RECOVERY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS (RCO)
Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) are independent, non-profit organizations led by local recovery allies. Allies may be people in long-term recovery, their families and friends, recovery-focused professionals or simply concerned citizens with an interest in providing support.
The Difference Between Achieving Recovery and Sustaining Recovery
In practice, achieving recovery deals with the short-term treatment of addiction, whereas sustaining recovery brings in the long-term process of developing healthy and meaningful lives. According to the Association of Recovery Community Organizations (ARCO) at Faces and Voices of Recovery, RCOs “help to bridge the gap between professional treatment and building healthy and successful lives in long-term recovery. They increase the visibility and influence of the recovery community and engage in one or more of three core activities:
- Educating the public about the reality of recovery,
- Advocating on behalf of the recovery community,
- Delivering peer recovery support services.”
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Recovery Community Organizations in New York State
Ultimately, RCOs create a culture that supports and sustains recovery for individuals and their families. While there are more than 200 in the U.S., there are fewer than 20 in New York State. While these vital organizations are making a difference in their communities, far too many communities still don’t have one of their own.
FOR-NY is committed to helping to develop a Recovery Community Organization in every county across the state. We’re providing technical assistance and support to existing RCOs and helping others to start them in counties where none yet exist.
Looking for even more information about Recovery Community Organizations? Examples of best practices for creating and organizing structure, working with the community and more, can be found in our RCO Toolkit.
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Find a Local Recovery Community Organization
New York’s RCOs – here’s where you’ll find contact information for New York’s existing RCOs.
Albany
Friends of Recovery – Albany (FOR-Albany)
FOR-Albany/Second Chance Opportunities, Inc. and Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Memorial Run
FOR-Albany
55 Colvin Avenue
Ablany, NY 12206
Contact
Kellie Roe
Executive Director
518.489-1929-Office
[email protected]
http:/www.SCOAlbany.com
Mission
Second Chance Opportunities, Inc. is 501c3, not for profit corporation located in Albany, New York. Our sole purpose is to assist and support people who are recovering from substance use disorder.
Second Chance Opportunities,Inc. bridges the gap between full-time treatment and living a life of sobriety. We help people stay sober by any means necessary. We have found what works for some, may not work for others, so what we do changes constantly. People who come to work and live with us have already been given a foundation for sobriety and basic tools from an accredited treatment facility. We do not provide treatment, we provide the environment and support necessary for people to integrate the treatment they have already received and continue the growth process that are necessary to achieve long term sobriety.
FOR-Albany Mission: A group of Albany County residents made up of people in recovery, family members, friends and allies, celebrating and advocating for recovery in our community..
Social Media
Founded
2015
Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Memorial Run
Contact: Kristin Smith, Race Director
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.summersmith5k.com/
Bronx
Odyssey House OH ROCS- Recovery Center
Odyssey House OH ROCS- Recovery Center
2038 Davidson Avenue
Bronx, New York 10453
Contact
Paul Smith
Coordinator of Recovery Services
[email protected]
(646) 457-2747
Mission
The Odyssey House Recovery Center provides a community-based, non-clinical setting that is safe, welcoming, and alcohol/drug-free. The center promotes long-term recovery through skill building, recreation, wellness education, employment readiness, civic restoration opportunities, and other social activities.
Programs & Services
- Individualized wellness plans and recovery coaching
- Peer-led Support Meetings: OH ROCS support meeting, recovery support groups (men’s and women’s), LGBTQ support group
- Health & Wellness: yoga, Afro-Caribbean dance
- Educational & Vocational Services: computer lab and resume development, GED classes (18-22 years old)
- Extracurricular Activities: book club, movie night, knitting class, board games, PlayStation activities
- Conflict Resolution Groups
- Seasonal planned activities and sober parties with DJ/food
Hours of Operation
- Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Social Media
Founded
2017
Cayuga
Nick’s Ride 4 Friends
Nick's Ride 4 Friends
12 South Street
Auburn, NY 13021
Contact
Joel Campagnola
President/Founder
Phone: (315) 253-3945
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://nicksride4friends.org/
Mission
Nick’s Ride 4 Friends is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing heroin and opioid addiction and helping people battling the disease of addiction. Founded following the death of Nick Campagnola, 20, three days after Christmas 2015, our mission is to help others through programs for recovery and community events while sharing the love we have for Nick in this endeavor.
We take a boots-on-the ground approach to get work done for the people who need us most, and we rely on your donations and spirit of generous volunteerism to remain operational and make an impact. Our goal is to provide programs that meet the needs of those struggling with addiction and make a difference by concentrating on recovery, wellness, and job searching.
