Recovery Options Made Easy, a peer-run non-profit headquartered in Gowanda, NY was
recognized for its exemplary leadership and service award by the New York Alliance of
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS). Recovery Options was awarded the Marty Smith
Memorial Award, on Thursday, September 30, 2021, during NYAPRS “United in Hope, Together
for Justice and Wellness for All “virtual conference. The Marty Smith Memorial Award is
presented to an organization that has provided exemplary community services to New Yorkers
with mental health, substance use and trauma-related challenges.
Nancy Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Restoration Society Inc., recognized Recovery Options
stating “ROME as an agency is a team of highly trained, incredibly compassionate, and
passionate, hardworking, and forward-thinking individuals. Individuals who, as peers, know what
it’s like to navigate the system.”
Recovery Options is a not-for-profit supported housing and community support services agency.
As a 95% peer-run organization, Recovery Options was developed and is operated by those
who have lived through the recovery process. Their tailored programs and services directly
benefit participants in mental health services in 20 counties throughout the Western New York
and Finger Lakes regions. The organization is committed to decreasing stigma by increasing
awareness of mental health and substance use through information, education, and advocacy.
In addition, to recognize the dedication and work in supporting peers, NYAPRS named their
Board leadership award after the late Recovery Options CEO, Dr. Kirsten Vincent, PhD. The
Kirsten Vincent Leadership Award is presented to a NYASPS Board member who has made
inspiring and exemplary contributions to advance the recovery, rights, and dignity of New
Yorkers with mental health, substance use and trauma-related challenges. This year, the award
was accepted by Carla Rabinowitz. Carla Rabinowitz has worked as an advocacy coordinator
from Community Access and served as Board President of NYAPRS.
“Kirsten, who passed this Memorial Day 2021, was a passionate, leader and friend to those with
mental health issues and those who served them. She spent much of her time running our
organization and providing training across the state. This is a much-deserved great honor, for a
very humble servant,” said Interim CEO, Shannon Higbee.
NYAPRS’s mission is to act as a change agent dedicated to improving services, public policies,
and social conditions for people with mental health, substance use and trauma-related
challenges, by promoting health, wellness, and recovery, with full community inclusion, so that
all may achieve maximum potential in communities of choice.
For more information, please call Marketing Outreach Coordinator, Katelynn Smith at
716.790.9516 or katelynn.smith@recovery-options-made-easy-inc.websitepro.hosting. You can also visit Recovery Options
Made Easy’s website at recoveryoptionsny.org.
