The Alliance for Rights and Recovery

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The Alliance for Rights and Recovery

The Alliance for Rights and Recovery (formerly NYAPRS) is a unique coalition of advocates Formerly known as NYAPRS.

Founded in 1981, The Alliance for Rights and Recovery has its origins in New York's clubhouse and social club community. Since then our aim has been to bring together and serve the needs of the broad spectrum of community based mental health recovery, rehabilitation and peer support services in New York. Accordingly, we have reached out to consumers/survivors and professionals associated with the state's Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Treatment (IPRT) programs, supported employment and education, affirmative business services and other peer-driven rehabilitation and recovery support services. Our goal has been to help connect and unite these diverse groups, building on their shared dedication to quality recovery services.

01/06/2026

Two forums. Two regions. One shared mission.
Join The Alliance for Rights and Recovery this January for two in-person Regional Forums bringing together advocates, providers, and community leaders to strengthen behavioral health systems across New York. With major federal shifts, a new legislative session coming, and growing urgency around crisis response, housing, and justice reform, this is the time to organize, mobilize, and strengthen our collective voice.
Long Island Regional Forum
January 12 | 2–4:30pm | Amityville

NYC Regional Forum
January 13 | 11am–2pm | Brooklyn

Together, we’ll explore advocacy priorities, policy impacts, and how to mobilize for meaningful change in our communities.
Food provided + raffle for a free Alliance Conference scholarship.

01/06/2026

There’s still time to register for the 2026 Alliance Leadership Institute, a newly redesigned leadership learning experience created specifically for leaders in behavioral health and community-based organizations.

The 2026 Leadership Institute is a virtual, webinar-based series that combines expert-led learning with practical strategies to help leaders navigate today’s complex behavioral health landscape—while staying grounded in recovery-oriented, mission-driven values.

Six Live Interactive Webinars (January–June 2026):
Participants will engage with national experts on timely leadership topics, including:
- From Mission to Metrics: Aligning Data and Outcomes with Vision and Strategy
- The Burnout Epidemic: How Leaders Can Foster Resilience and Retain Staff
- Rewiring Behavioral Health: AI, Telehealth, and the New Rules of Leadership
- Scaling with Integrity: Growing Without Losing Your Mission
- The Leadership Pipeline: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
- Embedding DEI: Practical Strategies for Behavioral Health Leaders
Each session is designed to provide actionable tools leaders can immediately apply within their teams and organizations.

Optional 1:1 Leadership Coaching
Participants may choose to enhance their learning experience with individual leadership coaching, which includes:
Ten one-on-one sessions with an experienced leadership coach
Personalized support focused on communication, supervision, and strategic leadership growth
Coaching can be added at any point during the program

The Alliance Leadership Institute is ideal for:
- Program Directors and Supervisors
- Clinical and Administrative Managers
- Emerging and Mid-Level Leaders
- Executive and Senior Leaders

Visit the Alliance website to learn more and register for the Leadership Institute 2026: https://rightsandrecovery.org/transformation-training/the-leadership-institute/2026-leaders-group/
If you have questions or would like assistance with registration, please contact Daniella Labate Covelli at daniellal@rightsandrecovery.org.

12/29/2025

Strong leadership doesn’t happen by accident, it’s planned. Set your leadership goals for the year ahead.

The Alliance for Rights and Recovery just launched a newly redesigned Leadership Learning Series — six powerful virtual sessions with nationally recognized experts on topics like data-driven leadership, organizational culture, AI and telehealth, DEI in leadership, and building the next generation of changemakers.

📅 Jan–May 2026 | 💻 Virtual | 💲 Only $150 (Members $50)
Optional 1:1 executive coaching also available!

Register now and strengthen how you lead in 2026: https://buff.ly/Zd4hOUy
Featured Sessions & Expert Presenters

1. From Mission to Metrics: Aligning Data and Outcomes with Vision and Strategy
Boris Vilgorin, MPH – January 27, 11 AM
Boris is a leading expert in data strategy and outcome measurement, helping agencies transform information into insight. His expertise spans value-based payment, behavioral health policy, quality improvement, and building data-informed cultures that power better care.

2. The Burnout Epidemic: How Can Leaders Foster Resilience and Retain Their Most Valued Employees?
Glenn Courounis – February 24, 10–11:30 AM
A nationally recognized voice in workforce wellness and organizational resilience, Glenn helps leaders tackle burnout at its roots. His work empowers organizations to strengthen staff well-being, improve retention, and cultivate healthier workplace cultures.

3. Rewiring Behavioral Health: AI, Telehealth, and the New Rules of Leadership

Alex Pelaez, PhD – March 10, 11–12:30 PM
Dr. Pelaez sits at the cutting edge of behavioral health and technology. His work helps leaders navigate AI, telehealth, ethics, and digital transformation with clarity and confidence—ensuring innovation aligns with strong clinical and organizational values.

4. Scaling with Integrity: Growth Without Losing Your Mission
Shannon Higbee – April 14, 1–2:30 PM
Shannon is a dynamic organizational leader known for translating complex systems into practical strategies that elevate teams and strengthen culture. Her expertise spans workforce development, governance, peer support program design, and strategic growth. She helps organizations expand impact while protecting their mission at every step.

5. The Leadership Pipeline: Shaping the Next Generation of Changemakers
Jeremy Wright – May 13, 1–2:30 PM
Jeremy is a recognized expert in leadership coaching, mentorship, and talent development. His work supports organizations in identifying emerging leaders, building robust leadership pipelines, and ensuring long-term organizational vitality.

6. Embedding DEI into Leadership Practice: Practical Strategies for Behavioral Health Leaders
Dr. Ashley Stewart – Date TBA
Dr. Stewart is a nationally respected DEI strategist focused on helping behavioral health leaders embed equity into everyday practice. She brings deep expertise in inclusive leadership, culturally responsive supervision, and organizational transformation.