Using a clubhouse model, we enable people battling addiction to feel comfortable while working on their recover journey, surrounded by peers and supporters. We are truly committed to helping people acclimate to becoming active members of the community again.
Programs & Services
- General Acts of Kindness
- Wrestling “UNDERDOG” Scholarship
- Wrestling Camp Scholarship
Social Media
Founded
2015
Columbia
Columbia County Pathways to Recovery
Columbia County Pathways to Recovery (CCPR)
Call (877) 467-3365
Email: [email protected]
Mission:
We are an RCO (Recovery Community Organization) – a grassroots group which grew out of the concern for a need for awareness, education, advocacy, and change in regard to the public health crisis of addiction. We operate a helpline at 877-HOPE-365
Founded: 2016
Delaware & Otsego
Friends of Recovery – Delaware and Otsego Counties (FOR-DO)
FOR-DO Recovery Center- The Turning Point
22 Elm Street
Oneonta, NY 13820
Contact
Kyle Lafavre
[email protected]
607.267.4435-Office
607.376.3126-Cell
http://www.FriendsOfRecoveryDO.org
Mission
Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc. (FOR-DO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting addiction recovery through every available means, including advocacy, education and peer support.
FOR-DO affirms the power and possibility of recovery and accomplishes its mission by:
- Providing education and awareness activities in an effort to reduce stigma and discrimination related to addiction
- Advocating for legislation and services that support recovery from addiction
- Operating community recovery centers for those in recovery from addiction and their families, thereby improving quality of life, reducing the risk of relapse, and assisting the development of a sustained recovery through the provision of peer-based support, life skills education and other programs, social activities, informational resources and a place for mutual support meetings
Programs & Services
The Turning Point Recovery Community and Outreach Centers in Oneonta and Delhi provide Recovery Support Services to help prevent relapse and sustain long-term recovery by building recovery capital, demonstrating hope, inviting all to participate, promoting volunteerism, and creating public awareness.
Programs Offered:
- Recovery Coaching
- Recovery Friendly Social Events
- Recovery Oriented Employment Services
- Life Skills Classes and Workshops
- Health/Wellness Classes and Workshops
- Greenhouse/Community Gardening
- Phoenix Athletic Club
- Transportation
- “Our Stories Have Power” Training
Other Services:
- Dress for Success Clothing Boutique
- Computer Lab
- Free Copying, Faxing and Telephone
- Facility Use for Family Events
- Kitchen Facility Use
Hours of Operation
Monday – Tuesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday – Thursday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Social Media
Founded
2007
Dutchess
Friends of Recovery – Dutchess
Friends of Recovery - Dutchess
FOR-Dutchess
Christina Goebel- Board President
Daniel Curtin – Board Vice President
[email protected]
845-418-5128
@fordutchess
Erie
Friends of Recovery- Greater Erie (FOR-GE)
Save the Michaels of the World
Addict 2 Addict (A2A) Family 2 Family (F2F)
Friends of Recovery- Greater Erie (FOR-GE)
Contacts
Tim Bax
[email protected]
Donna Potter
[email protected]
716.464.3681
Mission Statement
To bring healing to those afflicted by addiction
Website
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Save the Michaels of the World
737 Delaware Ave., Suite 101, Buffalo, NY 14209
Phone: (716) 984-8375
Website: www.savethemichaels.org
Contact
Avi Israel
[email protected]
Mission
Save the Michaels raises awareness of prescription and other drug addictions. Abuse and misuse of these controlled substances leads to serious illness, depression, deaths from overdose and suicide, and the devastation of caregivers and loved ones.
Save the Michaels House of Hope and Community Resources supports families during their loved one’s journey through addiction and into remission. We provide a nurturing and supportive environment to parents, grandparents and spouses of addicted individuals. We practice compassion and promote education, self-help and wrap-around care before, during, and after treatment.
Founded
June, 2011
Addict 2 Addict (A2A) Family 2 Family (F2F)
24 Hour Helpline available for anyone who needs immediate help: 716-836-2726
Gretchen J. Vinson, CPRP, NYCPS, CPRA
Addict 2 Addict, Family 2 Family Program Team Leader
Mental Health Peer Connection
Western New York Independent Living
3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 836-0822 Ext. 135
[email protected]
Fulton
Friends of Recovery – Fulton
Greene
Mountaintop Cares Coalition
Livingston
AIR – Adventures In Recovery Southern Tier
AIR - Adventures In Recovery Southern Tier
Contact Info:
Sean Smith
[email protected] | @AIRsoutherntier
CASA-Trinity, Inc. |
134 Main Street, Dansville, NY 14437 |
Phone: (585) 204-9003
Open Monday – Friday from 10:00am – 7:00pm | Weekend Events as scheduled
- Mission: A community of sober individuals dedicated to providing connection, peer support, and healthy fun outlets for those in recovery, their family members, and those in the community that choose to live sober. We seek to empower those in recovery to build their community, discover their inner strength, and find their recovery path.
