CHENANGO COUNTY — Friends of Recovery Dedicated to Others (FOR-DO) has received funding from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to expand their recovery-oriented services for Chenango County youth, ages 12 to 17.

The funding will allow FOR-DO to expand its Recovery Community and Outreach Center services, providing developmentally appropriate support for young people impacted by substance use, as well as those seeking a safe, drug-free environment.

“Our recovery centers play an important role in helping New Yorkers and their families impacted by addiction and this will help to further expand these services to young people who can be especially vulnerable to the effects of substance use,” said OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham.

“Governor Hochul has shown strong support for this initiative and others like it, and thanks to this work we have seen a significant drop in overdose deaths across the state,” Cunningham added.

Chenango County FOR-DO recently averted closure following a community-led fundraising effort, allowing the organization to stabilize its recovery center operations. Backed by the OASAS financial support of $225,000 a year, for a two year period, the organization will now expand its programming to include local youth.

"Thanks to the Norwich community and local foundations, we will remain open," said Debra Berrios, FOR-DO executive director. "And thanks to OASAS, we can extend services to include a younger demographic for 12- to 17-year-olds."

“It’s the best possible outcome for all of us,” said Berrios. “The OASAS funding gives us an important opportunity to build services around the needs and voices of young people in Chenango County.”

“Young people deserve places where they feel welcomed, supported, and connected,” she said. “We look forward to working alongside youth, families, schools, community organizations, and other local partners to create those opportunities.”

Berrios noted as part of the initiative, FOR-DO will conduct a community needs assessment to evaluate local experiences, needs, barriers, and existing resources in Chenango County. The findings will shape the development of programming tailored to youth in the community.

She explained the expanded services build upon FOR-DO’s mission to provide recovery support that is grounded in connection, hope, dignity, and community and said the programs will focus on building positive relationships, strengthening protective factors, connecting youth with resources, and maintaining a substance-free environment.

FOR-DO looks to collaborate with local schools, youth-serving organizations, behavioral health and substance use service providers, families, and community leaders, and other partners as the initiative develops.

“We know that supporting young people early can make a lasting difference,” Berrios said.

“This is about more than responding to substance use. It is about creating a community where young people have somewhere to belong, people they can trust, and opportunities to make healthy connections,” she added.

Further information regarding FOR-DO’s youth services, programming, eligibility, and opportunities for community involvement will be announced as the initiative is implemented.

According to the FOR-DO website, FOR-DO is a community-based recovery organization dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use.

Through peer-based recovery support, community connection, education, outreach, and advocacy, FOR-DO works to create opportunities for people to build meaningful and sustainable lives in recovery.

NYS OASAS oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of substance use prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.

Its mission is to provide, support, and oversee a data-driven continuum of addiction services delivered with equity, dignity, compassion, and respect.

For more information on FOR-DO, visit their website at https://for-do.org/turning-point-norwich/.