CATPSIC (Centro de Atención Psicológica) is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Agua Prieta, Sonora, MX, which provides care not only for addicts but also for elderly people with mental and psychological issues. No one is turned away or dismissed because of a lack of insurance. All of the workers are volunteers, and meals are simple and basic.
When people enter CATPSIC, they first undergo detox supervised by a medical specialist. Then they begin the three-month recovery program. Residents also attend 12-step meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. Addicts can stay for as long as they remain sober, and longer-term residents can work in the community. Some of the residents lived for a time in the US but were deported back to Mexico as a result of their involvement with drugs and alcohol.
Last month, Laura, the director, welcomed members of the CPT Borderlands Delegation for a visit to CATPSIC. Through Sergio, the interpreter who was also a resident, she talked about the program and answered questions.
Then, along with four other residents, Laura got into the CATPSIC truck and led the CPT van out to the desert to the “Tree of Life” and walked with the group to the US/Mexican border wall from the south side. Every few weeks, residents take a large container out to the Tree of Life to fill two blue barrels with water for migrants who often pass by.
The warm hospitality of the CATPSIC people was evident in the way they welcomed the group to the center and cared for them in the desert. The group was very impressed. As they led the way to the wall on a path used by migrants, the residents always made sure that no one was left behind. After the walk, they shared a meal that they had prepared.
Pray for the CATPSIC program and its residents:
- Give thanks for Laura’s strong leadership.
- Ask that the residents remain strong on their road to recovery.
- Bless them as they show hospitality to many groups of visitors.
- Pray that the program continues to receive the support it needs to continue.