- Vision: To provide a safe, fun, and welcoming space for individuals in recovery to connect with peer supports through adventure, wellness and exciting sober events. A community built by peers for peers, their families, and those within the community that choose to live healthy sober lives. AIR builds comraderie and strengthens bonds through shared lived experience, positive connections, and fun sober events.
Programs Offered:
- Hiking Groups
- Peer mentoring
- Camping trips
- Biking Groups
- Kayaking
- Yoga and Meditation
- Open Art Studio
- Music Groups
- Workout groups
- Trail running/jogging groups
- Mutual support group meetings
- Holiday Meals and Cookouts
- Family Support group meetings
- Barbecues and Game Nights
- Night Hikes
- On site quiet space and recovery library
Manhattan
Alumni Association of New York
Brothers in Recovery
Emma L. Bowen Community Center
Alumni Association of New York
501 7th Avenue
8th Floor
New York, New York 10018
Contact
Albert Aponte
347-226-1569
[email protected]
Mission
The Alumni Association of New York is organized exclusively for promoting recovery, providing recovery-based services and supporting those organizations embracing similar beliefs, principles and ideologies.
Activities
The Alumni Association of New York provides opportunities for graduates/alumni of OASAS certified treatment programs that have now transitioned or are in the process of transitioning to be peers.
We help to keep graduates of the member organizations engaged and connected to their respective programs. We also travel throughout the state to assist treatment programs with developing their own alumni associations.
We support and conduct non-partisan research, education, and informational activities targeted (but not limited) to families and youth in order to increase public awareness of recovery. We also encourage participation with community-based organizations in an effort to help eliminate or decrease the stigma associated with addiction and recovery.
We attend Recovery Rallies throughout the country and participate in other events that support individuals in recovery. The Alumni Association of New York is fully self-supporting and provides supportive peer-to-peer services through various networking efforts. We meet quarterly as a group and weekly as a Steering Committee to plan, implement and discuss future events, activities and opportunities for free trainings, employment and other educational opportunities for peers.
Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held Quarterly. Contact the association for details
Founded
2010
Brothers in Recovery
Monroe
Greater Monroe Recovery Community Organization
Recovery Now New York RCO
ROCovery Fitness
Greater Monroe Recovery Community Organization (RCO)
Contact:
(Steering Committee) Jonathan Westfall, Lori Drescher, Van Smith, Tammy Butler-Fluitt, Ken Sayres, Deborah LaBello, Karen Rogers, Yana Khashper, Jason Teller, Matthew Petitte, Craig Johnson, Cameron Farash
[email protected]
Mission
We are a community committed to building many pathways to recovery and solutions for the addiction crisis in Monroe County and surrounding areas.
Our community includes people in recovery as well as family members, friends and allies affected by addiction and invested in recovery. We are committed to diversity; we strive to reduce stigma and discrimination against people impacted by addiction; we increase awareness and education about recovery; and we promote increased community and peer-based recovery supports. We advance public policies and practices that support equitable care for those with substance use disorders and their families. We aim to establish a unified voice and priorities inclusive of all those working to support recovery in Monroe County and surrounding areas.
Social Media
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Recovery Houses of Rochester
Contact
Van Smith
[email protected]
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Recovery Now New York RCO
Contact
David Attridge
[email protected]
585-310-4080
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ROCovery Fitness
1035 Dewey Avenue
Rochester, New York 14613
Contact
Co-Founders: Yana Khashper and Sean Smith
585-484-0234
mail@rocoveryfitness
www.rocoveryfitness.org
Mission
ROCovery Fitness is a supportive community of physically active individuals brought together by sober living, committed to creating an environment of healing and recovery. Members, friends and families are empowered to discover their inner strength and confidence through adventure, fun and camaraderie.
Meetings
Varies – Check Website or Facebook page for calendar of events.
Programs & Services
ROCovery is a nonprofit 501(c)3 focused on instilling hope in the hopeless. We offer a multitude of services ranging from running, body conditioning, weight lifting, cycling, hiking, yoga, meditation, planned trips, social events and much more for individuals recovering from addiction in the Western New York area. We welcome all people, with all levels of experience from beginner to advanced. We will also be working toward offering peer support, linkage to treatment / community resources, and much more.
