Project Renewal bids farewell to Pat Brummett and Geneva Simonds after more than 20 years of dedicated service

Pat Brummett: Always Going the Extra Mile

By: Tom Cirolia, Program Director, Project Renewal Recovery Center

I have had the privilege to work with Pat Brummett, the former Clinical Coordinator at the Project Renewal Recovery Center Outpatient Clinic both as a counselor new to the field and as the Program Director of the Clinic. When asked to write a brief essay about Pat a few descriptive words immediately came to mind: Dedication, Experience and Integrity.  Pat was truly a CASAC (Certified Alcohol Substance Abuse Counselor) at heart; it was a calling for her, one she excelled at and one that she always took great pride in.

Pat’s dedication to our clients was unmatched, and although she could be described as “tough”, clients quickly realized that this toughness was really her commitment to help them break free from the grips of addiction. And everyone knew that underneath her tough exterior was a caring professional who would go the extra mile for her clients. Whether it be opening the clinic up every morning at 8 AM or living in the clinic during Hurricane Sandy everyone in and around Third Street knew that Pat would be working the front lines at “OPD.”

Pat’s 20 + years of experience working as a counselor and supervisor on the Bowery with the homeless population provided a sense of confidence to her peers; there seemed to be no incident or client issue that Pat hadn’t dealt with as we always turned to her for sound clinical input and guidance. Although the clients and staff all miss Pat’s presence we wish her the very best in the next phase of her life.