Fr. Mark Hushen, OSFS, received the Father Ralph Pfau Award.  Father Mark Hushen is President and CEO of Father Martin’s Ashley, an internationally known alcohol and chemical addiction treatment center near Havre de Grace, Maryland.  Fr. Mark Hushen is a  member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales since 1985, he was ordained in 1991 and has a wealth of experience in Twelve Steps spirituality related to alcohol and drug addiction treatment.  He is a frequent speaker at clergy training workshops on spirituality and its importance in treating addiction as a “soul sickness.”

Sis Wenger received the Sister Ignatia Gavin Award.  Ms. Wenger is President and CEO of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA), a leading prevention, education, and advocacy organization focused on children and families affected by addiction in the
home.  A Catholic from the Archdiocese of Detroit, Wenger directs the Clergy Education and Training Project, NACoA’s ongoing nationwide multi-denominational effort that published “Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers in Addressing Alcohol and Drug Dependence and the Impact on Family Members.”  These competencies form the basis for seminary and post-seminary courses and workshops developed by many national and regional clergy training entities.

Erik Vagenius, MHS received Austin Ripley Award.  Erik Vagenius began his own personal journey of recovery in 1973 and has been working fulltime in the field of addiction since 1978, including 15 years at Guest House.  For his Masters thesis, Erik Vagenius developed Guest House’s after-care program for recovering priests.  He was the architect of the Substance Abuse Ministry (SAM) Program in the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida and currently still works on this program..   

William F. Ostiguy received a special Award for Distinguished Ministry to those living with addictions and their families.  “Willy,” as he is known, is a Lieutenant with the Boston Fire Department Local 718 and presently serves as Coordinator of its Employee Assistance Program.  Besides his many accomplishments with the Firefighters in Boston, Willy is known for his work with at-risk youth and his role in aiding the first responders of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.  He is well known in the Boston area and nation-wide for his dedication to helping those living with addictions to seek a recovery lifestyle.