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“This place is a success story waiting to happen for anyone who truly wants it,” Alicia reflects on her experience at Haymarket Center.

Before she arrived at Haymarket, Alicia faced significant challenges. She was homeless, living in a stairwell of an abandoned building frequented by drug dealers, and struggling with daily heroin use. Although she never wanted to engage in substance use activity, she lacked the courage to change her situation. In 2019, after hitting rock bottom, she made the desperate decision to get herself incarcerated, seeking merely a safe, warm place to sleep.

“Take me to jail,” she remembers saying repeatedly.

In July of 2021, through the Cook County Jail Thrive program that provides access to treatment at Haymarket Center instead of incarceration, Alicia found her way to this transformative facility. Here, she learned to read and write, obtained her birth certificate and state ID, and accessed crucial medical and DCFS services. Everything she needed to be an active participant of society was available to her at Haymarket Center.

Haymarket focuses on the whole person, offering comprehensive support for recovery. Our treatment programs are accessible to everyone 24/7/365, including the most underserved communities of the Chicago area. Please donate to help us to continue the care for all individuals, regardless of ability to pay for treatment.

Now, as she graduated from Haymarket’s programs year, Alicia has been sober for over two years and is working in the housekeeping department at Haymarket Center—her first job ever. With Haymarket’s assistance, she is also back in school, working toward her GED.

“Everything I do now is because I want to, not because I have to. I used to have to wake up to get money to get high—it was mandatory. Now, I go to school because I want my education. I come to work because I like my job. Nothing I do anymore is because I have to,” Alicia said.

However, despite her remarkable progress, she recently faced a heartbreaking setback.

Setbacks may occur, but patients at Haymarket learn invaluable lessons to overcome challenges, even after they leave.

“I learned at Haymarket that life will happen. I heard that every day since I came here, but I didn’t truly understand it until now. I can’t control life; I can only control myself. What matters is that I keep fighting for my future.”

Alicia’s journey is just one of many that highlight the transformative impact of Haymarket. When asked what she would tell potential donors, her message is clear and powerful: “There is another me out there waiting to be saved. This place saved me and has saved others before me. As long as Haymarket stands strong, it will continue to save lives.”

Please consider donating to Haymarket Center in support of patients like Alicia. Your contribution can help create more success stories like Alicia’s. Together, we can ensure that others have the opportunity to turn their lives around and gain courage to reclaim their futures.

Mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on December 3rd! This day celebrates generosity and inspires individuals to uplift their communities through simple acts of kindness. The concept of radical generosity is at the heart of this global movement, highlighting the power of giving.

Join us in celebrating our patients by shopping from our Giving Tuesday Amazon Wishlist! It’s as simple as adding a few items to your cart while you get a head start on your holiday shopping. Every item purchased by our generous supporters will bring joy to our patients and enrich our programs as they navigate their recovery journey.

We are counting down the days until we can open Mac’s Deli! The first-of-its-kind work training program at Haymarket Center is a collaboration with Vienna Beef, so we hope you are hungry for a Chicago dog, cheeseburger or Italian beef sandwich. All the proceeds support our life-saving treatment programs.

Stay tuned, we’ll share more details about the grand opening and how you can support Mac’s Deli soon. Follow Mac’s Deli on Instagram and Facebook.

October is particularly a busy month for the Youth Prevention Team. During the week of October 23rd-31st, they participate in special activities to celebrate Red Ribbon Week—an opportunity for parents and educators to reinforce a drug-free mindset among children. Students across the country pledge to stay drug-free during this important week.

Click here for the history of Red Ribbon Week.

Spencer Jones fondly recalls the team’s first Red Ribbon Week: “Seeing the students’ enthusiasm was truly inspiring. It motivated me to ask, ‘How can we do more of these?’”

Each year, the National Family Partnership sponsors a Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest, and this year’s theme is: “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.” This Theme allows the Youth Prevention Team to showcase their creativity. They will set up a red-carpet event where students can walk the carpet and, at the end, sign their pledge to stay drug-free on their own star.

Building confidence is crucial in promoting a drug-free lifestyle, and this year’s activities are designed to empower all students. “They walk these hallways every day, but now they get to walk down a red carpet,” he adds.

The red carpet will be available all week, giving even the more reserved students a chance to participate when they feel comfortable. At the end of Red Ribbon Week, while the carpet will be removed, schools can choose to keep the pledge board of stars displayed throughout the year.

In addition to the red-carpet event, the team will host a reading corner where eighth graders will read age-appropriate Red Ribbon Week books to third and fourth graders, fostering a sense of community and support among students.

Looking ahead, the Youth Prevention Team hopes to incorporate more parent programs, recognizing the importance of starting these conversations at home. As Mr. Jones emphasizes, the source of information is crucial for children.