We offer the hope of recovery, hope of finding purpose, hope of leading a better life together. ROCovery is the missing link in the recovery process. Focused on providing a safe fitness oriented comunity for individuals recovering from addiction, the goal of the agency is to foster a commitment to change by replacing maladaptive patterns of living through the connectedness of like-minded individuals pursuing wellness, fitness, and outdoor living.
Social Media
Founded
2015
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Coming Soon!
ROCovery Southern Tier
Recovery Collaborative
About: Our mission is to capitalize on willingness to seek, obtain, and sustain recovery. We strive to provide connection to much needed resources, and advocate for the recovery community. Our vision is not just to save life, but to redeem life.
Services offered:
- Connection with Resources
- Wrap around services
- Volunteer opportunities
- Education/awareness initiatives
- Social/recreational events
- Volunteer opportunities
Contact info
Kelly Quinn
[email protected]
585-943-6247
facebook
Montogomery
Friends of Recovery – Montgomery
Friends of Recovery – Montgomery County
Contact:
Deb Bolesky
[email protected]
Nydia Hill
[email protected]
Nassau and Suffolk
Long Island Recovery Association
Long Island Recovery Association
1324 Motor Parkway, Suite 102
Hauppauge, New York 11749
Contact
Richard Buckman, Executive Director & Founder
[email protected]
631-552-LIRA
[email protected]
http://www.lirany.org
Mission
Through education and advocacy, we aim to eliminate the stigma around addiction, achieve genuine parity and treatment on demand for those seeking help to ensure that a compassionate, well-informed understanding of the nature of addiction becomes the norm not the exception among legislators, institutions, family members and society in general.
Meeting Schedule
Check website
Social Media
Founded
2000
Oneida
Friends of Recovery – Oneida County
Friends of Recovery – Mohawk Valley
c/o Center for Family Life & Recovery, Inc.
502 Court Street, Suite 401
Utica, NY 13502
Contact
Traci Lamb, CASAC T, Y12SR, CRPA
[email protected]
Mission
Friends of Recovery-Oneida is a Recovery Community Organization (RCO) whose primary purpose is advocating for those in recovery, their families and the many people who still suffer from addiction. We promote awareness and compassion for the still sick and suffering. FOR-MV includes people in recovery, their friends and their families, addiction professionals and anybody interested in helping spread the word that “Recovery is Possible”
Social Media
Founded
2016
Onondaga
Friends of Recovery – Onondaga
H.E.A.L. Onondaga
FOR-Onondaga and H.E.A.L of Onondaga
Friends of Recovery – Onondaga
Contact: Hanna Mountain [email protected]
Heroin Epidemic Action League of Onondaga County
Contact
Mission
H.E.A.L. of Onondaga County is a community wide effort to provide education, awareness and prevention of substance abuse and to initiate and implement needed resources to assist those affected.
Social Media
- Facebook
Check out their Facebook page or website for upcoming events!
Founded
2018
Orange
Friends of Recovery – Orange
Friends of Recovery – Orange
82 Bellevernon Avenue
Middletown, NY 10940
Contact
Bennett Reiss, CRPA
Peer Engagement Specialist
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of OC
224 Main Street Goshen NY, 10924
Office:(845) 294-9000 ext 223
Cell: (845) 395-2299
[email protected]
Mission
FOR-Orange seeks to promote a positive view of recovery from addictions and to educate communities about the effective outcomes associated with receiving appropriate information, treatment and recovery support.
We accomplish this by advocating for policies and legislation that assure sufficient resources for prevention, treatment and recovery support for all members of our community. Our goal is for all community members to have a common language of recovery, an understanding of how recovery works and to gain community support for this positive recovery movement.
Meeting Schedule
First Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm at the offices of the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County, 224A Main Street, Goshen, NY
Social Media
Founded
2014
Orleans
Orleans- Recovery Hope Begins Here
Putnam
Friends of Recovery – Putnam
Friends of Recovery – Putnam
National Council on Alcohol & Others Drug Dependencies/Putnam
67 Gleneida Avenue
Carmel, New York 10512
Victoria Metz
[email protected]
Mission
FOR-Putnam is dedicated to promoting policies and practices supporting a vision of recovery from addiction. Like FOR-NY, its mission is to demonstrate the power and promise of recovery from substance use disorders, and the value recovery provides to our community.
Meeting Schedule
First Tuesday of the Month, 5:30-6:30 pm
Social Media
Founded
2017
Rensselaer
Recovery Resources of Rensselaer County
Nopiates
Recovery Resources of Rensselaer County and Nopiates
Recovery Resources of Rensselaer
1838 Fifth Avenue
Troy, New York 12180
Contact
Jennifer Wilks, Organizer
518-328-4999
[email protected]
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.
