Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $42.9 million in funding to support job training and placement programs for New Yorkers impacted by addiction across the state.
The funding package includes more than $35.6 million to hire and retain vocational rehabilitation counselors at addiction services providers and an additional $7.3 million for two organizations that will provide regional support services. The initiative aims to improve employment outcomes for individuals in treatment and recovery for substance use disorders through employment training and job placement assistance.
“Supporting individuals struggling with addiction is the initial step, but it’s equally important to empower these New Yorkers to secure stable employment,” Hochul said. “This funding will be distributed to every region across the state, reinforcing our commitment to support New Yorkers who have been impacted by addiction in starting a new chapter, while simultaneously bolstering critical workforces statewide.”
Twenty-two addiction services providers across the state received five-year contracts totaling $35,620,085. Each recipient can hire or retain two counselors. New York City received the largest share, with eight providers funded, including Community Health Action of Staten Island, which received $1,750,000.
The non-profit organization connects with people and partners across the borough to deliver assistance that helps Islanders have enough food to eat, access medical care, recover from substance use and find safety from domestic violence.
NADAP and Easter Seals received the $7.3 million to support the counselors by generating job leads, connecting job seekers to opportunities, assisting with referrals and tracking outcomes. The organizations will work to ensure services reach urban, suburban and rural areas equally.
Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, said employment can play a large role in the recovery of those impacted by addiction, but there are often barriers to job placement.
“Unfortunately, many still face stigma and barriers to finding work,” explained Cunningham. “This innovative effort will strengthen the support system here in New York, helping people build job skills through training efforts, and providing job placement assistance supporting their recovery and long-term health goals.”
The Office of Addiction Services and Supports operates other employment programs for people in recovery, including tax credits for employers who hire individuals in recovery and scholarships for those seeking addiction services certifications or degrees.
The state agency oversees approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery programs serving more than 731,000 individuals annually. It directly operates 12 Addiction Treatment Centers providing inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.
New Yorkers seeking addiction help can call the state’s HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY to 467369. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.