New peer mentoring program targets parolee recidivism

OdysseyHouse has been awarded a two-year, $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to implement a pre- and post-release mentoring and recovery program for parolees at the Edgecombe Correctional Facility (ECF) in Northern Manhattan. The program builds on the successful peer-mentoring model Odyssey House provides as part of its outpatient services and the intensive 45-day in-prison treatment program it currently operates at ECF for technical violators of parole.

The new mentoring program will provide services for up to 200 parolees and create a bridge from prison to community living during the critical re-entry period when many inmates are at risk of relapse.

Since the ECF program was established in 2008 through a joint effort with New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), New York State Department of Corrections (DOCS), New York State Division of Parole, and Odyssey House, more than 3,660 inmates have participated in a holistic program designed to reduce recidivism and dependence on alcohol and/or drugs. An estimated 80 percent of state prison inmates have histories of drug or alcohol abuse, and approximately two-thirds of offenders in re-entry are re-arrested within three years of release, with 52 percent returning to prison for a technical violation or a new crime. 

As part of the Edgecombe Peer Mentoring Program (EPMP), Odyssey House counseling advocates, who are Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors, will work on-site at the prison to provide group recovery services. These groups will enhance treatment services currently offered by Odyssey House to assist inmates in creating a crucial support network that will be in place as they leave prison. This approach will provide a seamless continuum of service for parolees by linking them to a network of peer mentors who will serve as their recovery coaches as they adjust to sober lifestyles in their communities. The post-release component will be provided by volunteer recovery coaches consisting of individuals who have completed treatment and are in sustained recovery. All peer mentors will have received training in evidence-based programs including: Recovery Coaching; Thinking for Change; and Motivational Enhancement Therapy.

Dr. Peter Provet, president and CEO of Odyssey House, said he was excited to be partnering with the Department of Justice and NYS agencies in this innovative program that directs resources at reducing recidivism. “We know we can break the cycle of addiction and incarceration when treatment, law enforcement, and criminal justice agencies work together to provide real alternatives that help people with substance use disorders find a new way of living that supports recovery, offers work and life skills, and protects against relapse and recidivism.” 

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.

Odyssey House wins grant to expand adolescent outpatient services

The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) announced Odyssey House as the downstate recipient of a three-year, federally funded grant to expand adolescent services. Odyssey House President Dr. Peter Provet said: "We are proud to fulfill our mission of treating vulnerable populations of adolescents with substance use disorders and their families by expanding our Bronx-based outpatient programs, and are grateful to NYS OASAS and SAMHSA for their support in helping to meet the needs of a community we are dedicated to serving."

In selecting Odyssey House, Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez, commented on the high needs of the adolescents in our Bronx outpatient program and their involvement in "multiple systems that include juvenile justice, child welfare, or mental health." 

For more information, please read the OASAS press release here.

Odyssey House wins housing award

Housing support for homeless families with substance use disorders

Odyssey House has been selected by the New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to receive $499,000 in annual funding to provide 20 permanent supportive housing apartments with case management and vocational services staff for families who were homeless when they entered an Odyssey House intensive residential facility, and are now scheduled to complete that course of treatment.

This innovative housing model will target chronically homeless families; families at serious risk of becoming chronically homeless; and other currently homeless families, in which the head-of-household has a substance use disorder.

The award was announced by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, who called the initiative “another component of the New York/New York III Agreement that has brought together many State and City agencies and departments in a multi-year effort to address homelessness.”

Odyssey House has significant experience working with families in residential and outpatient treatment settings as well as supportive housing programs. At any one time up to 210 women and children live in specially equipped family accommodations in one of the organization’s treatment centers. The comprehensive services provided include: intensive substance abuse, mental health, and family counseling; medical and dental care; vocational, educational, legal, and housing support; and onsite licensed childcare services that include nurseries and early Head Start programs.

Dr. Peter Provet, President and CEO of Odyssey House, welcomed the Governor’s support for families in treatment and added: “As our understanding of what it means to be in recovery evolves, and we develop programs that address the bio-psycho-social needs of families in treatment, the provision of safe, affordable housing is a key component of a holistic approach to treating substance abuse disorders.”

Click here to read the full press release.

Graduates prove that treatment works

Odyssey House staff, current and former residents, and friends and family members recently gathered at the Manor Family Center to commemorate a significant milestone in our residents’ recovery: graduation.

The ceremony included opening remarks by Odyssey House President Dr. Peter Provet, a keynote speech by NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, and the presentation of the CASAC of theYear award to recreational services coordinator Andre Matthews.



From left: Odyssey House COO John Tavolacci, Andre Matthews,
Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, and Dr. Peter Provet

In his address to the graduates, their families, staff, and supporters, Dr. Provet called the event “a night of achievement,” both for the men and women who have overcome addiction and are now pursuing healthy and productive lives, and the continued role of long-term residential treatment in saving the lives of individuals with life-threatening substance abuse problems.

“With national healthcare reform well underway, all forms of substance abuse treatment are under review and discussion … there must always be a place for intensive residential treatment. You here today are living examples of its life-saving value.” (To read the full text of Dr. Provet’s remarks, click here.)

Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez recognized Odyssey House as an “innovative national leader” in the treatment field. “Odyssey House is always in the forefront of developing new systems of care for the betterment of the people we serve.” Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez also congratulated the graduates, saying, “Your recovery is a tribute to your strength and it is a tribute to programs like Odyssey House.”

Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez also presented the CASAC of the Year award to Andre Matthews, thanking him for his service and dedication to New Yorkers with substance use and mental health problems. Click here to see the video.

Cross-agency collaboration provides coordinated care to Bronx families

A new program with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) has allowed Odyssey House to expand its outpatient services to additional families and children in the Bronx. The partnership places a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) from Odyssey House into the ACS facility.

This cutting edge service approach integrates coordinated care to the children and families affected by substance abuse in the child welfare system. The benefits of such a partnership include seamless care and safety coordination as well as the elimination of barriers in accessing substance abuse treatment.

The enhanced services were introduced at a joint meeting of regional managers and key staff from ACS, Odyssey House, and New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) on July 18th.


Pictured from left to right: Ronald Bridges, Deputy Director, Bronx Division of Child Protection (DCP); Ranji Lachmansingh, Clinical Supervisor, Odyssey House Outpatient Services; Dr. Gary Harmon, Vice President & Director of Research and Grants, Odyssey House; Charita Thomas, Acting Borough Commissioner, Bronx DCP; John Tavolacci, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Odyssey House; Frances Carrero, Deputy Director of Administration, ACS; Lisa Bolling, Deputy Director, FSU; Ana Garcia, Child Welfare Coordinator, Odyssey House Outpatient Services; Monette Sachs, Director, Division of Substance Abuse Policy and Planning, ACS; Sharon Cadiz, Director, Clinical Consultation Program, ACS; Robert Anderson, Director of Adolescent, Outpatient and Admissions Services, Odyssey House; and Lureen McNeil, Deputy Director of NYC Operations and Director of NYS Recovery Services, OASAS

Join us on May 10th for Your Story Matters Day

Celebrate Your Story Matters Day with Odyssey House, the Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), NYS legislators and hundreds of recovery supporters this Monday in Albany. We'll be sending a number of our residents to this second annual recovery rally and press event, hosted by OASAS.

Your Story Matters Day celebrates New Yorkers who are living successful, meaningful lives in recovery and highlights their dedication to breaking the cycle of addiction. It's an important part of OASAS's Your Story Matters campaign, which seeks to reduce stigma and raise awareness that "prevention is proven, treatment works and recovery is real."

Two former Odyssey House residents were selected to share their inspiring stories as part of the campaign - LaQuanda and Kristina. Read their stories here or post one of your own.

If you'd like to join us, download the flyer here. And if you can't make it, check back after the event for photos!

Odyssey House resident wins at the Recovery Fine Arts Festival

Harbor resident Miguel F.’s painting, “Friends,” was selected as the winner of the visual arts/acrylic category of the Sixth Annual New York State Recovery Fine Arts Festival. His painting, along with the other submissions, will be on display during the month of September at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.



The festival is sponsored by OASAS in conjunction with the 2009 National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. The New York State Recovery Fine Arts Festival showcases the achievements of those in recovery through artistic expression and celebrates the healing benefits of recovery for individuals, families and communities.

LaQuanda's second chance

LaQuanda Edgefield, a resident at the Odyssey House Family Re-Entry program, was chosen by OASAS to share her story of recovery as part of the Your Story Matters campaign. Here is an excerpt:

I came walking through the doors of recovery sick, suffering, tired, and pregnant. It was time for me to put down the drugs, settle down and have a healthy baby. I needed long-term treatment with a lot of guidance, patience and understanding. I can definitely say "Thank You" to Odyssey House for giving me exactly that - even when I didn't want it.

Read the rest of her inspiring story here.

Ms. Edgefield is one of the 12 individuals represented in this year’s campaign spotlight stories. As thanks for her participation, OASAS Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo presented her with a silver recovery “badge of honor” at the Pathways to Recovery Forum last week.

OASAS Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo and LaQuanda Edgefield.

The Your Story Matters campaign, now in its second year, encourages New Yorkers to share their stories of recovery in an effort to break the cycle of addiction, eliminate stigma and promote lives of sobriety and wellness.

National drug czar visits Edgecombe

R. Gil Kerlikowske, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), visited the Edgecombe Residential Treatment Facility in Harlem last week. Kerlikowske met with Odyssey House officials and commissioners from the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), Department of Correctional Services, Division of Parole and Division of Criminal Justice Services to discuss alternatives to incarceration for non-violent drug offenders.

Odyssey House strongly supports such measures – last year, we were selected to run the Edgecombe program, which provides intensive services to parole detainees with the aim of returning them to their communities and engaging them in further addiction treatment. Dr. Peter Provet, president and CEO of Odyssey House, said, “Odyssey House is pleased to bring a cutting-edge, intensive clinical intervention to a population at high risk of relapse. Addiction is now recognized as a chronic relapsing disorder - this innovative program is treating relapse instead of punishing it."

Read the full press release for more on Director Kerlikowske’s visit.

NYS launches two new addiction resources

The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) recently unveiled two new resources: a new toll-free telephone “hopeline” and a website where New Yorkers recovering from addiction can tell their stories.

The hopeline – 1-877-8-HOPENY – offers confidential assistance for alcohol, drugs and gambling problems from trained professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The website initiative, IAmRecovery.com, highlights stories of recovery from alcoholism, drugs or problem gambling.


Individuals can submit their stories online, anonymously, about their experiences with their own or a loved one’s struggle towards recovery.