Investing in jails to reduce recidivism

In a letter in the New York Times, Dr. Peter Provet comments on a private funding initiative to reduce recidivism among adolescent men incarcerated at Rikers Island.

  

Investing in Jails

To the Editor:

Re "Goldman to Invest in City Jail Program, Profiting if Recidivism Falls Sharply" (news article, Aug. 2):
While we applaud creative financing for social service programs, we need to be careful how we build systems for identifying appropriate metrics for success, given these complex social behaviors where relapse and recidivism are a frequent part of the process.

That said, nonprofits are eager to partner with private industry when the goal is to augment government money.

Typically, private foundations serve this role, and with their support many organizations run innovative and results-oriented programs where a return on investment, in the form of improvements in the lives of the program participants, is built into the project.

That this initiative takes it a step further by providing an investor with a financial incentive to tackle difficult societal problems is a challenge the nonprofit sector is demonstrably ready to meet.

PETER PROVET President and Chief ExecutiveOdyssey HouseNew York, Aug. 4, 2012

Our 2011 Annual Report is now available

Life Changing Recovery

Odyssey House recognizes that recovery is a process and that while it is different for every individual, the goals are the same: abstinence from addictive substances, improved health and wellness, independence and engagement in family and community life. 

In our 2011 annual report we look at how our programs and services prepare people to embrace health, create a home, find purpose, and foster community.

Merging missions for good health

The gym at Odyssey House Park Avenue.

In the latest issue of Addiction Professional, Odyssey House Vice President & Director of Human Resources Colleen Beagen talks about our staff wellness initiative and how we are using it as a model for our clients.

"Bringing wellness into the workplace is a natural development at New York City-based treatment organization Odyssey House, where the overall mission is to promote a healthy recovery for individuals and families facing a range of life challenges that can include substance use disorders, mental illness, homelessness and chronic medical conditions. In 2011, Odyssey House introduced a free, voluntary wellness program called R U Fit?! to encourage staff to improve their overall health and fitness.

"This staff wellness initiative represents a continuation of Odyssey House's commitment to support and promote good health among treatment program participants."

Click here to read the article.

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.

Odyssey House welcomes a new board chairman

Odyssey House is pleased to announce the election of Richard O’Connor to chairman of the Odyssey House Board of Trustees. Mr. O’Connor, vice president of marketing at CVS Caremark, has served on the Board of Trustees as vice chairman from 2010 and has held positions on the strategic planning and finance committees since joining the board in 2002.

Mr. O’Connor said he sees his role as one of championing the holistic approach to recovery and rehabilitation pioneered at Odyssey House for people with substance use disorders and mental illness.


Passing the torch. George Rosenfeld (right),
retiring as board chairman after ten years,
congratulates Rick O'Connor (left)
on his election to the chairmanship.

“Over the ten years I have been closely involved with Odyssey House I have seen the agency grow into a multi-faceted social services organization that offers a continuum of care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Many of the individuals who turn to Odyssey House for help with substance abuse and mental health problems have been homeless, suffer from physical and mental trauma, and have educational deficits that severely limit their job prospects and ability to take care of themselves and their family.

“I am excited to be a part of this mission and look forward to continuing the organization’s role as a leader in the field of recovery for a broad population of teens, families, senior citizens, and people with medical and mental health problems. I am also honored to be following in the footsteps of George Rosenfeld who retired as chairman following ten years of innovative leadership.”

Peter Provet, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Odyssey House, said, “Rick has been an invaluable member of our board for ten years. We are delighted with his election to Chairman of Odyssey House. He brings an extensive background in health care, wellness, and the treatment of intellectual and learning disabilities to our recovery-based organization, both as a skilled communicator and a strategic business thinker.”

Visit our YouTube channel to watch a short tribute to George Rosenfeld's tenure as chairman.