Recoveries R Us had the pleasure of attending the Annual InUnity Alliance Conference in Saratoga Springs, a threeday gathering focused on recovery, equity, and community health. The conference brought together leaders, advocates, and professionals from across New York State to share insights, strategies, and stories that strengthen the recovery movement. Sessions highlighted critical topics such as health disparities in underserved communities and the urgent need for equitable access to care. These conversations reinforced the mission of Recoveries R Us to break barriers and bring hope to those most in need.
The event was not only about learning but also about connection. Through networking, authentic conversations, and new partnerships, Recoveries R Us left the conference with fresh perspectives and strengthened ties to organizations committed to the same vision.
One highlight of the conference was the Women’s Luncheon, which celebrated the leadership, resilience, and impact of women making a difference in their communities. The atmosphere was one of empowerment and collaboration, reflecting the values that Recoveries R Us champions daily.
Connie Pacheco with Letisha “Tish” James Attorney General
Participation in the InUnity Alliance Conference reflects the organization’s commitment to being at the forefront of recovery advocacy, ensuring that the Bronx and beyond benefit from innovative ideas, partnerships, and best practices shared on this statewide platform.
Recoveries R Us is proud to continue representing its community at conferences like InUnity, where the power of collaboration creates lasting impact.
WHAT’S NEXT???
NAADAC Annual Conference – Seattle, WA
October 12, 2025
Connie will present her powerful talk “From Fear to Fierce”, sharing her journey of resilience and tools to transform fear into strength.
NYS Recovery Conference – Albany, NY
October 13, 2025
Connie will lead “LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace”, highlighting resilience, acceptance, and the importance of creating affirming spaces. She’ll be joined by special guest performer Gia Crystal, CRPA.
These presentations spotlight Connie’s dedication to empowering professionals, dismantling stigma, and building inclusive communities.
Stay tuned for highlights and key takeaways from both events in our next issue!
CONNIE’S CORNER
Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and stand united in breaking the cycle of abuse. This topic is deeply personal to me. In 1982, I lost my sister to domestic violence when her boyfriend took her life and his own.
That tragedy changed my world forever.
As a survivor of partner abuse myself, I know firsthand the pain, fear, and shame that can come with silence. But I also know the power of healing, education, and community support. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to creating safe spaces where people can find their voice, rebuild their strength, and reclaim their lives.
At Recoveries R Us, we believe recovery isn’t just about overcoming addiction it’s also about breaking free from trauma, fear, and control. Every story shared, every class taught, every person empowered brings us one step closer to a world where love never hurts.
If you or someone you know is in danger, please reach out. Help is available and know you are never alone. ��
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | thehotline.org
THE NGLCC SUMMIT
Connie Pacheco was honored to be awarded a proclamation by the Manhattan borough president at the 2025 NGLCC Summit at John Jay College, an inspiring gathering that brought together LGBTQ leaders, advocates, and business partners from across New York and beyond.
A historic highlight of the Summit came when Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine officially proclaimed September 19, 2025, as “Connie Pacheco Day.” This proclamation not only honored Connie’s leadership but also recognized the mission of Recoveries R Us: transforming lives through education, recovery training, and empowerment.
Connie emphasized that this honor is not about one person, but about the collective efforts of the students, staff, and partners who work tirelessly to make a difference. At Recoveries R Us, the commitment to training the next generation of addiction counselors, recovery coaches, and peer advocates is at the heart of this recognition.
Special thanks to the students who came out to show their support your passion and dedication are what keep this mission alive.
We were also thrilled to share this special day with Steven Garibell, Vice President of Community Business Development at TD Bank, during the United Together Business Summit. His leadership and dedication to community growth reflect the very partnerships that make this work stronger. Together, we look forward to building new bridges, expanding opportunities, and continuing the fight for equity in every space.
SPEED COACHING SESSION
In celebration of Recovery Month, Recoveries R Us proudly hosted our very first Speed Coaching event and it was a huge success!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so special. Together, we connected with incredible coaches, gained fresh insights, and shared a delicious meal. The room was filled with positive energy, enthusiasm, and a true spirit of growth and support.
This one-of-a-kind experience gave our students and community members the tools, confidence, and encouragement to keep moving forward in life, recovery, and career.
And here’s the exciting part: thanks to the overwhelming success of this event, we’ll definitely be hosting another Speed Coaching soon stay tuned for the next date!