If you’d like to support the Youth Prevention Team’s activities, please consider contributing through their Amazon Wishlist to help provide materials for these impactful and life-changing initiatives.

Haymarket Center is home to many dedicated employees, some of whom have been with us for over two decades. This fall, we’d like to recognize Ivory Johnson, Jesse Taylor, Lawrence Walls, Wendell Harris, and Tryone Martin for celebrating their 20+ year anniversaries.

These milestones capture the heart Haymarket and its employees. So, what makes Haymarket Center so special? Ivory Johnson, a Case Manager who recently marked his 28th anniversary, provides some insight:

Haymarket celebrates and values each and every employee!

On Friday, September 20th, and Saturday, September 21st, Haymarket proudly continued the tradition of the West Loop Bavarian Block Party. Hosted by the Associate Board, this fest celebrated authentic German culture, featuring staple foods like bratwurst and pretzels, along with lively traditional polka music.

The musical lineup included crowd favorites such as Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, as well as Too Hype Crew. The fest originated as an annual birthday celebration for our founder, the late Monsignor Ignatius McDermott, aimed at fostering community spirit and goodwill among our neighbors. We carry on this tradition with the West Loop Bavarian Block Party, with funds raised supporting comprehensive substance use and mental health treatment for Chicago’s underserved populations.

Reflecting on the event, Kelly McKay, President of the Associate Board, shared, “I loved the setup this year of the game tent and kids’ activities, along with the NA bar facing Haymarket. It made the event accessible to everyone. One of my favorite moments was seeing Haymarket clients—one of whom helped us build flower displays the day before—join in the games and activities right in front of the building during the fest.”

Kelly also emphasized the importance of volunteerism, stating, “Volunteers make everything possible! What makes a fest like this special is the meaning behind it—supporting Haymarket. We accomplished that by adding love to so many pieces, like putting hearts and quotes on the building and creating flowers for clients. We couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support from our volunteers.”

If you would like to learn how to volunteer, please contact Ella Benoit, Development Manager, at 312) 226-7984 ext. 577 or ebenoit@hcenter.org. You can also click on this link to get involved.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating our community and contributing to such an impactful cause!

View photos from the event

Haymarket Center is proud to announce it has once again been awarded on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2024. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

The America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2024 list awards the leading 400 addiction treatment centers in the US. Facilities in the 25 states with the highest number of addiction treatment centers, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), were included in the survey. For the first time, four region lists were included in the ranking.

The list is based on three data sources:

• National Online Survey: Over 4000 medical professionals and managers/administrators working in addiction treatment centers were invited to recommend leading facilities in their respective U.S. states.
• Accreditation Score: Accreditation data on addiction treatment centers provided by SAMHSA.
• Google Reviews: Reviews from Google were included as a measure of patient experience.

Haymarket Center is honored to be acknowledged on Newsweek’s list, reflecting our dedication to providing outstanding care and support for those seeking addiction treatment.

“Being recognized for the second year in a row underscores our steadfast commitment to excellence and superior patient care,” said Dr. Dan Lustig, President & CEO of Haymarket Center. “I am proud to work alongside our dedicated Board of Directors and staff who work tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to high-quality care.”

Nearly 50 golfers, gathered at the beautiful Dunes Club in New Buffalo, MI at the end of June for our 8^th annal Golf Outing fundraiser. This event helps Haymarket Center raise crucial funds that ensure we are able to continue providing over 12,000 people a year lifesaving substance use disorder treatments and interventions. Our Golf Outing also allows us to bring supporters together in a fun, casual environment to connect others and Haymarket staff, appreciate the stunning Michigan outdoors, and discuss how we can be part of the solution in substance use disorder treatment and prevention.

While supporting Haymarket, golfers competed for the titles of team lowest score (Dunn-Harrington), closest to the pin (Derek Schoonhoven) and longest drive (Stephanie Cherntorycki & Matt Schrock). Some of our donors also walked away with prizes from our raffle, including a vacation in Mexico, tickets to local concert venues, and stunning Bose headphones.

Check out some of the photos from this event and keep an eye out for next year’s Golf Outing and Raffle to grab tickets or sponsorships before they’re gone!

Haymarket Center is thrilled to welcome Dr. Dan Sullivan to our Board of Directors. Dr. Sullivan has worked alongside Haymarket Center for more than five years as a member of the Leadership Council before joining the Board of Directors this summer. He has a long career in the healthcare industry, including serving as a clinical cardiologist at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital before moving to executive positions at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, Edward Elmhurst Healthcare and Endeavor Health prior to his retirement. Dr. Sullivan joined Haymarket Center for a brief interview to introduce him to our stakeholders – like you!

Q: What initially got you interested and involved with Haymarket Center? 

