David Sampson

Amid the new District Detroit development sits an organization that has quietly, with unwavering committment, provided recovery services to men in need for 60 years.

Mariners Inn is a nonprofit agency that provides substance abuse recovery services to men, and support to their families. A nationally accredited organization, our goal is to help each person who enters regain dignity and their rightful place within the community as productive citizens.

It would be hard to question the mission of Mariners Inn; however, the vast changes in our community have caused some to question whether the new Cass Park Village is the “best” place for an organization like ours.

I don’t agree.

We have not wavered in treating those we serve, even with construction in our backyard. We remain committed to providing life-saving services and support, and see many opportunities for our work to continue and grow within the district.

Progress is necessary, and while I believe in and support the neighborhood’s development and transformation, I also vehemently support the progress of people who make the decision to combat addiction by enrolling in Mariners Inn for help.

Addiction is a terribly debilitating disease that does not discriminate. It does not care who you are, where you live, what you have, or who you know. The only way to effectively deal with it is by seeking help; it cannot be arrested or defeated alone.

Access to treatment and support services is essential for success in recovery. Research has shown that both peer recovery support and recovery housing are critical in ensuring long-term sobriety and community reintegration. Mariners Inn has successfully provided these vital services to our community — whether you refer to it as Cass Corridor, Midtown, or now Cass Park Village — for over 60 years.

There are tremendous opportunities for social impact organizations to co-exist and support the entire community. We have already seen several examples of positive influence, including volunteer projects, employment at sporting events, community cleanup projects, a safe and clean environment, safety for pedestrians and students, and social enterprise ventures. In addition, our location provides access to necessary resources for the comprehensive success of those we serve, including access to transportation, the downtown area, employment and more.

Our passion for serving this community and being good neighbors has not wavered. The men we serve always take the initiative to offer neighborhood support through community volunteering. I work with, and for, an amazing group of people who believe in the reality of recovery.

As District Detroit evolves, Mariners Inn remains as committed as ever to do our part in creating a strong and vibrant community — and a safe harbor for men with a desire to maintain long-term recovery.

I have no doubt that our mission and our successful outcomes for the lives we touch will grow stronger than ever with the opportunities afforded by the new developments. We love joining with other committed Detroiters, “old” and “new.” We believe that everyone has a place in Detroit’s resurgence and in our neighborhood.

Please take a moment to learn more about us by visiting marinersinn.org. If you’d like to come down and see our space, volunteer, or just talk, we’ll be here. We will always believe that recovery is real, and we are committed to continue returning men to their communities and loved ones, one father at a time.

David Sampson is CEO of Mariners Inn.