Thank you for being part of this unforgettable night and for celebrating Recovery Month with us in such a powerful way.
NEWEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY- BURBERRY
Recoveries R Us is excited to welcome Burberry, the newest member of our family! She’s the adorable puppy of our beloved mascot Blackberry,
We can’t get enough of her cuteness and we know she’ll bring even more joy, love, and smiles to our community. Be on the lookout for Burberry as she begins making her rounds and spreading paw-sitive energy!
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
RECOVERIES R US IS PROUD TO RECOGNIZE CHRISTOPHER M. AS OUR STUDENT OF THE MONTH!
CHRISTOPHER HAS SHOWN INCREDIBLE DEDICATION TO THIER TRAINING, A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN THE CLASSROOM, AND A TRUE PASSION FOR SUPPORTING THEIR COMMITMENT TO LEARNING AND GROWING AS A FUTURE PROFESSIONAL SETS A POWERFUL EXAMPLE FOR THIER PEERS.
WE ARE INSPIRED BY THIER DETERMINATION AND CAN’T WAIT TO SEE ALL THE AMAZING THINGS THEY WILL ACCOMPLISH AS THEY CONTINUE THIER PATH TOWARD BECOMING A LEADER IN THE RECOVERY COMMUNITY.
CONGRATULATIONS, CHRIS KEEP SHINING BRIGHT!
NURKIS’ RECOV JOURNEY
RECOVERIES R US IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE ONE OF OUR OWN — NURKIS, A DEDICATED MEMBER OF OUR TEAM AND A TRUE EXAMPLE OF GROWTH AND PERSEVERANCE.
JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING NURKIS ON THIS HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT: GRADUATING FROM ACACIA NETWORK!
AS A HOMEGROWN MEMBER OF THE RECOVERIES R US FAMILY, NURKIS’ JOURNEY IS A REMINDER THAT WITH HARD WORK, PASSION, AND SUPPORT, INCREDIBLE MILESTONES CAN BE ACHIEVED. THIS GRADUATION MARKS NOT JUST AN ENDING, BUT A POWERFUL NEW BEGINNING FILLED WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE AN EVEN GREATER IMPACT IN THE RECOVERY COMMUNITY.
CONGRATULATIONS, NURKIS WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
MOCK GROUP PRESENTATION
A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR STUDENT’S INITIATIVE AND FOR SHOWING US ALL HOW POWERFUL PEER-LED LEARNING CAN BE!
DURING OUR RECENT MOCK GROUP PRESENTATION, ONE OF OUR TALENTED STUDENTS LED THE GROUP IN AN ENGAGING EXERCISE ON HOW TO RELEASE TENSION.
IT WAS A GREAT DEMONSTRATION THAT REMINDED US HOW SIMPLE TECHNIQUES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN MANAGING STRESS AND SUPPORTING WELLNESS. MOMENTS LIKE THESE SHOWCASE THE CREATIVITY, CONFIDENCE, AND SKILLS OUR STUDENTS ARE BUILDING EVERY DAY AT RECOVERIES R US.
ORLANDO CONDUCTS
NARCAN PRESENTATION
WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO ORLANDO FROM VIDA NUEVA FOR JOINING US TO LEAD A POWERFUL NARCAN TRAINING WITH OUR STUDENTS.
YOUR COMMITMENT TO SHARING THIS LIFESAVING KNOWLEDGE MAKES A REAL IMPACT, AND WE’RE GRATEFUL TO HAVE YOU BACK EVERY THREE MONTHS TO CONTINUE STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY.
EVERY SESSION BRINGS US ONE STEP CLOSER TO A SAFER, HEALTHIER FUTURE — BECAUSE TOGETHER, WE SAVE LIVES.
ANNOUNCEMENT!! RECOVERIES R US ANNUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY
Recoveries R Us is proud to announce our upcoming Graduation Ceremony on October 30, 2025 at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx!
This event will celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students who have successfully completed their training programs. Each graduate’s journey represents dedication, perseverance, and the commitment to making a difference in the field of recovery.
The ceremony will include special recognitions, awards, and the opportunity to highlight the achievements of those now prepared to step forward as addiction counselors, recovery coaches, and peer advocates.
Graduation is always a powerful reminder of our mission: to educate, empower, and prepare students for meaningful careers that transform lives and strengthen communities.
Stay tuned for highlights and photos from this unforgettable evening as we honor our graduates’ success!
