White Oaks Treatment Centre is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing care, support and hope to individuals and families.
Founded by Fr Neal Carlin and the Columba Community, White Oaks was established in response to the growing need for support for people experiencing difficulties with alcohol, drugs and gambling. That founding vision recognised the importance of creating a place where people could seek help, be treated with dignity and find a pathway towards recovery.
Participants in the 25th anniversary celebration reflected on their personal journey and the difference that recovery has made to their lives. This included the perspective of family members and how they availed of counselling support from White Oaks.
All shared the challenges experienced in navigating a way towards contented sobriety. This highlighted the essential supports offered through Aftercare as well as the wider recovery movement of AA, CA, GA and NA. The key role played by partnership with the HSE was recognised as central to the development of the service as well as involvement from Donegal County Council.
White Oaks today launched its new White Oaks Connect App which brings connectivity for all connected to the Centre into the 21st century. It allows easier flow of information and supports people through the early stages of the recovery journey. The landscape of addiction is constantly changing and the Centre strives to be responsive to emerging trends. In recent years this has been reflected in the opening of Carlin House in Letterkenny as a step-down facility.
The anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but also a recognition of the continuing need for accessible, compassionate and effective treatment and support. White Oaks Treatment Centre remains committed to building on its experience, strengthening relationships with its community and supporting positive outcomes for those who turn to its services.
As the organisation marks this special occasion, it extends its sincere thanks to its staff, past and present, service users, families, partners, supporters and the wider community. In particular, the role of volunteers has been crucially important in the story so far. The trust, dedication and contributions of all have helped shape the organisation’s journey over the past quarter-century.
1. Directors and staff pictured at the White Oaks Addiction Treatment Centre's 25th anniversary celebrations. Front from left, Stephen McLaughlin, Anne Sweeney, Stan McGowan, Gary McLaughlin and Annemarie Green. Back from left, Gary Harvey, Patricia Rutherford-De Souza, Mark Gibney, Dermot McDonough, Katrina McCallion, Brendan Carlin and Tony Barron,
Jim McCafferty Photography
2. Stephen McLaughlin, Clinical Director, White Oaks Treatment Centre, addressing the attendance at Saturday's 25th Anniverary Celebrations.
Jim McCafferty Photography
3. A section of the audience at Saturday's panel discussion at White Oaks.
Jim McCafferty Photography
4. Directors, staff, past and present, service users, families, partners, supporters and the wider community enjoying a dinner to mark the 25th anniversary of the White Oaks Addiction Traetment Centre on Saturday last.
Jim McCafferty Photography