Series 5: Special programs and staff committees, 1947 -- 1998

Extent:

4.5 linear feet 4.5 linear feet; 10 boxes

Scope and content:

This series contains information on the various committees and special programs run by the EHPP. The Parish Council and Staff Committees ran the following committees: strategy, Parish Acres, education, school and colleges, Church life, Narcotics, Christian economics, Friendly Town, and Personnel. The Special Programs were Parish Acres, Narcotics Clinic, Legal Aid, Credit Union, Medical Clinic, Casework Referral, Conservatives, and Dominoes. Materials include reports and other committee records, surveys and interviews, correspondence, writings, information on individuals treated, budgets and financial records, educational and worship resources, and other materials.

Biographical / historical:

In 1951, the fear of heroin addiction was rampant in the East Harlem Community. Maryat Lee wrote and directed an outdoor play, "DOPE," for the parish and it was after that play that the EHPP began to help addicted individuals and their families. The EHPP Narcotics Committee began in 1956 as a program for treatment, referral, aftercare, and social action on behalf of the addicted population in the community. The Narcotics Committee, and specifically Norman Eddy, were instrumental in advocating for addicts and their families to create major change the New York State law, and shifted narcotics use from being a crime to being treated as a medical condition, known as the Metcalf-Volker bill of 1961. At various times, progress reports were issued. The Metro North Citizens' Committee was a pioneer organization which helped local residents take control of their lives, from improving apartment living conditions to the planning of new types of public housing. Church Life Committee was charged with the details of many Parish wide events such as the anniversary service, Pancake Festival and Easter Sunday Service. Education Committee looked to unify the Parish Sunday School curriculum and assist all of the churches with teacher training. Parish Acres was responsible for the program at the retreat center, including all regulations and traditions. In the early 1950s the Parish purchased 130 wooded acres located sixty miles outside of the city. This property was designated as a retreat center for adults and families and was also known as the "Parish Farm." Friendly Towns was responsible for registering, examining, and delivering hundreds of children to Friendly Town Homes during the summer months.

Arrangement:

This series is unarranged.

Contents

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