New Certi cation for Recovery Residences
Dear Providers, Colleagues, and Community Partners, OASAS has announced the opening of a new certi cation for recovery residences. This is the rst recovery support service to be certi ed in New York State and allows recovery residences to voluntarily apply for OASAS certi cation. This new initiative is designed to expand the continuum of recovery supports throughout the state and emphasizes the importance of recovery as an essential service for individuals impacted by addiction. Information for the general public as well as interested applicants can be found on the following OASAS webpages: https://oasas.ny.gov/certi ed-recovery-residences and https://oasas.ny.gov/become-certi ed-recovery-residence. In order to support this initiative, award funds are available for newly certi ed recovery residences.
Through Opioid Settlement Funds, OASAS is accepting funding applications on a rst come, rst served basis from recovery residences which have been approved for contingent certi cation and are seeking award funds to enhance their operations as newly certi ed programs. Certi ed recovery residences under OASAS will implement safe, secure, and quality housing for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. Certi ed recovery residences will serve those in recovery, seeking a non-clinical, supportive residential environment. Operators who have received contingent approval for OASAS certi cation and meet additional requirements will be eligible for award funds.
Funding available:
Total available funding for this procurement is $5,000,000 and will be awarded on a rst come, rst served basis throughout New York State, until the funds are exhausted. Providers with more than one recovery residence may apply for this one-time award for up to three (3) individual sites, and each site may receive up to $75,000 in funding each (up to a maximum possible total of $225,000). Providers may apply for OASAS certi cation of all their recovery residences but will only receive funding for up to three (3) recovery residences. These funds should be used to enhance certi ed Recovery Residences and are not available to be used for purposes of becoming OASAS-certi ed.
Eligible applicants:
• Recovery residences and have submitted a full certi cation application to OASAS.
• Have a contingent approval for a recovery residence certi cation for each location requesting funding from OASAS.
• Non-pro t (charitable organization with tax-exempt status)
• Registered and prequali ed in the Statewide Financial System (SFS)
• Completed and led a New York State Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire (must be updated within the last six months)
• Registered and have current status with the O ce of the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau
• Registered with the New York State Department of State
Application Deadline: 07/31/2025, 4:00 p.m.
Full RFA can be found at: https://oasas.ny.gov/request-applications-sett-24029
To view all upcoming CARC and CRPA trainings visit: https://for-ny.org/upcoming-trainings
Program Planning Committee Volunteers needed for The NY State Recovery Conference (RECON) 2025! First Wednesday of the month at 9:30 am for 30 minutes email tknorr@for-ny.org to be added to the Zoom calendar invite.
20 Credits for PSP – NO PEER CREDITS, 18 OASAS credits & 20 Social Work Credits
TUES – THURS 2/25/25 – 2/2/25 9:00 am – 4:00 PM & FRI 2/28/25 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration is closed. WAIT LIST email: tk norr@for-ny.org
Spend the week with us or choose individual sessions. Spring 202 5 Education & Training
Monday March 17th – Friday March 21st, 2025
6 CRPA/CARC renewal and CARC Elec tive, CASAC/CPP/CPS and Social Work renewal credits
Monday, April 7, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Register: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/0v6ld5
3 CRPA/CARC renewal and CARC Elec tive, CASAC/CPP/CPS and Social Work renewal credits
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM Register: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/871vr1
6 CASAC/CPP/CPS and Social Work renewal credits – No Peer Credits
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Register: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/0v6rp2
Trauma Informed Care
Wellness for Peer Professionals
4 CRPA/CARC renewal and CARC Elec tive, CASAC/CPP/CPS and Social Work renewal credits
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Register: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/p5dr2y
NYCB Professional Development Credits ONLY - PENDING
Friday, April 11, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Register: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/ok4x03
Trauma Informed Care Wellness for Peer Professionals
Free Half Day Saturday Symposium May 17th on Zoom – registration coming soon.
If your organization is able to supervise an intern who completed the CRPA training scholarship program, please contact tknorr@for-ny.org ($1200 stipend for supervision). SAVE THE DATE THU . MAY 22 . 2025 5-9PM
A limited number of CRPA Role Training Scholarships are still available. The scholarship includes: 50 hours of training, CRPA-P OR CRPA certi cation fee ($100 ), Exam fee ($80), six months peer learning collaborative with your trainer, milestone meetings with FOR-NY, bimonthly cohort meetings with FOR-NY and other CRPAs around the state. (Every time you attend you are entered into a drawing for a $100-dollar gift card!) Please email sahmed@for-ny.org for more details.
