Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of $42.9 million to support job training and placement programs for individuals across New York State who have been affected by addiction and are prepared to enter the workforce. The funding includes over $35.6 million designated for hiring and retaining vocational rehabilitation counselors at addiction services providers, along with an additional $7.3 million awarded to two organizations that will offer regional support services.
“Supporting individuals struggling with addiction is the initial step, but it’s equally important to empower these New Yorkers to secure stable employment,” Governor 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.”
The initiative aims to improve employment outcomes for people in treatment or recovery from substance use disorders by providing job training and placement assistance. Each provider will receive enough funding to hire or retain two counselors under five-year contracts totaling more than $35.6 million.
The awards span several regions:
– In the Capital District, Behavioral Health Services North, Inc received $1,456,360.
– Central NY’s Farnham Family Services was allocated $1,278,805.
– The Finger Lakes Area Counseling Recovery Agency was awarded $1,750,000.
– Long Island organizations such as Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services received over $1.5 million.
– In New York City, multiple providers including Samaritan Daytop Village (Bronx and Queens), Community Health Action of Staten Island, StartCare (Brooklyn and Manhattan), Housing Works Health Services III, Educational Alliance Inc., and Montefiore Medical Center each received amounts close to or at $1.75 million.
– Other regions such as North Country, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Western NY also saw significant investments directed toward local service providers.
Additionally, NADAP (upstate) and Easter Seals (downstate) were granted a combined total of $7.3 million to assist with generating job leads for those seeking employment and ensuring equitable access throughout urban, suburban, and rural areas.
OASAS offers various programs that connect people in recovery with employers—including tax credits for businesses that hire those in recovery—and scholarships for individuals pursuing certifications or degrees in addiction services fields.
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham stated: “Employment can play a major role in the recovery of individuals impacted by addiction. Unfortunately, many still face stigma and barriers to finding work. 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.”
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez added: “Millions of New Yorkers across our state have been impacted by substance use disorders, directly or indirectly. This is a crisis that touches every family, every neighborhood, and every community. These investments in workforce development and education recognize that stable employment is essential to long-term recovery, and that our service providers need sustained support to do this lifesaving work. Seeing meaningful resources directed to the Bronx, one of the communities hardest hit by this crisis, reflects the targeted, people-centered approach our families deserve.”
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports operates one of the largest systems of prevention and treatment programs nationwide—serving over 731,000 individuals annually through about 1,700 programs—and runs 12 Addiction Treatment Centers offering inpatient care.
New Yorkers seeking help for themselves or loved ones dealing with addiction can contact HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). Information on available treatment options can be found on the NYS OASAS website.