Since its inception, Road to Recovery has been fulfilling its mission to address the emotional, psychological, financial, and spiritual needs of survivors. The following letter appeared in the May 20, 2005 edition of the National Catholic Reporter:
I am responding to two letters that were published in the April 29 edition of NCR. To the letter from Robert Hoatson, who ministers to those victims still struggling with the shame of sexual abuse, I believe there is a special place in heaven for you. As a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, I thank God that there are people like you. —David Lorenz, Bowie, MD
And, the following are examples of the work we engage in on a daily basis:

1) C.P has attempted to get justice for abuse by nuns. Road to Recovery has paid her rent for several months, donated clothing, and sent gift cards for shopping. She recently suffered a serious stroke and is permanently disabled. We went to the religious order of sisters on her behalf with little success.

2) R.S. was abused by a priest from New York. He is permanently disabled as result. We have helped him pay his mortgage, utility bills, and other expenses. The Church refuses to help him beyond paying for therapy.

3) K.M. was abused by a religious brother at a summer camp. We helped him report the abuse, retain an attorney, and reach sobriety.

4) G.G. received a large settlement from the diocese in which he was abused, thanks to the help of Road to Recovery. He is on the way to recovery.

5) D.C. was viciously abused by a priest in the Northeast. He received a significant settlement from the diocese, partly due to the work of Road to Recovery.

6) J.B. was sexually abused by a priest for over twenty years. The fact that he is alive today is due to the perseverance of Road to Recovery in getting him the help he needs. He is nowhere near “healed,” but the signs are hopeful.

7) M.D. was abused at the age of five by a priest. It has taken her decades to be able to speak about it. As a result of hours of telephone conversations with Road to Recovery staff, she is on her way and will be married this year.

8) A mother and her two children, fathered by a priest, have literally “survived” the outdoors, living in a car and in the woods. We have helped them financially and as advocates.

9) M.I. went public about his abuse (a necessary step in his healing), held a press conference, and sued his abuser, all because Road to Recovery gave him the guidance and courage to do so. The diocese “settled” with him.

10) Road to Recovery is working with approximately one half dozen prisoners who are incarcerated because of crimes associated with their abuse:

R.G. is about to be released from a state prison because we
provided the funds and resources he needed to apply for his
parole. He expects to be released in July, 2007. He was abused by a priest in homeless shelter.

J.T. was sexually abused by a religious brother when he was a
Catholic elementary school student. He receives frequent visits from Road to Recovery staff, and his “canteen” needs are met through monthly donations.

P.S. is serving a double life sentence for murder and attempted murder, but he claims he did not commit murder. He was sexually abused by a priest in a large northeastern city and his life spiraled out of control as a result. Road to Recovery is helping him pursue his abuser and have the public defender review his case.

J.A. was a victim of a NJ priest. He was in a northeastern prison and received visits and financial help from Road.

J.B. was in a New England prison because of crimes
associated with his abuse. He self-medicated (alcohol and
drugs) as soon as the abuse by the priest began when he was
16 years old. He received weekly visits from Road and
financial help, including putting him up at a motel when he
left prison.

11) K.E., abused many years ago by a Midwestern priest, was about to be evicted from her apartment. Road to Recovery sent her a month’s rent.

12) K.W has been supported by Road since he went public with his abuse, started therapy, and attempted to gain his life back. His abuser is a priest who died a few years ago.