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PEER ADVOCATES TO IMPACT LIVES!
About This Training
This is a new version of Peer Professional Supervision, developed by Exponents and revised by FOR-NY and Recovery Coach University. combined with Recovery; The Basics developed by FOR-NY and Rhoades to Recovery It has been updated to meet the standards for the 20 hour Peer Supervision Professional (PSP) certification. This training is for professionals from any practice background.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Peer Learning Collaboratives and Support
Virtual:
Central NY Region
CFLR Peer Collaborative
Every Tuesday – 3:30 PM
email: ccallaghan-kirkland@cflrinc.org
Delaware & Otsego Counties
FOR-DO PLC
3rd Wednesdays – 3:00 PM
email: kyle@friendsofrecoverydo.org
Finger Lakes/Monroe Co
RCU/ROCovery Fitness
3rd Wednesday 4:30-6:00 PM
Register for Zoom: https://www.recoverycoachuniversity.com/pee r-learning-collaborative
Jefferson County
Anchor Recovery Center PLC
2nd Thursday 1:00 PM ZOOM: https://pivot2health.zoom.us/j/82755661584?p wd=Mdu3j7asPi6h8gAADEb5RPajsbPoAn.1
Long Island
LIRA Peer Learning Collaborative (PLC)
Last Monday - 7:00 PM email: admin@lirany.org
Mid-Hudson
Foundations Peer Collaborative
2nd Thursday 9:30 – 11:00 AM email: Deb@rhoadesrecovery.com or Ntaylor@rcadd.org
Oswego & Cayuga Counties
Farnham Family Services PLC
Last Monday 4:00 PM
email: Mwalradth@farnhaminc.org
St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties
SVPC PLC for Recovery Coaches and Peers
1st Wednesday 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Email: amitchell@SVPC.net
Warren & Washington Counties
Hope and Healing Peer Empowerment Support
1st Wednesday – 9:30 -11:00 AM email: Deb@rhoadesrecovery.com
Westchester & Bronx Counties
Tri Center PLC
TBD
email: william.gonzalez@tricenter.com
Western NY Region
FOR-GE Peer Collaborative
Last Monday – 4:00 PM email: restorationrecovery@gmail.com
In Person:
Capital Region - Peer Support Breakfast
Second Chance Opportunities
4th Tuesday 10:00 – 12:00 PM
55 Colvin Ave., Albany, NY
Monroe County
ROCovery Fitness/RCU- PLC
3rd Wednesday 4:30-6:00 PM 1035 Dewey Ave, Rochester NY
PEER SUPERVISORS PLCs
Virtual:
Friends of Recovery – NY
1st Wednesday 11:00 AM– 12:00 PM email: tknorr@for-ny.org
Monroe County Peer Supervision PLC
2nd Thursday – 2:00 -3:00 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85844023362?pwd =Zy9BTzRyL3p5aWJ0MkZDNmdnVkFUdz09
Peer Learning Collaboratives and Support
Warren & Washington Counties
Hope and Healing Peer Empowerment Support
1st Wednesday – 9:30 -11:00 AM
email: Deb@rhoadesrecovery.com
Westchester & Bronx Counties
Tri Center PLC
TBD email: william.gonzalez@tricenter.com
Western NY Region
FOR-GE Peer Collaborative
Last Monday – 4:00 PM
email: restorationrecovery@gmail.com
In Person:
Capital Region - Peer Support Breakfast
Second Chance Opportunities
4th Tuesday 10:00 – 12:00 PM 55 Colvin Ave., Albany, NY
Monroe County
ROCovery Fitness/RCU- PLC
3rd Wednesday 4:30-6:00 PM 1035 Dewey Ave, Rochester NY
PEER SUPERVISORS PLCs
Virtual:
Friends of Recovery – NY
1st Wednesday 11:00 AM– 12:00 PM email: tknorr@for-ny.org
Monroe County Peer Supervision PLC
2nd Thursday – 2:00 -3:00 PM
Register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85844023362?pwd =Zy9BTzRyL3p5aWJ0MkZDNmdnVkFUdz09
The Art of Advocacy program (AoA) invites workshop participants to propose installation ideas for our June showcase and exhibition. Accepted Artists-in-Residence have the opportunity to realize their proposal with support from the AoA team. AoA will hold weekly Open Studio hours for artists to work on their installations. Artists-in-Residence have up to $300 to spend on materials and will receive the opportunity to visit Materials for the Arts (MfA).
Selected participants must atend a community-building workshop and are encouraged to participate in AoA programming.
