Generous Life NEW YORK
Finding Hope: Expanding Access to Social Ministries and Rehabilitation
Services
Services
with THE SALVATION ARMY & CAME TO BELIEVE RECOVERY
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Generous Life New York in partnership with The Salvation Army & Came to Believe Recovery presents
Finding Hope: Expanding Access to Social Ministries and Rehabilitation Services
Join us on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 PM for a meaningful evening centered on the power of faith, generosity, and partnership to transform lives across Greater New York. This gathering will bring together a community of leaders, donors, and advocates to explore how strategic generosity can expand access to life-changing social services and recovery programming. Through powerful storytelling and real-world insight, you’ll hear how various programs are restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and creating pathways to lasting freedom.
The evening will offer space not only to learn, but to connect—with others who care deeply about this work—and to consider how your own resources, influence, and networks can play a role in advancing recovery efforts in our city.
About the Partner Non-Profits
The Salvation Army and Came To Believe Recovery are co-featured in this event showcasing the power of Christ to create life transformation across New York City and around the country.
Major Phil Wittenberg, a pastor with The Salvation Army in Queens, will share about The Salvation Army’s mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in HIS name. You will learn about The Salvation Army’s extensive network of community centers, shelters, and rehabilitation services across the NYC, demonstrating God’s love through service to those in need every day.
Tom Williams will introduce Came to Believe Recovery, a 12-step based recovery program, bringing the method back to its original Christian principles. By providing in-depth, three-day workshops and long-term follow-up curriculum, Came To Believe is now expanding to provide structured programming to faith-based shelters and rehabilitation centers.
In 2024, The Salvation Army and Came To Believe Recovery began partnering to implement Came to Believe’s programming in 18 Salvation Army rehabilitation centers across the Western United States, leading to a significant drop in self-discharge and a notable increase in graduation rates.
The program will additionally feature a panel discussion with Q&A, and will start with a donor testimonial from Jay Lau, who has a personal connection to The Salvation Army’s rehabilitation centers and now serves on their Advisory Board.
The evening will offer space not only to learn, but to connect—with others who care deeply about this work—and to consider how your own resources, influence, and networks can play a role in advancing recovery efforts in our city.
About the Partner Non-Profits
The Salvation Army and Came To Believe Recovery are co-featured in this event showcasing the power of Christ to create life transformation across New York City and around the country.
Major Phil Wittenberg, a pastor with The Salvation Army in Queens, will share about The Salvation Army’s mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in HIS name. You will learn about The Salvation Army’s extensive network of community centers, shelters, and rehabilitation services across the NYC, demonstrating God’s love through service to those in need every day.
Tom Williams will introduce Came to Believe Recovery, a 12-step based recovery program, bringing the method back to its original Christian principles. By providing in-depth, three-day workshops and long-term follow-up curriculum, Came To Believe is now expanding to provide structured programming to faith-based shelters and rehabilitation centers.
In 2024, The Salvation Army and Came To Believe Recovery began partnering to implement Came to Believe’s programming in 18 Salvation Army rehabilitation centers across the Western United States, leading to a significant drop in self-discharge and a notable increase in graduation rates.
The program will additionally feature a panel discussion with Q&A, and will start with a donor testimonial from Jay Lau, who has a personal connection to The Salvation Army’s rehabilitation centers and now serves on their Advisory Board.
Speakers
Jay Lau
Founding attorney
Lau & Associates p.c.
Lau & Associates p.c.
Jay Lau is an attorney licensed in New York and New Jersey, with a practice primarily focused on real estate.
He is a graduate of New York University and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and brings a diverse professional background that includes experience at the Federal Trade Commission.
He is actively involved in nonprofits including the executive board of the Chinese Planning Council and The Salvation Army’s Nassau County Advisory Board. He is married with four children and attends Shelter Rock Church on Long Island.
Jay is passionate about serving his community and using the gifts given to him to bring glory to the Kingdom of God.
Tom Williams
CEO
Came to believe Recovery
Came to believe Recovery
Tom Williams has served as CEO of Came to Believe Recovery, Inc. (CTBR) since 2018. He was introduced to the program at his first AA meeting in 1992 and quickly embraced his retreat model, which became central to his recovery. After attending more than 200 retreats, he joined CTBR as its first employee when the organization was formally
incorporated as a nonprofit in 2015. Under his leadership, CTBR has experienced significant growth, including a full rebrand, expanded marketing efforts, and the unification of retreat operations.
In 2020, Tom led a successful transition to virtual retreats in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly expanding the organization’s digital reach. Since then, he has helped grow CTBR’s presence in shelters and rehabilitation centers nationwide, including a key partnership with The Salvation Army.
A U.S. Army veteran and former fitness professional, Tom holds a business degree and MBA with high honors. He remains committed to helping those struggling with addiction find freedom and lasting recovery.
Atticus Firey
Director of Strategic Projects
Salvation Army
Salvation Army
Atticus Firey is a business leader, nonprofit strategist, and advocate for recovery whose work bridges entrepreneurial success with lived experience. With a strong background in building and scaling businesses, Atticus developed a reputation for operational excellence, revenue growth, and innovative thinking across multiple ventures.
Following a personal journey through the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Program, Atticus experienced firsthand the transformative power of structured recovery, purpose-driven work, and community support. That experience became a turning point shifting his focus from traditional business pursuits to mission-driven impact.
After completing the program, Atticus went on to serve in a professional capacity within Salvation Army headquarters, where he has contributed to strengthening both the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the rehabilitation model. His work has centered on improving financial performance, modernizing operational strategy, and expanding the program’s ability to serve more individuals in need.
Today, Atticus combines his business acumen with his personal story to advocate for scalable, sustainable recovery solutions. He is passionate about helping organizations maximize impact while maintaining financial integrity, ensuring that life-changing programs not only endure, but grow.
Major Phillip Wittenberg
Commanding Corps Officer
Salvation Army Astoria Corps
Salvation Army Astoria Corps
Major Philip Wittenberg is the Commanding Corps Officer of The Salvation Army Astoria Corps in Queens, where he works at the intersection of faith and social services to meet the evolving needs of the community. He brings 40 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and spiritual development, including service in both Estonia and Finland.
A seasoned officer known for his compassionate leadership, he oversees programs that support families and individuals facing hardship. Major Wittenberg is committed to building strong, resilient communities through both practical assistance and spiritual care. He has been married to his wife Susan for 39 years. Together, they have four grown
children and two grandchildren, Liam and Grace.
Join us on Wednesday, June 3!