Run for Your Life registration is now open!

Registration is now OPEN for our 11th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk! Register by Friday, July 29th for a special early bird rate and celebrate recovery with Odyssey House on September 24th.

The theme for Recovery Month 2016 is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery," which highlights the value of peer support by educating, mentoring, and helping others. It invites individuals in recovery and their support systems to be change agents in communities, and in civic and advocacy engagements.

Get more information.

Register Now!

I can't make it but I would like to support recovery.

We hope to see you in September!

Mark your calendar for the 11th Annual Run for Your Life event!

Join us at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island for music, entertainment, children’s activities and more in commemoration of National Recovery Month. This year, we'll also be celebrating Odyssey House's 50th anniversary! The fun begins at 9:30 am with children’s races. Online registration will open in July.

Our Winter 2016 newsletter is online

The Winter 2016 edition of Odyssey House News is now available online. Read about our newest supportive housing building, client success stories, grant renewals, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. Click here to read it (pdf). If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.

Celebrating Recovery Month: 10th Annual Run for Your Life

More than 1,000 people came out to Icahn Stadium on September 19th to show their support for men and women in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders at the 10th 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 administration has made it a priority to provide all our residents with access to quality health care, and in these efforts, it is essential that we address every facet of a person’s well-being, including their mental health. Under the leadership of First Lady Chirlane McCray and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, we are working to build a more inclusive mental health system that meets the needs of all New Yorkers. Odyssey House is an important ally in this mission, offering care and support to those suffering from mental illness, struggling with substance abuse disorders, or living with HIV/AIDS. Through its holistic counseling and rehabilitation programs, medical services, vocational training, housing assistance, and more, this organization helps individuals and families improve their lives and regain their dignity. Today’s event will enable Odyssey House to continue in its important work and celebrate the progress that its clients have achieved on the road to good health. I applaud this organization’s commitment to strengthening communities across our city."

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, visit our Flickr page to see the photos.

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

Save the date! Run for Your Life celebrates 10 years

10th Annual Run for Your Life

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Join us at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island for music, entertainment, children’s activities and more in commemoration of National Recovery Month! The fun begins at 9:30 am with children’s races. Online registration will open in July.

Our Winter 2015 newsletter is now available!

The Winter 2015 edition of Odyssey House News is now available! Read about our expanded peer mentoring programs, recovery month celebrations, new board members, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.

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! 

Run for Your Life registration is now OPEN!

Registration is now OPEN for the 9th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk! Register by Friday, August 1st for a special early bird rate and celebrate recovery with Odyssey House on September 20th. 

This year's Recovery Month theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out," encourages people to openly discuss mental and substance use disorders and the reality of recovery. It aims to foster public understanding and acceptance of the benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery from behavioral health conditions. 

Register Now! 

Fundraise for Odyssey House 

Whether you walk, run, volunteer or just watch, we encourage everyone to raise funds. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Create your own FREE fundraising page on Crowdrise or FirstGiving. You can also download a pledge form (pdf). Proceeds from Run for Your Life support our programs that provide a safe, supportive residential community with an emphasis on beginning drug-free lives, family reunification, and educational and vocational training. 

We look forward to seeing you in September!

Save the date for Run for Your Life 2014!

Mark your calendar! The 9th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk will be held on Saturday, September 20th. Join us at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island for music, entertainment, children’s activities and more in commemoration of National Recovery Month! The fun begins at 9 am with children’s races. Online registration will open in July.

The Fall 2013 Newsletter is now available!

The Fall 2013 edition of Odyssey House News is now available! Read about our recovery month events, how our corporate partners are supporting recovery, and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info(at)odysseyhouseinc.org.

Run for Your Life celebrates recovery for eighth consecutive year

More than 1,000 people came out to Icahn Stadium on September 28th to show their support for men and women in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders at the 8th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk. WPIX reporter Jay Dow emceed the event, which also featured fitness competitions, zumba lessons, children’s races and activities, and the presentation of the CASAC of the Year Award to Milton Slaughter, coordinator of residential admissions at Odyssey House.

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, though unable to attend, sent a message of support: “For nearly 50 years, Odyssey House has provided invaluable support to those suffering from mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and HIV/AIDS by providing therapy and health services, housing, vocational training, and more. As people from across the five boroughs come together to recognize National Recovery Month, we applaud Odyssey House and all those associated with it for their unwavering dedication to individuals and families in need, and together, we look forward to building a stronger, healthier future for us all.”

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

Celebrate recovery month on Saturday!

The Odyssey House Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk is only 4 days away! Register today and show your support for individuals and families in recovery. 

Run for Your Life is more than just a race. Join us for a variety of family-friendly activities: 

• Zumba demonstrations 
• Children's races & games 
• Wellness booth and more! 

