A Candid Conversation on Addiction and Finding Hope in Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Hudson Valley hard, and the need to self-isolate can be especially difficult for individuals and families struggling with addiction. On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Senator Sue Serino will partner with Unshattered, a unique community organization that empowers women in recovery, as well as the Dutchess County Department of Community and Behavior Health and the Prevention Council of Putnam to host a virtual candid conversation on addiction and recovery. 

Participants will hear directly from those who battled their own addictions and have since found hope in local recovery services and through their work with Unshattered. Participants will also hear from representatives from Putnam and Dutchess counties who will provide critical information on local resources and options for anyone who is, or knows someone, struggling with addiction. The event will also feature a question and answer period where participants will have the opportunity to submit questions for the event’s panelists. At the conclusion of the event, the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health will host a free, virtual Narcan Training. To pick up the free Narcan kit, individuals can call the Stabilization Center at (845) 486-2849. Those under the age if 18 will require a parents consent.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a unique set of difficulties for those who suffer from addiction and other mental health challenges,” said Senator Sue Serino. “We want to send a clear message to any of our neighbors who may be struggling: help is always available and they should not let the pandemic stop them from pursuing it. This free, virtual event will allow community members to hear directly from those who have lived these challenges themselves, have found their own unique paths to recovery, and who each work to remind those who are struggling that recovery is possible. I have never left Unshattered without feeling genuinely inspired, and I am looking forward to providing our neighbors the opportunity to hear from these amazing women first-hand.”

The virtual platform allows participants to join in on the event from the privacy of their own homes, something that may have kept interested individuals from participating in similar events sponsored by Senator Serino or other community organizations in the past.

Those interested in virtually attending this event can RSVP to Senator Serino’s District Office at 845-229-0106 or email serino@nysenate.gov. A secure Zoom link and instructions will be provided to all who RSVP ahead of the event. Those unfamiliar with the Zoom platform can call Senator Serino’s District Office for assistance. 

Headquartered in Hopewell Junction, Unshattered partners with residential recovery programs to help women in their care develop professional skills needed for full-time employment at their local shop where they sell unique, handcrafted bags and purses. The program’s goal is to empower women in recovery to gain independence and economic stability. To learn more about their work, click here.