The recent restructuring of the FOR-NY’s Youth Voices Matter program has afforded us the opportunity to partner with several amazing organizations from all around New York State, including a Recovery Community Organization, Recovery Community and Outreach Centers, and a Collegiate Recovery Program in an effort to build and support youth recovery capital.

FOR-NY has enlisted the help of Tompkins Cortland Community College’s Collegiate Recovery Program, Hope and Healing RCOC, Friends of Recovery – Westchester and ROCovery Fitness to assist us in bringing creative new youth and young adult programming and community outreach initiatives to all corners of the state. The partnerships that we have forged with these amazing recovery organizations will allow for communities to identify their own needs and build programs and services that are unique and personalized, shaped by and for the youth and young adults seeking them. The passion and motivation that our statewide partners have for their work is awe inspiring and contagious, and we honestly can’t wait to watch these programs blossom!

With the help of our regional YVM partners, we will identify potential youth and young adult recovery leaders with lived experience and provide  New York Certified Recovery Peer Advocate certification, which also includes CCAR’s Recovery Coach Academy and Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches, as well as additional soft skill-building and advocacy education. These trainings will be delivered at the CORE centers in Rochester and Syracuse. YVM @ FOR-NY will then guide and support these participants through the state certification process and assist in job placement. We believe in the power of true peer-to-peer support and hope to build a network of highly trained and talented young advocates across the state!

Youth Voices Matter’s first and foremost goal has always been to build youth and young adult recovery capital, and moving forward that remains so. We are thrilled with our prospects for the coming year and extend our sincerest thanks to our new partners around the state, and to OASAS for continuing to support our efforts!