Register Now!

I can't make it but would like to support recovery. 

Run for Your Life is a National Recovery Month event in support of men and women in recovery from substance use disorders. This event increases awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders, and promotes the message that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. 

This year's Recovery Month theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together on Pathways to Wellness," emphasizes that there are many unique ways people can prevent behavioral health issues, seek treatment, and sustain recovery. The theme also highlights the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the value of family, friends, and community members throughout the recovery journey. 

Thank you for supporting recovery. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Winter 2013 newsletter is now available

The Winter 2013 edition of Odyssey House News is now available online! Read about our recovery month events, Hurricane Sandy volunteer efforts, board leadership changes and more. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall. If you'd like to receive a copy in the mail, please email your contact information to info@odysseyhouseinc.org.

Celebrate recovery with Odyssey House

Our 7th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk is TOMORROW, Saturday, September 29th. Come out to Randall's Island and show your support for individuals and families in treatment at Odyssey House. Register online until 5 pm today or register in person tomorrow. 

Schedule of Events: 
8:00 am - Registration opens 
9:00 am - Children's races 
10:00 am - 5K Run 
10:30 am - Recovery Walk 

Plus, the Knicks Groove Truck will be onsite holding skill competitions, free throw and 3-point shooting contests AND the Marines will be holding a Pull Up Challenge. You don't want to miss it! Register today.

Don't forget our online auction is open through October 6th. Click here to bid on tickets to sporting events, memorabilia, fine dining gift cards and more. Now is your chance to not only get all the great items you want, but to do it knowing you are helping support our organization and mission.

Make your bid to support Odyssey House

The Run for Your Life online auction is open for bidding! 
Now is your chance to not only get all the great items you want, but to do it knowing you are helping support our organization and mission.

The auction will run from September 17, 2012 to October 6, 2012, with proceeds going to Odyssey House to support our mission of providing high-quality, holistic treatment to men, women and children struggling to overcome substance use and mental health disorders.

Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways to donated items guaranteed to delight and surprise. So, tell your friends, family, community and help families and individuals in treatment rebuild their lives as drug-free, productive citizens.

Here are just a few of the items you can bid on:

2 Tickets to Broadway's hottest musical, The Book of Mormon

Derek Jeter autographed photo

David Yurman blue topaz bracelet from the Color Classics Collection

$150 gift card to Brasserie

 

Run for Your Life registration is now open

Registration is now open for our 7th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk! Join us for children's races, music, entertainment and other fun activities. Bring the whole family and show your support for individuals and families in recovery. Register by July 17th to get the early bird rate of $15. Click here to register or visit our website for more information.

Run for Your Life is held each September in commemoration of National Recovery Month. This year's theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: It's Worth It," emphasizes that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders are significant and valuable to individuals, families, and communities. People in recovery achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally, and contribute in positive ways to their communities. They also prove to family members, friends, and others that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover.

Become an "Odyssey House Champion"

This year, we are holding a fundraising competition. The top fundraiser for July, August and September will be named an "Odyssey House Champion."

Champions will be recognized on our website and at the event and receive a prize, complimentary registration, and entry to a VIP breakfast on race day.

Get started by creating a FREE fundraising page at FirstGiving.com.

Proceeds from Run for Your Life support our programs that provide a safe, supportive residential community with an emphasis on beginning drug-free lives, family reunification, and educational and vocational training.

Save the date for Run for Your Life 2012!

Join us on September 29th at Icahn Stadium for music, entertainment, children’s activities and more in commemoration of National Recovery Month! The fun begins at 9 am with children’s races. Registration opens Monday, July 2nd at odysseyhouseinc.org.

Run for Your Life celebrates recovery for sixth consecutive year

More than 1,000 people came out to Icahn Stadium on September 24th to show their support for men and women in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders at the 6th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk. WPIX reporter Kirstin Cole emceed the event, which also featured a performance by the MABON Voices, children’s races and activities, and the presentation of the CASAC of the Year Award to Andre Matthews, recreational services coordinator at Odyssey House.



NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, though unable to attend, sent a message of support:“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of professionals across fields, more of our residents are getting tested, getting treated, and getting their lives back on track. That is why we are proud to applaud Odyssey House, which, for more than 40 years, has provided invaluable support and services to the New Yorkers who need them most.”

Visit our website to see more photos from Run for Your Life, and to get a glimpse of what the day was like, check out this video on our YouTube Channel.

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

Support recovery in NYC

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, September 24th for our 6th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Run & Recovery Walk. We'll be there rain or shine - don't let a little rain keep you from supporting recovery!

Online registration is now closed but you can register in person starting at 8 am. See you there!