Three Odyssey House employees honored by New York State

We are pleased to announce that OASAS has selected THREE of our staff members as winners of New York's Annual Addictions Professionals'Awards. Congratulations to Justin Mitchell, Annise Weaver and Tracy Moore on their awards! In recognition of all the honorees, Governor Cuomo issued a proclamation designating September 20, 2014 as "Addictions Professionals Day."

Justin Mitchell (left) and Annise Weaver (right) with
Odyssey Foundation Board Chairman George Rosenfeld.

• Justin Mitchell – Licensed Mental Health Counselor of the Year Mr. Mitchell, Vice President, Director of Adult Residential Programs, is responsible for the oversight of treatment services targeting vulnerable populations such as women with young children and the elderly, assisting his clients with their recovery while serving as an advocate for each individual’s dignity and personal integrity. Since becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in 2006, Mr. Mitchell has provided direct care services in such diverse settings as opioid treatment programs, intensive residential rehabilitation, community mental health centers, community-based cognitive rehabilitation counseling and supportive housing for individuals with substance use disorders and serious mental illness. 

• Annise Weaver – Certified Rehabilitation Counselor of the Year As the Director of Vocational & Educational Services, Ms. Weaver provided oversight for the care of approximately 1,100 clients in residential, outpatient and housing programs annually. Under her leadership, 284 clients obtained employment, 243 were enrolled in vocational skills trainings, and 66 clients obtained a GED in 2012-14. She has developed sub-specialties within her field of practice, supervising the rehabilitation counseling of special populations such as adults over fifty-five years of age, single mothers with young children, and transition-aged youth. Ms. Weaver's accomplishments led to her promotion to Senior Director of Admissions and Residential Support Services in April 2014. 

• Tracy Moore – CASAC Trainee of the Year In his role as a Substance Abuse Counselor, Mr. Moore has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing high quality, holistic treatment services to the individuals he serves through both group and individual counseling.  He has a unique ability to establish a healthy therapeutic alliance with his clients and a professional sensitivity to their needs, including those with co-occurring mental health disorders, histories of traumatic experience and criminal justice involvement. Mr. Moore has worked hard to strengthen his clinical acumen by seeking out and achieving certification in the following evidence based practices: Motivational Interviewing, Thinking for Change, Seven Challenges, and Medication Assisted Treatment modalities.

Each September in observance of National Recovery Month, OASAS acknowledges addictions professionals across New York State who provide exceptional services ranging from chemical dependence prevention, treatment and recovery, to problem gambling services for persons and communities in need. This marks the fifth consecutive year an Odyssey House employee has received an Addictions Professional Award, for a total of nine awards.

Celebrating Recovery Month: 9th Annual Run for Your Life

More than 1,000 people came out to Icahn Stadium on September 20th to show their support for men and women in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders at the 9th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk. WPIX reporter Jay Dow emceed the event, which also featured fitness competitions, zumba lessons, and children’s races and activities.

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, though unable to attend, sent a message of support: “My most important responsibilities as Mayor are to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers and provide people across the five boroughs with access to the resources they need to live good and fulfilling lives. For nearly five decades, Odyssey House has done just that, helping those struggling with substance abuse and people living with HIV/AIDS and mental illness to improve their lives...I am proud to join with all those gathered here at Icahn Stadium in applauding Odyssey House for its commitment to helping those in need, and together, we look forward to even more New Yorkers benefiting from its important work.”

Participants included clients from other NYC-based treatment agencies, friends and family of people in recovery, as well as representatives from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and our corporate partners. If you were unable to make it, check out this short news clip by Jay Dow, and visit our Flickr page to see the photos.

Thank you to everyone for making Run for Your Life such a successful event!