Donate to the SADIL program.

All the arrests in the world cannot prevent drug overdoses—we need to help in more supportive ways. The Substance Abuse Diversion Initiative of Lowell offers a positive approach.
Capt. Robert Demoura, Lowell Police Department

Preventing Substance Abuse by Area Youth

SADIL aims to reduce substance abuse and criminal behavior of chemically dependent 17- to 25-year olds. The program offers intensive treatment services with community support, improves the health and safety of Greater Lowell’s communities by reducing crime and returning productive and responsible citizens to their families and communities. It is a partnership of the Lowell Police Department, Lowell House, Inc., the City of Lowell, and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. Recently the project has expanded to serve other towns in the region. To date, more than 1,200 police officers throughout Middlesex County have received in-service training to encourage local youth to make positive choices over incarceration and a police record.

Our Mission

Reduce substance abuse and related behaviors
Strengthen family systems
Reduce recidivism among the target population
Reduce the drop out rate in public school systems

The Substance Abuse Diversion Initiative of Lowell (SADIL) achieves its goals through assessment, intensive 1:1 Case Management, and by facilitating a collaboration of law enforcement agencies, the Lowell court system, and social, educational and healthcare human service providers. Through intensive Case Management and the appropriate coordination of treatment resources, individuals can address substance abuse and/or behavioral issues to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.

The program is designed using the Life Management Model© which is a community-based holistic approach to addictions treatment. SADIL provides strength-based, culturally appropriate interventions and treatment that will foster cooperation, motivation, and sustained behavior changes in order to reduce substance abuse and recidivism. Simply put, the SADIL program offers a holistic and dynamic approach to treatment, which helps to reduce risk factors and enhances protective measures supporting participants. It combines the best practices of community policing, alternative justice, and grassroots efforts to reduce substance abuse and related anti-social behaviors.

Contact: Michael Appel, Project Director
Substance Abuse Diversion Initiative of Lowell
Mike Appel, Cell Phone: 617-388-8171
e-mail:mikeappel55@hotmail.com