SCAN FOR APPLICATION AND INFO
For over 50 years, Phoenix House New York has helped thousands of people overcome addiction in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. The Brooklyn Community Recovery Center is one of the first peer-driven drug and alcohol addiction recovery support centers in New York State.
The Art of Advocacy program at the Recovery Center uses the power of creativity to amplify the voices of individuals in the recovery community by fostering connections with supportive and caring environments that prioritize happiness, health, and wellness.
INSTALLATION ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
2025 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SCHEDULE:
March 2025: Application Open 4 sessions for application and proposal coaching April 1, 2025: Notification to Selected Artists
April 6-12, 2025: First meetings and planning sessions with AoA team
April 12-18, 2025: MfA visits scheduled
April-May 2025: Open Studio sessions & biweekly check-ins with AoA team
May 24, 2025: Work complete or in final stages
June 2-6, 2025: Exhibition Install
More questions?
Email: xzhou@phoenixhouseny.org
Art of Advocacy
POLICY CORNER
FOR-NY’s Response to the Proposed Executive Budget: A Call for Urgent Action
and Meaningful Change
Friends of Recovery-New York (FOR-NY) is deeply disappointed by the proposed Executive Budget. In 2023, New York tragically lost nearly 15,000 lives to substance use, including 6,330 overdose deaths and 8,050 fatalities related to excessive alcohol use. This crisis demands urgent action, yet this budget falls short and offers more of the same ineffective approaches.
We appreciate Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding access to life-saving opioid medications and funding street outreach teams. However, when it comes to supporting the most vulnerable populations in need of substance use treatment and recovery services, the budget is lacking.
Concerns about Opioid Settlement Funds and Transparency
FOR-NY remains deeply concerned about using Opioid Settlement Funds as a stop -gap measure to address New York State’s budget deficit. Despite the Governor’s claim that New York is leading the nation in the amount and distribution of these funds, the reality is troubling. Of the $506,482,000 appropriated for the fund, $290,201,000 approximately 60% has yet to be disbursed. A similar issue exists with the Opioid Stewardship Fund.
We are increasingly concerned that these critical funds are not being allocated timely or meaningfully. Instead of supplementing the state’s budget for substance use services, they are used to supplement existing resources. Additionally, there continues to be a lack of transparency in how these funds are distributed and used. We urge immediate action to ensure that these vital resources are effectively used to address the opioid crisis and support recovery services.
Addressing Co -Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
While we appreciate the Governor’s commitment to addressing mental health, it is essential to recognize that substance use disorders (SUDs), and mental health disorders often co - occur and are deeply interconnected. The Governor has allocated funding to several peer-led solutions, such as INSET Teams, Peer Bridgers, and additional support for Youth Clubhouses. However, there is a significant gap in financial support for community-
based, peer-led recovery services, which are essential to addressing both the addiction and mental health crises facing New York.
Research shows that approximately 35% of adults over the age of 18 with a mental health disorder also struggle with a substance use disorder. This overlap underscores the need for a comprehensive, integrated care approach that simultaneously addresses both challenges. Yet, the funding disparity between the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) remains glaring. To prioritize recovery, we must see funding at a comparable rate between OMH and OASAS. In the face of the ongoing addiction crisis, we strongly oppose any cuts to the OASAS budget and urge state leaders to increase funding for this essential agency.
Opposition to Involuntary Commitment and Support for Voluntary, Evidence-Based Models
The recovery community stands united in strong opposition to the expansion of involuntary inpatient and outpatient commitment initiatives. We do not support reactionary, punitive policies that perpetuate a broken mental health and substance use system, leaving individuals at risk and in states of distress. Instead, many of us have spent decades developing and implementing effective, voluntary models that support and engage individuals in recovery.
The most effective way to ensure the well-being of individuals with serious mental health and substance use challenges is through the expansion of evidence-based, communitybased recovery services. These services are more humane and provide the comprehensive support individuals need to thrive in their recovery journey.
Critical Actions for Supporting Vulnerable New Yorkers
To better support those most affected by substance use and mental health challenges, we urge lawmakers to adopt the following recommendations:
1. Expand Recovery Centers: Increase the number of Recovery Centers statewide to meet local community needs, reduce isolation, and provide supportive environments where individuals in or considering recovery can share experiences and offer mutual support. OASAS should certify these centers to allow them to seek public and private insurance reimbursement for the services they provide that are covered in other settings.
2. Invest in Supportive Housing: Expand recovery community centers and provide a reimbursement mechanism for their services to reduce the risk of relapse and support long-term recovery.
