August Newsletter

Director’s Corner

July was an exciting month as we continued to see increased engagement from peer professionals throughout our community. Each month, our Peer Breakfast continues to grow, bringing together peers from a variety of organizations to network, collaborate, share resources, and strengthen our collective impact. Watching these connections develop reminds us that when we work together, we build a stronger recovery community for everyone we serve.

One of the accomplishments I am most excited about is helping bring the New York State Association of Peer Professionals (NYSAPP) back to life after the challenges of COVID. Together, a dedicated team of community peer leaders is reimagining the purpose of NYSAPP by creating opportunities that extend beyond meetings. Our vision is to build a thriving professional network that focuses on workforce development, leadership, continuing education, mentorship, and meaningful networking experiences for peer professionals across New York State.

We were recently approved to provide 2 continuing education credits at our monthly meetings!  As we continue planning future events, we remain committed to creating opportunities that support the growth of the peer workforce while fostering connection, collaboration, and professional excellence. The future of NYSAPP is bright, and I am grateful to everyone for helping make that vision a reality.

With gratitude,

Katrina Koren

***PS Today is the Lawson Lake Recovery Picnic! If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly recovery event come join us from 11 am to 4 pm at 17 Lower Camp Road in Feura Bush, NY. Free food, bounce house, kids corner, all-recovery meeting, and more!***

Staff Spotlight

From the age of 25 to 36, Jason describes his life as a "decade of destruction." During those years, he struggled with active substance use and criminal behavior that gradually took away his freedom, strained relationships with loved ones, and left him searching for a new direction.

After serving time in prison, Jason was released in December 2023. One of his first priorities was checking in with parole and beginning the difficult work of rebuilding his life. That journey led him to Second Chance Opportunities, Inc., where he connected with a Peer Recovery Coach.

"From my very first day at SCO, the staff placed me in situations that challenged me to grow and helped me put my life back together," Jason shares.

Jason began his career with SCO working overnight on a janitorial contract. As he continued to demonstrate dedication and a strong work ethic, he transitioned into the SCOOT Peer Driver position before eventually becoming a Peer Recovery Coach.

"I love working with people in recovery. It's my passion."

Today, Jason credits his recovery with giving him far more than sobriety. It has allowed him to become a better father, strengthen his relationship with his mother, build a healthy relationship with his fiancée, reconnect with his children, and grow into a supportive coworker and mentor.

Committed to continuous professional growth, Jason recently earned his Criminal Justice Recovery Specialist (CJSR) credential and immediately followed that achievement by successfully completing the Peer Supervisor Training, further expanding his leadership skills and commitment to the peer workforce.

Today, Jason serves individuals participating in the Albany County Treatment Court, where he uses his lived experience to inspire hope, build trust, and support others as they work toward lasting recovery.

Jason's journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that with support, determination, and opportunity, lives can be transformed.

Celebrating Achievements

Congratulations to Elisabeth, one of our dedicated Social Care Navigators, on recently advancing to the next phase of Treatment Court!

Elizabeth's commitment to her recovery journey is inspiring and serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is built one step at a time. Her perseverance, resilience, and dedication to personal growth continue to shine both personally and professionally.

Elizabeth, we are incredibly proud of you and are rooting for your continued success. This is what recovery looks like!

Congratulations to Cara Mia on two exciting professional milestones!

Cara recently passed her New York State Notary Public Exam and has officially begun her CASAC Internship with Hope House, taking another important step toward her professional goals in the addiction and recovery field.

Cara has also expressed a passion for becoming a Certified Trainer with Second Chance Opportunities, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning, leadership, and giving back to the peer workforce.

Her dedication to both her personal recovery and professional development is truly inspiring. Cara consistently leads, by example, embraces new opportunities for growth, and is a valued member of the SCO team.

Congratulations, Cara! We are excited to watch your journey continue and look forward to seeing all you accomplish.

New & Exciting!

SCO's Training Institute

Second Chance Opportunities is proud to launch our new SCO Training Institute, an exciting investment in developing and strengthening the peer workforce across New York State.