Programs & Services
We are engaging in awareness-raising activities, providing volunteer opportunities for all who would like to assist. We are working to secure a location to house our services and are meeting in the community monthly. We are networking with existing services to assist persons who desire to enter Treatment, but are being turned away or experiencing some other barrier to access.
We are a new RCO and welcome all who are interested in any aspect of this initiative to contact us.
Social Media
Founded
2017
Nopiates
Contact: Tim and Kim Murdick
[email protected]
About: Offering opportunities and advocating for people in recovery, along with those who we have lost to the disease of addiction
Rockland
Friends of Recovery – Rockland
Friends of Recovery – Rockland
FOR-Rockland
Contact
Caren Schwartz, President
P.O. Box 855
New City, NY 10956
www.friendsofrecoveryrockland.org
Mission
Friends of Recovery – Rockland (FOR-R) is a 501C3 charitable organization comprised of residents of Rockland and surrounding communities who are in long-term recovery from addiction, family members in recovery and family members in recovery from loss. We actively organize and mobilize the recovery community to speak effectively with one voice. FOR-R advances our vision by advocating for policies and practices that support a vision of recovery from addiction, ensuring that information about recovery is available to those seeking recovery, educating and inspiring the public about recovery and substance use disorder, and decreasing the stigma attached to addiction through our personal examples and stories.
Meeting Schedule
3rd Monday of every month at 5 p.m. on Zoom.
Social Media
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/851020294987477
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/friendsofrecoveryrockland/
Founded
2015
Saratoga
Recovery Advocacy in Saratoga (RAIS)
Recovery Advocacy in Saratoga (RAIS)
125 High Rock Avenue
Saratoga, New York 12866
Contact
Maureen Provost
[email protected]
Brian Farr
Chairperson
[email protected]
518-350-4422
raisaratoga.org
Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm
Social Media
Founded
2015
Schenectady
Friends of Recovery – Schenectady
Schoharie
Friends of Recovery – Schoharie
Friends of Recovery – Schoharie
Steuben
RISE FOR STEUBEN
RISE FOR STEUBEN
John B Pritchard
Casa-Trinity
[email protected]
Cell,585-443-0496
Office, 607-282-5201 ext 1464
Fax, 607-324-1268
CRPA, PRS
Ulster
FOR-Ulster County
Warren & Washington
Friends of Recovery – Warren & Washington
Friends of Recovery – Warren & Washington
℅ The Council for Prevention
10 LaCrosse Street
Hudson Falls, New York 12839
Contact
Ashley Livingston
[email protected]
518-223-6127
[email protected]
Mission
To assist and empower individuals in recovery from addiction and their families in Warren & Washington counties.
Meetings
Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 5:00 – 6:00 PM at the Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street, Glens Falls
Social Media
Founded
2013
St. Lawrence
Seaway Valley Prevention Council
Seaway Valley Prevention Council
Contact:
Bill Doyle, CRPA-P
Program Manager – The Valley Recovery Center
The Valley is here to connect recovery support services to individuals, families, and the community. We strive to eliminate stigma surrounding addiction.
The Valley is committed to providing quality education to those interested in learning more about addiction and recovery. To this end we provide a variety of trainings including but not limited to Recovery Coach Academy, Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches, Recovery Coaching and Professionalism, Bridges Out of Poverty, The Science of Addiction and Recovery, Our Stories Have Power, and Naloxone (Narcan) training. Please contact us regarding our next training dates for any of the above. Naloxone training can be delivered on demand.
“Make Recovery the Epidemic”
Seaway Valley Prevention Council
206 Ford Street, Suite 301
Ogdensburg, NY 13669
(P) 315.713.4861 / 315.541.3057
(C) 315.955.5395
facebook
instagram
svpc.net
Westchester
FOR-Westchester
Drug Crisis in Our Backyard
FOR-Westchester
FOR-Westchester
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower the recovery community through increasing recovery capital in Westchester County. Our vision is for anyone seeking to be involved in the recovery movement to participate in providing recovery support services. We envision Westchester County becoming a haven of recovery through providing a range of support services, supporting multiple pathways, and providing individualized referrals that treat people as resources of their own recovery.
Co-Founders
Lisa Hope
Sabrina Perez
Christopher Ulacco
Office
76 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains NY 10601
(914) 491 9022
Contact:
Lisa Hope, LCAT, LADC, ATR-BC, MAC, CASAC, CRPA
Therapist and Recovery Coach
[email protected]
Drug Crisis in our Backyard
Contact:
Susan Salamone