Friends of Recovery - New York

02/10/2026

At the Joint Legislative Hearing on the 2026 Mental Hygiene Budget, Dr. Angelia Smith-Wilson, Executive Director of Friends of Recovery New York, testified on what our recovery communities and workforce truly need to thrive.

🔹 $2.5M to implement the Recovery-Ready Workplace Act a proven workforce strategy that helps employers support people in recovery, reduce stigma, improve retention, and save an average of $8,900 per employee per year.

🔹 A 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment for peer professionals the minimum needed to stabilize a workforce that provides life-saving, highly skilled support and is currently underpaid and overextended.

🔹 Permanent funding for recovery services by dedicating alcohol and opioid excise tax revenue to the Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund because recovery cannot be built on short-term grants or uncertainty.

When lived experience leads policy, communities get stronger. 💜
Learn more about the priorities shaping recovery in New York.

02/06/2026

On February 3rd, FOR-NY facilitated 63 legislative meetings during Stand Up for Recovery Day strengthening advocacy and elevating recovery priorities statewide. 💜✊

02/04/2026

02/04/2026

Yesterday, I was honored to attend Stand Up for Recovery Day with the advocates, providers, and individuals who show up every day for people in recovery across New York.

During the program, I spoke about the proposed state budget and the changes I am pushing for to better support this community. That includes increasing the COLA to 2.7% so nonprofit providers can keep pace with rising costs and continue delivering critical services.

I am also advocating for the inclusion of my opioid settlement fund transparency bill, which would require state and local governments to clearly disclose how much opioid settlement funding has been spent and who has received those funds. New Yorkers deserve accountability and transparency when it comes to resources meant to address the opioid crisis.

Finally, I continue to push for meaningful funding for workforce recruitment and retention within Office of Addiction Services and Supports, similar to what is being proposed for the Office of Mental Health. Our recovery system is only as strong as the dedicated professionals who staff it.

Thank you to Friends of Recovery - New York for organizing this important day and for your continued advocacy on behalf of recovery communities across our state.

02/04/2026

02/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Stand Up for Recovery Day 2026. 💜💚 Your voices, advocacy, and commitment to community made this day truly meaningful. We are deeply grateful to stand alongside you as we continue this work together. Photos from the event will be coming soon, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

02/02/2026

Black history is American history. 🖤
This month, Friends of Recovery New York celebrates the strength, brilliance, and impact of Black leaders, advocates, and community members who continue to move recovery and justice forward across New York State. ✨

02/02/2026

💜💚 Stand Up for Recovery Day Event Program
From morning registration and networking to policy discussions, the march to the Capitol, lunch, and afternoon legislative meetings here’s a full look at what’s happening throughout the day.

Whether you’re attending sessions, tabling, marching, or meeting with legislators, this program will help you plan your day and not miss a moment of this powerful statewide advocacy event.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow as we come together to uplift recovery, advocate for change, and show that 💜💚

01/30/2026

We’re proud to recognize and thank the incredible sponsors of Stand Up for Recovery Day 2026 💜💚
Your support helps elevate recovery voices, strengthen advocacy, and move change forward across New York State.

Because of partners like you, we continue to stand united for equity, access, and recovery for all.

We look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday as we stand together for recovery!✊✨

01/29/2026

Friends of Recovery New York is proud to welcome Dr. Felecia Pullen as our new Board Chair. A nationally recognized leader, scholar, and social entrepreneur, Dr. Pullen brings more than 30 years of experience advancing equity-centered systems of care and strengthening recovery-oriented communities across New York State.

As Founder and CEO of Let’s Talk SAFETY, Inc., and a Ph.D.-trained researcher and policy advocate, her leadership will help guide FOR-NY’s mission to elevate recovery voices, influence policy, and build a more equitable recovery ecosystem statewide. 💜👏

01/26/2026

Friends of Recovery New York is honored to announce that our Director of Policy, Chris Assini, has been named a 2026 City & State Trailblazer in Health Care. 🏆👏

This recognition highlights Chris’s leadership, dedication, and impact on advancing recovery-focused health policy across New York State.

👉 Read more here:
https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2026/01/2026-trailblazers-health-care/410826/?oref=csny_powerlist_nl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Trailblazers%20list%20alert%20-%20Jan%2026%2C%202026&utm_term=newsletter_csny_alert -assini

01/26/2026

📣 SURD is next week let’s get ready!
Now’s the time to schedule your legislative meetings and take your advocacy to the next level. First-time attending? We’ve got you covered. 🤝💜
Reach out for support and guidance we’re in this together.

📧 Email Chris Assini: cassini@for-ny.org
by January 28th.