Our Training Institute will not only provide the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy (RCA) for individuals beginning their journey as Peer Recovery Coaches but will also offer a variety of continuing education training courses to help Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs) maintain their credentials while expanding their knowledge and professional skills. As our training calendar continues to grow, participants can look forward to high-quality educational opportunities designed to support career advancement and leadership within the peer profession.

This month, we are especially excited to have Erica and Cassie facilitating the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy. Their passion for peer support and commitment to developing future recovery coaches will help equip a new generation of peers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

We are excited to announce that Katrina Koren was recently approved by NYCB as a trainer!

Katrina Koren, B.S., CASAC-G/Advanced, CARC, CRPA

Training Director, SCO Training Institute

Katrina brings over two decades of experience across Program Director, Clinical Director, and Residential Director roles in the addiction and recovery field, including two decades as a trainer within OASAS programs. She holds a B.S. in Addiction Studies and is credentialed as a CASAC-G/Advanced with a Gambling Designation, CARC, and CRPA. As Recovery Center Director at Second Chance Opportunities and Training Director of the new SCO Training Institute, Katrina has extensive experience delivering multilevel training across the peer recovery workforce and substance use field. She is deeply committed to building sustainable, second-chance-driven pathways for peer professionals, and brings that same values-forward approach to every training she leads.

At SCO, we believe that investing in education is investing in recovery. We are proud to help build a stronger, more skilled peer workforce, one training, one coach, and one life at a time.

SCO is proud to host a Motivational Interviewing training sponsored by the 3rd Judicial District. This is a 12-hour approved credit training offered to Case Managers, Clinicians, Counselors, and CRPAs. Seats are limited to 32 people.
REGISTER HERE


Other Upcoming Trainings:

Training Registration Link!

Good Behavior: Ethics in Theory and in Practice

• 9 hr CRPA renewal Ethics

• August 4th, 10 am to 4 pm - August 5th, 10 am to 3 pm

Spirituality for Recovery Coaches

• 12 hr CRPA/CARC renewal credits

• September 1st, 9 am to 4 pm - September 2, 9 am to 4 pm

Science of Addiction and Recovery

• 6 hr CRPA/CARC renewal credits

• September 9th, 9 am to 4 pm

Our Stories Have Power

• 3 hr CRPA/CARC renewal credits

• September 16th, 9 am - 12:30 pm

Recovery Coach Academy and Ethical Considerations (CRPA Foundational)

• 30 + 16 = 46 Foundational CRPA credits

• RCA is October 5th - 9th

• Ethical Considerations is October 13th - 15th

***Call the office for more information on our training department. Website page coming soon!***

Million-Dollar Beach Janitorial Contract

Second Chance Opportunities is proud to continue our janitorial contract at Million Dollar Beach in Lake George, where our team is helping maintain one of New York's most visited and beautiful public destinations.

A special recognition goes to Alycia Martin and Colby Harrington, who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, professionalism, and pride in their work. Through their commitment to excellence, they help ensure that visitors can enjoy a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the busy summer season.

This contract represents more than quality service—it reflects SCO's mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities while empowering individuals to build skills, confidence, and long-term career success. We are incredibly proud of Alycia and Colby for the positive impact they make each day and for representing Second Chance Opportunities with integrity and professionalism.

Thank you, Alycia and Colby, for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts make a difference, and we are proud to have you on the SCO team!

UPCOMING EVENTS

📅 Open Mic Night – August 3rd, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM

📅 SMART Recovery – August 5h, 5:00 PM–6:30 PM

📅 Grief & Loss in Recovery – August 6th, 5:30 PM–7:00 PM

📅 Families in Recovery CRAFT – August 10th, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM

📅 Spirituality in Recovery – August 11th, 5:00 PM–6:30 PM

📅 Sunmark – August 12th, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM

📅 Paint and Chip – August 13th, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM

📅 Family Movie Night! – August 15th, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM We will be showing The Wild Robot this month!

📍 NARCAN Trainings Available Daily!