New York (WRGB) — Governor Hochul announced, New York State is investing nearly $43 million in job training and placement programs designed to help people recovering from addiction find stable employment.
The funding, totaling about $42.9 million, will support workforce initiatives in every region of the state. Officials say the effort is intended to strengthen recovery outcomes by connecting individuals in treatment with job training, career support, and employment opportunities.
More than $35.6 million will go toward hiring and retaining vocational rehabilitation counselors at addiction services providers. Each participating organization will be able to hire or keep two counselors under five-year contracts to assist individuals in treatment and recovery with job readiness and placement.
An additional $7.3 million will be distributed to two organizations, one upstate and one downstate, to provide regional support services. Those groups will help generate job leads, connect participants with employers, track outcomes, and ensure services are delivered equitably across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
State officials say research shows stable employment can significantly support recovery by providing financial stability, structure, purpose, and social connection.
Hochul said in a statement
Supporting individuals struggling with addiction is the initial step, but it’s equally important to empower these New Yorkers to secure stable employment. 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.
Providers receiving funding span all regions of New York, including organizations in the Capital District, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York.
The initiative is administered through the State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), which oversees roughly 1,700 prevention, treatment, and recovery programs serving more than 731,000 people annually.
Officials say the state also offers programs that provide tax credits to employers who hire individuals in recovery and scholarships for those pursuing education or certification in addiction services careers.
New Yorkers seeking help for addiction can call the state’s 24-hour HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text HOPENY to 467369.