The Recovery Network is a peer-led/peer driven service program. Our mission is to improve the delivery of substance abuse treatment and to help reduce the stigma associated with addiction and people who have been formerly incarcerated. The Syracuse office was established in 2001 through a previous Syracuse Recovery Community initiative. Additional offices were established in 2007 in Rochester and Albany.
Recovery Network of New York focuses on three key areas: Social Support Services, Civic Restoration and Education/Employment Services. The goal of this community-based program is to address and eventually eliminate the dual stigma of individuals associated with having an addiction and criminal involvement. The Recovery Network exemplifies the vision of a "second chance" by addressing the aspirations of people leaving the criminal justice system to live productive, healthy and law abiding lives.
The Recovery Network is funded through the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
• General Pre- and Post-treatment Support Services encompassing a Drop-in Center as a "safe haven" for members seeking support, such as opportunities to fellowship with other recovering people, and a place where members in need of immediate treatment services can come to get a free chemical dependency assessment/evaluation and referral to a local treatment facility. The Drop-in Center affords our members an opportunity to use computers for job searches, to check their e-mail, and to construct resumes or fact sheets. Becoming a member of the Recovery Network offers a place where people in recovery can grow and make positive changes in their lives as well as taking pride in belonging.
• Reintegration Support including peer-coaching and mentoring to clients currently incarcerated at or recently released from the Onondaga County Correctional Facility and the Onondaga County Justice Center, the recovering community in the greater Syracuse area, and working directly with clients currently in treatment at various primary care treatment providers.
• Restoring Citizenship civic restoration through voter registration drives, Certificates of Relief from Disabilities and Certificates of Conduct, and training RNNY members on cleaning up some of the discrepancies that often appear on "rap sheets".
• Employment Services consisting of employment, education, and vocational readiness training and placement.