FATHER MARTIN’S ASHLEY ACQUIRES CHALK TALK AND OTHER FATHER JOSEPH C. MARTIN TITLES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 21, 2010 -- Ashley, Inc., the 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that operates the Father Martin’s Ashley alcoholism and drug addiction treatment center here, announced the purchase of the assets of Kelly Productions, Inc., the company that produced and distributed Father Joseph C. Martin’s audiovisual and educational materials.

World-renowned for the film Chalk Talk on Alcohol, Father Martin, the inspirational speaker who died at the age of 84 in March of 2009, was the co-founder of Father Martin’s Ashley treatment center and Kelly Productions, Inc. The purchase of his body of work brings all of Father Martin’s messages and materials under one organization, and marries the mission of the media with the longtime mission of the treatment center—helping addicts, alcoholics and their families heal with dignity.

Father Mark Hushen, OSFS, President and CEO of Father Martin’s Ashley commented on the purchase: “We are thrilled that we were able to acquire Father Martin’s body of work. His materials will enrich our treatment program at Ashley and the lives of our alumni, their families and others needing help with alcoholism or drug addiction. He would be proud that the proceeds are now helping to fund important treatment and educational programs.”

Robert J. Lindsey, President/CEO of The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) remarked: “For decades, Father Martin’s message has been an invaluable educational tool for NCADD Affiliates and our field, as we strive to educate the community, train professionals as well as help the countless individuals and families that have sought our help. Without question, the power of his message lives on in his videos, books and in his treatment center, Ashley. While we miss his physical presence, anyone who has the privilege of seeing his videos will still feel the inspiration of his spirit.. NCADD is thrilled that Father Martin Media and Ashley have insured that millions more people will now get to experience his extraordinary message of hope and recovery.”

Robert Ackerman, Ph.D., noted author, educator and speaker commented: “Father Martin would be so pleased that arrangements have been made to have all of his works easily available to those who will find inspiration and true recovery from his many messages. He was a strong believer that all addicts in need of recovery could be reached. His gentle ways and his exceptional use of humor helped to break down the strongest denial as he delivered needed education and information about recovery. His writings, films and audiotapes offer his timeless messages and not only teach, but touch the heart. I think that it is fantastic that Ashley will provide access to all of Father Martin's works. There is no better place, and no way more appropriate to honor him, than to bring his messages home to Ashley.”

The media company will now be known as Father Martin Media and will be a division of the non-profit Ashley, Inc.www.fathermartinmedia.com

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