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.

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

12/10/2025

We’re Hiring: Peer Bridger – Long Island

The Alliance for Rights and Recovery is looking for a Peer Bridger to support individuals transitioning from NYS OMH Psychiatric Centers into the community. This paid, full-time role is ideal for someone with lived experience who is passionate about fostering hope, empowerment, and successful community integration.

You’ll build trust-based relationships, provide flexible person-centered support, facilitate peer groups, offer post-discharge guidance, and help model the Peer Bridger approach for staff and participants.

Requirements include:
✔ NY Peer Specialist Certification (or within 3 months)
✔ Knowledge of NY’s public mental health system
✔ Strong communication and documentation skills
✔ Reliable vehicle
✔ Must live in the service county

Benefits: 401(k) + match, FSA, flexible schedule, PTO

📨 To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to HR@rightsandrecovery.org

We strongly encourage individuals with lived experience to apply.

12/09/2025

We’re excited to share that CEO Harvey Rosenthal and VP of Public Policy Luke Sikinyi will be speaking at this year’s Chris Ashman Wellness & Recovery Conference! Join us on December 11th as we come together with advocates, providers, and community leaders to advance wellness, equity, and recovery.
Tickets: https://myindependentliving.networkforgood.com/events/93289-21st-annual-chris-ashman-wellness-recovery-conference

12/08/2025

You’re Invited: Building Resilient Teams with the Safety and Wellness Action Plan (SWAP)!

The Alliance Cultural Competence Committee is excited to continue our mission of strengthening culturally aware, recovery-centered services across New York. We deeply understand that the effects of trauma touch everyone—the people we serve and the dedicated staff who support them.

Join us for an engaging, interactive webinar introducing the Safety and Wellness Action Plan (SWAP). SWAP is a powerful roadmap for supporting team members from all cultural backgrounds, helping your organization:
- Define wellness for your specific team.
- Identify early signs of stress before they escalate.
- Create shared agreements for grounding and thriving.

We are privileged to be joined by longtime experts in trauma-responsive practice:
- Luis Lopez, MA, MS (Director, I CONECT, Center for Practice Innovations)
- Marissa Messiah, LCAT, MA, CPRP (Implementation Specialist & Trainer, Center for Practice Innovations)

Address

194 Washington Avenue, Ste 400
Albany, NY
12210

Telephone

+15184360008

Website

http://www.rightsandrecovery.org/

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