What is FOR-Rensselaer’s mission?
Our mission is to advance the health, wellness and interests of persons in recovery from and impacted by substance use disorders and their families in Rensselaer County by promoting an environment favorable to long-term recovery through advocacy, education, development and delivery of recovery-oriented support services, community engagement and identification and remediation of gaps in existing recovery services.
What communities does it serve?
The county of Rensselaer including its two cities, Troy & Rensselaer, and surrounding towns and villages.
What can you tell us about addiction and recovery in Rensselaer County?
Rensselaer County has close-knit and robust mutual aid communities with a wealth of experience of how to achieve and sustain long-term recovery. We have a variety of outpatient substance use recovery programs and integrated mental health services. As is often the case, there are more services available near our two population centers who host two hospitals, mental health crisis services, MICA units, in patient rehab and a new ambulatory detox is opening next week. We also have faith recovery programs and are developing services for families and children.
Who are your members?
Our members are recovering persons, families of recovering persons, families who have suffered loss of a loved one due to their substance use, community partners and concerned citizens.
What types of activities does FOR-Rensselaer conduct on behalf of addiction and recovery?
FOR-Rensselaer has consistently partnered with Nopiates Committee to plan outreach activities in our community. We have predominantly participated in tabling at community events, holding monthly community meetings and have spent much of our time getting to know the agencies and people who are already at work in our county assisting in recovery efforts. We have been actively working on establishing a helpline in conjunction with the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health. We promote all methods of recovery and help to connect people to treatment providers, and find resources for people who are experiencing difficulty in navigating their recovery. We have recently begun workgroups for specific areas of need and more will be developed. These workgroups are: Access to Treatment, Advocacy & Legislation, Events & Outreach.
How can interested parties help to further FOR-Rensselaer’s mission?
Everyone has abilities, skills, talents, and knowledge that they personally bring to our effort. Those who also have a heart to help impact families and individuals struggling with substance use disorders can volunteer some of their time in any capacity that they have gifting. Agencies and organizations can also partner with us by attending our monthly meetings and subscribing to our weekly updates to stay abreast of the work that’s happening. They can also help by offering their services to our members.
Do you have any upcoming activities scheduled?
Our next monthly public meeting is Sunday, September 24 at 4:30pm at Victorious Life Christian Church, 1838 5th Ave, Troy, NY 12180. RSVP to [email protected].
Our planning workgroups will be meeting as well. If you wish to participate in those, please contact us.
Can we find you on social media?
Of course! Look for us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FORRenss
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about FOR-Renss?
Friends of Recovery – Rensselaer County is a new upstart. This means we need help with just about everything! Please consider volunteering your time and talent a couple hours a week to get our organization up and running. Subscribing to our updates and responding or asking questions based upon what’s in the update is a great way to start. Attending our monthly community meeting is the next step to be positioned to be of most help to our community.