3. Increase Salaries for Recovery Professionals: Increase salaries for Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs), Family Support Navigators (FSNs), Youth Peer Advocates, and other essential staff in OASAS-licensed/certified programs.
4. Raise Reimbursement Rates: Increase reimbursement rates across the OASAS continuum of care to ensure provider viability and support innovative, effective treatment models.
5. Support Community-Based Organizations: Provide meaningful funding to community-based organizations that serve as a vital safety net, helping residents access care and connect with essential resources.
6. Eliminate Co -pays for Substance Use: Establish a global co -pay and deductible amount of $500 for an outpatient substance use treatment episode of care to ensure that New Yorkers can access care without financial barriers. Once co -pays were reinstated after the COVID emergency relief, many providers saw 25% fewer individuals seeking treatment.
7. Pass the Recovery Ready Workplace Act and Create a Workforce Loan Repayment Program: Establish a Community Workforce Loan Repayment Program for addiction professionals, modeled after the program available to OMH system practitioners.
8. Invest in Rural and Justice-Involved Populations: Increase investment and targeted services for rural communities and justice-involved individuals who face significant barriers to accessing care. The state must take meaningful action to support individuals in recovery and those affected by substance use disorders. FOR-NY urges our leaders to prioritize these recommendations and invest in a future where all New Yorkers can access the resources and support they need to recover and thrive.
1529 Western Avenue
Albany, New York 12203 518-487-4395 www.for-ny.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chacku Mathai - President
Albert Aponte
Dr. Jonathan Edwards
Samuel Encarnacion
Nydia Hill
Dr. Felecia Pullen
Erika Rosenberg
Jerald Jenkins
Ira Weiss
FOR-NY STAFF
Dr. Angelia Smith-Wilson Executive Director
Andréa West Chief of Operations
Theresa Knorr
Senior Director of Recovery Education & Training
Anthony Showard
Senior Director of Communications, IT and Website
Christopher Assini Director of Policy
Jennifer Donadio
Project Director – Rural Recovery
Sarah Ahmed-Weidman
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Mary Maher
Finance Generalist
Nancy Leon
Project Assistant
YOUTH VOICES MATTER-NY
Morgan Thompson
Youth/Young Adult Recovery Program Director
Chelsea Kehrli
Youth/Young Adult Recovery Education & Training Coordinator
Elizabeth Belair
Youth/Young Adult Recovery
Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
NYS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Wilvena Gordon
Alumni Association of New York State Coordinator
FOR-NY FY 2025-26 BudgetAsks
Invest
in the
Office ofAddiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
The recovery community stands united in calling on the Governor and Legislature to enact meaningful change in the substance use field. In 2023, New York tragically lost nearly 15,000 lives to substance use, including 6,330 overdose deaths and 8,050 fatalities related to excessive alcohol use. This crisis demands urgent action. Lawmakers and advocates must come together to ensure that the needs of all New Yorkers affected by addiction and recovery are addressed through thoughtful, evidence based, data-driven policies backed by the necessary resources. Now is the time for bold leadership and decisive action to save lives and support recovery.
A$1B investment should include funding for the following initiatives, expansions, and gaps in care:
1. Expand the number of Recovery Centers statewide to meet local community needs, reduce isolation, and provide supportive environments for individuals in or considering recovery to share experiences and offer mutual support.
2. Invest in supportive housing and expand recovery community centers, with a reimbursement mechanism for their services, to reduce reoccurrence risk for those in recovery.
3. Increase salaries for Certified Recovery PeerAdvocates (CRPAs), Family Support Navigators (FSNs) and Youth PeerAdvocates, and other essential staff in OASAS licensed/certified/regulated programs.
4. Increase reimbursement rates across the OASAS continuum of care to ensure provider viability and support innovation.
5. Provide meaningful funding to community-based organizations that serve as a vital safety net and connective tissue, helping residents access care and serving as vital resources in their community.
6. Waive co-pays and deductibles beyond $500 for substance use and mental health care recipients, particularly for those struggling during the overdose epidemic and mental health crisis to ensure low-income New Yorkers can access care without the financial burden.
7. Establish a Community Workforce Loan Repayment Program forAddiction Professionals (through OASAS), modeled after the program available to OMH system practitioners.
