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YSS Recovery Coach Academy Training Marks National Recovery Month
Posted 09/10/21For Immediate Release
Sept. 8, 2021
Contact: Betsy Bethel-McFarland, bmcfarland@ysswv.com
WHEELING — Youth Services System, along with the Wheeling YWCA, is offering a free Recovery Coach Academy September 27-October 1. About 150 coaches have been trained in the Ohio Valley since 2015. Veteran trainers Valery Staskey of YSS, and Jennifer Sorg of the YWCA, are facilitating the course, which is being held during National Recovery Month.
Recovery Coaching is an evidence-based intervention for people in or seeking recovery from a substance use disorder. Many attendees of previous courses have gained employment with area treatment facilities, the courts, and other social service agencies. Recovery coaches offer trained peer-to-peer support to assist a person with the basics of recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. They offer guidance from their lived experience and help with navigating the recovery community, make referrals, and lend a helping hand to people with substance use disorders.
Facilitator Jennifer Sorg explained, “The recovery coaching course sets the foundation for anyone wanting to be certified as a coach.” She continued, “While anyone who is interested in recovery can take the course, only those with lived experience of recovery can become state-certified.” “State certification, while encouraged, can be an on-the-job task for those entering the field,” Staskey clarified. Both agreed that the course is stimulating, enlightening, and can deepen peer’s experience of recovery.
The Recovery Coach Academy will be held at YSS, 87-15th St., Wheeling. The course runs for the week, from 8:30-4:30 daily. A certificate will be issued by the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery, a nationally recognized credentialing organization. Additionally, 30 continuing education units in addiction and social work will be offered. For more information, or to enroll, please contact Valery Staskey at 304-233-2045, or at vstaskey@ysswv.com.