12/18/2025

The energy at our regional forums has been incredible! Huge thanks to everyone who has showed up to organize, share their stories, and prep for Legislative Day.
If you haven't joined us yet, keep your eyes peeled—more info on our upcoming forums is coming your way soon. Let’s keep this momentum building for February!

12/18/2025

New Leadership Learning Series — Registration Open!

The Alliance for Rights and Recovery just launched a newly redesigned Leadership Learning Series — six powerful virtual sessions with nationally recognized experts on topics like data-driven leadership, organizational culture, AI and telehealth, DEI in leadership, and building the next generation of changemakers.

📅 Jan–May 2026 | 💻 Virtual | 💲 Only $150 (Members $50)
Optional 1:1 executive coaching also available!

Register now and strengthen how you lead in 2026: https://rightsandrecovery.org/transformation-training/the-leadership-institute/2026-leaders-group/
Featured Sessions & Expert Presenters

1. From Mission to Metrics: Aligning Data and Outcomes with Vision and Strategy
Boris Vilgorin, MPH – January 27, 11 AM
Boris is a leading expert in data strategy and outcome measurement, helping agencies transform information into insight. His expertise spans value-based payment, behavioral health policy, quality improvement, and building data-informed cultures that power better care.

2. The Burnout Epidemic: How Can Leaders Foster Resilience and Retain Their Most Valued Employees?
Glenn Courounis – February 24, 10–11:30 AM
A nationally recognized voice in workforce wellness and organizational resilience, Glenn helps leaders tackle burnout at its roots. His work empowers organizations to strengthen staff well-being, improve retention, and cultivate healthier workplace cultures.

3. Rewiring Behavioral Health: AI, Telehealth, and the New Rules of Leadership

Alex Pelaez, PhD – March 10, 11–12:30 PM
Dr. Pelaez sits at the cutting edge of behavioral health and technology. His work helps leaders navigate AI, telehealth, ethics, and digital transformation with clarity and confidence—ensuring innovation aligns with strong clinical and organizational values.

4. Scaling with Integrity: Growth Without Losing Your Mission
Shannon Higbee – April 14, 1–2:30 PM
Shannon is a dynamic organizational leader known for translating complex systems into practical strategies that elevate teams and strengthen culture. Her expertise spans workforce development, governance, peer support program design, and strategic growth. She helps organizations expand impact while protecting their mission at every step.

5. The Leadership Pipeline: Shaping the Next Generation of Changemakers
Jeremy Wright – May 13, 1–2:30 PM
Jeremy is a recognized expert in leadership coaching, mentorship, and talent development. His work supports organizations in identifying emerging leaders, building robust leadership pipelines, and ensuring long-term organizational vitality.

6. Embedding DEI into Leadership Practice: Practical Strategies for Behavioral Health Leaders
Dr. Ashley Stewart – Date TBA
Dr. Stewart is a nationally respected DEI strategist focused on helping behavioral health leaders embed equity into everyday practice. She brings deep expertise in inclusive leadership, culturally responsive supervision, and organizational transformation.

12/18/2025

Join The Alliance's Western New York Regional Forum, 11am-3pm
Hear the latest updates on rapidly unfolding federal and state policy changes
Identify advocacy priorities for the 2026 legislative and budget cycles
Share your concerns and experiences with system gaps, service needs, and community challenges directly with Alliance staff and government representatives
Build skills for meeting with legislators and influencing policy
Prepare together for Legislative Day in February

As federal cuts threaten supportive housing, food supports, Medicaid, and other essentials, it is critical that our community shows up, speaks out, and organizes together.

12/17/2025

Our Western NY Regional Forum is happening tomorrow, December 18 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at the he Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers

As federal cuts threaten Medicaid, housing, food supports, and peer services, it’s critical that our community shows up, speaks out, and organizes together. Join us to hear the latest policy updates, identify advocacy priorities for the 2026 budget, build skills for meeting with legislators, and prepare for Legislative Day in February.

Your voice matters—and we need it today.
Everyone is welcome.

12/16/2025

Culturally responsive care strengthens recovery
Join The Alliance for Rights and Recovery for a virtual session on cultural competence and the role it plays in equitable, person-centered behavioral health systems.

Dec. 16 | 1–3 PM
Virtual | Register for the webinar here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/wkMrcu0LRlW0tjIvCZa07g

12/15/2025

Tomorrow, December 16 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Join The Alliance for Rights and Recovery for a virtual training focused on cultural competence in behavioral health and peer services.

This session will explore how culture, identity, and lived experience shape care, advocacy, and recovery—and how we can build more responsive, equitable systems together. Register Here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/wkMrcu0LRlW0tjIvCZa07g

12/15/2025

Our Central NY Regional Forum is happening today, December 15 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at the Salina Community Center.

As federal cuts threaten Medicaid, housing, food supports, and peer services, it’s critical that our community shows up, speaks out, and organizes together. Join us to hear the latest policy updates, identify advocacy priorities for the 2026 budget, build skills for meeting with legislators, and prepare for Legislative Day in February.

Your voice matters—and we need it today.
Everyone is welcome.

12/11/2025

Join us next Tuesday, December 16 from 1–3 PM, for From Burnout to Belonging: Using the SWAP Tool to Cultivate Trauma-Responsive Teams!
Hosted by the Alliance’s Cultural Competence Committee, this session will explore practical ways to strengthen communication, build trust, and support wellness across your team.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/wkMrcu0LRlW0tjIvCZa07g

Address

194 Washington Avenue, Ste 400
Albany, NY
12210

Telephone

+15184360008

Website

http://www.rightsandrecovery.org/

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