A: I saw that there was a need at Edward Elmhurst Health for more expansive treatment for patients with SUD, especially those who had unique challenges, like being under or uninsured. Then, Lee Daniels [the chairman of Haymarket Center’s Board of Directors] introduced me to Haymarket Center which could meet that need. I started a partnership with Haymarket to provide a more complete strategy, to make sure all of our SUD patients were able to get treatment.

Q: You’ve had a long career before getting involved with Haymarket Center, what experiences have you had that have prepared you for this involvement with Haymarket Center? 

A: I have 33 years of direct clinical experience with patients as a cardiologist, but I also bring 10 years of executive leadership experience to the table. I focused on the strategy, design and implementation of patient care at the hospital level as well as for the broader medical group. When it comes to experience more specific to Haymarket’s mission, I served as executive sponsor for the Opioid Initiative at Edward Elmhurst Health for six years. I was responsible for how that initiative impacted internal programs and also collaborated with external organizations like Illinois Hospital Association, Haymarket Center, and other healthcare institutions.

Q: What excites you most about this new position on our Board? 

A: As a member of Haymarket’s Board of Directors, I think I can help translate the needs of healthcare organizations regarding SUD treatment in a comprehensive way. It also gives me the opportunity to be a bridge to other organizations like I was with Edward Elmhurst Health.

 Q: Even though you’re just joining our board now, you’ve been involved with Haymarket Center for over 5 years. Where would you like to see Haymarket Center 5 years from now, with your involvement? 

A: I would like Haymarket Center to be seen more as an integral partner to healthcare organizations in need of substance use disorder services. I’ve seen the partnership between Edward Elmhurst Hospital and Haymarket Center as a great success, and I would like to see Haymarket Center have similar partnerships elsewhere. When it comes to treating patients with substance use disorders, patient success is the ultimate victory for everyone involved in the treatment process. 

Q: There are so many misconceptions and assumptions surrounding SUD and the people who struggle with it. What is one misconception you hear most often, and how would you respond to it? 

A: That once affected by SUD that person will always be a “weak link.” The truth is that successful treatment can lead someone who has struggled with substance use disorder to be one of the most solid and productive individuals in an organization and society as whole. There’s no reason to take recovery as something that puts someone at a permanent detriment. 

Q: Outside of your career and involvement with Haymarket Center, what do you like to do? What hobbies do you have, or what’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? 

A: I love anything I can do with my family, spending time with my 3 children and 4 grandchildren. I particularly like golf and biking, especially when I can do them with my family or significant other.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be and why? 

A: My mother. She died when I was in my early 20s, before I had a real understanding of all that she had done for our family. She faced a lot of struggles with little help, and I would like the chance to express my gratitude for what she did and share some of my successes with her.

In recent years, Haymarket Center’s mission of helping people recover from substance use disorder has led us to several expansions of our outreach efforts. The outreach program, which initially began at O’Hare airport, works with people experiencing homelessness and housing instability, connecting them to necessary resources and providing a safe place to recover from substance use disorder. Since its inception, this program has expanded to include street outreach, in addition to outreach on the CTA Blue Line.

Now, thanks to funding from the Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency as part of their Community Outreach and Recovery Services program, Haymarket Center will be expanding direct street outreach across Chicago’s South Side that will meet the most vulnerable people in Chicago where they are, in temporary shelter encampments, public libraries, shelters, food pantries, and other areas where individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity may be found.

The specialists on our outreach team work consistently and collaboratively with other outreach organizations, building trust with our organizational partners, and most importantly, the population of people that need Haymarket’s services. When Haymarket outreach specialists can work within these communities consistently, they’re not only able to build trust with people experiencing homelessness, they’re also able to provide consistent follow up and offer deeper services that individuals may not identify as a need when they first interact with Haymarket teams.

When Haymarket outreach specialists interact with a person experiencing homelessness, the first step is identifying what that person may need. At Haymarket Center, we provide screenings to all our clients, and our outreach specialists will be ready to link those who need it to medication assisted recovery programs, opioid and substance use disorder treatment, housing services, and other recovery support services. Staff will provide transportation, and ensure a “warm handoff” to these housing and recovery programs.

The areas that Haymarket Center’s Outreach Team will be expanding into were chosen because these areas have seen far too many overdoses, sometimes as many as 300 in 2022 alone. These areas have also been impacted by a high poverty rate, with over 12 percent living under the federal poverty line. All of the target neighborhoods are also among the 17 neighborhoods most affected by gun violence, and have been the focus of the Reimagine Public Safety Act.

Even with the challenges these areas face, our Outreach Team is well equipped to break through those barriers and help people experiencing homelessness get the assistance they need. Last year alone, our outreach team connected nearly 500 people seeking shelter on the Blue Line to substance use disorder treatment, housing, and primary medical care. We are proud to be able to keep expanding that work, and hope this year far exceeds that number.