In brief
Location: Bergen County
Serving: New Jersey and New York (Rockland County)
Origin
Alumni in Recovery was founded by CEO Nancy Labov in 2014. Her passion for recovery and prevention stems from her personal experience of being an addiction medicine professional nurse and counselor, and a woman in recovery for over 30 years.
Mission
Our mission is to end the stigma around the disease of addiction, to raise awareness and connect communities with hope and resources.
Goals
Our goal is to change societal perceptions about the misunderstood brain disease process of addiction and aid people in navigating the deadly landscape of substance misuse and abuse. Additionally, we want the severity of addiction to be understood and provide ways the community can be part of the solution and help us heal.
Programs
Our main programs are educational, community and school-based events. Our speakers share their stories and struggles with previous issues involving addiction and substance use disorder. Pre-pandemic, we were averaging 60-70 presentations a year. All of our school presentations are free, as our members are volunteers, and this service is a way they can help others, prevent and, hopefully, save lives.
Achievements
One of our most recent achievements has been opening our new chapter in Paterson. People from the recovery community of Paterson are reaching out to schools and public safety departments of Paterson police to bridge the gap.
Fundraising
Money is raised through community events, such as our annual Walk to Remember, as well as through private donations.
Benefactors
One of our top supporters is Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, who we proudly have a partnership with — in community events and outreach — such as our upcoming April fundraiser, “A Walk to Remember.” We partner with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s office and other nonprofit addiction services in Bergen County. We are also mainly supported by members of the community who have experienced addiction issues themselves, or who have tragically lost someone to the disease.
Finally
We are seeking sponsors! With all of the pharmaceutical and medical companies headquartered in New Jersey, there must be several that share our passion.
We’d also like to share our vision, and open chapters, in areas around the state and nation. Our format can be easily implemented in any town, anywhere across the country. All it takes is a recovery community.
Conversation Starter
For any further information, and to register for our upcoming walk, visit: alumniinrecovery.org or our Facebook page.
To directly reach our founder and CEO Nancy Labov, email: Nancy@alumniinrecovery.org.