8. Increased investment to Rural and justice-involved populations.
New York 1115 Medicaid Waiver
Certified Recovery PeerAdvocates (CRPAs) should be recognized as essential frontline public health workers. While current training and education offerings focus on specific healthcare occupations, we believe that the behavioral health workforce, including peers and paraprofessionals, should be included in the frontline category. With over 30% of individuals on Medicaid in New York State experiencing behavioral health challenges, peers with lived experience play a critical role in engaging and supporting those often hardest to reach. Studies have shown that peer support is crucial for effective recovery services, and both Governor Hochul, Office ofAddiction Services and Supports and the Office of Mental Health strongly advocate for the inclusion of CRPA’s, Family Support Navigators, and Youth PeerAdvocates as part of the treatment team. Including them in the frontline public health worker category will strengthen efforts to address the community-wide behavioral health crisis.
COLArequest = 7.8% on all Medicaid reimbursable rates and contracts for mental health and substance use disorder services provided by eligible OASAS and OMH licensed, certified, or registered agencies. Note: The 7.8% request is embraced by the entire NYS Human Services sector.
Based on data gathered from our 2024 statewide Youth Recovery Needs Survey, developed and disseminated by Youth Voices Matter—NY, in collaboration with OASAS Youth Clubhouse members, leadership, and youth/young adult recovery community partners, we have identi ed THREE priorities for our 2025 Youth Policy Statement. We call on the Governor and the NYS Legislature to take the following actions immediately to address the needs of young people in the recovery community across NYS.
Support services should be equitable and accessible to all communities, speci cally youth and young adults, to support the growth of New York's recovery capital.
• Investing $5 million in the development of more integrated services that would provide treatment and recovery services around primary care, mental health, and substance use for young people with dual diagnoses.
▪ Inclusive of other behavioral addictions (i.e., self-harm, gambling, technology).
• Improve accessibility to harm reduction supplies for youth/young adults in all schools and college campuses in all 62 NYS counties by dedicating funds to expand and develop local initiatives.
▪ Inclusive but not limited to the expansion of harm reduction initiatives like harm reduction vending machines.
• Continued support for Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment and investment in youth mental health services and educational and career opportunities with increased consideration for the same level of commitment to SUD-related initiatives (i.e. creating a Youth Substance Use Advisory Board alongside the existing Youth Mental Health Advisory Board)
• Continued support and increased funding of $ 4 million dollars for the stability of both The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) and The New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) to ensure that all youth and their families, especially those living with serious mental illness and substance use disorders, can have a foundation for stable health and a stable life.
• Continued support for SECTION 409-I Short title; legislative ndings; purpose Social Services (SOS) CHAPTER 55, ARTICLE 6, TITLE 4-B.
• The enactment of the provisions of this title shall maximize the e ectiveness, e ciency, and accountability of support services provided on behalf of pregnant adolescents and teenage parents under eighteen years of age, thereby reducing the long-term dependency needs of this youthful population.
• Investing $5 million to establish more safe spaces outside of school or home that provides a place where youth can access mental wellness and substance use resources, foster positive relationships with their peers, and receive support in a comfortable setting, alongside friends and community members.
• We request that these funds be primarily focused and used to invest in sta training/support so that they can remove barriers of structural and systemic oppression to create pathways to access for our most marginalized youth.
Accessible, recovery-friendly educational opportunities provide youth and young adults with the support they need to feel successful and supported in their recovery.
• $3 million in funding for developing new recovery programs within high schools and collegiate campuses and additional support for existing recovery programs within these systems.
▪ Inclusive of more paid peer support opportunities within schools (high school and college).
• Dedicate $5 million toward funding for an expansive, updated, and inclusive health class curriculum that is inclusive of substance use, behavioral health, LGBTQ+ sexual education, and harm reduction through a non-stigmatizing lens.
• “Support the Recovery Ready Workplace Act” A.252(Steck) with increased consideration of establishments that employ young people under 30.
• Establishes the "recovery ready workplace act," which provides for an employer's certi cation to become a recovery-ready workplace.
Youth and Young adults in recovery need recovery spaces led by youth and for youth. Peer support helps them feel more understood and supported by people of the same age group from their communities who are also in recovery.
• Investing a minimum of $3 million in recovery-speci c scholarship programs that provide recovery certi cations and initiatives will create more employment opportunities for young adults in recovery (ages 17-30) to become Certi ed Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA).
• Increase funding of a minimum of $3 million for the establishment and continued services of Youth Recovery Community Organizations (YRCOs) and youth clubhouses within all 62 counties of New York State.
Inclusive of OASAS opening their RFP process to provide more funding opportunities for new youth clubhouses, especially in rural communities.
OF New York RECOVERY FRIENDS
Take the survey and help form the FOR-NY 2025 Policy Agenda. The purpose of this survey is to create a peer
https://forms.o ce.com/r/z5B7FeJCd9