Newsmakers: AmeriCorps Doubles Effort to Help People in Recovery

AmeriCorps is increasing their efforts in response to rising numbers of drug overdoses and reports of higher alcohol use during the pandemic. The program is doubling the size of their Recovery Corps program, which has been in existence since 2017.

“Recovery Corps is aimed to support people who are in recovery from substance use disorders statewide, and we do that through the power of national service,” said Alana Stimes, director of program development of Recovery Corps. 

To serve as a Recovery Navigator, the person must identify as being someone in a long-term substance disorder. Then, they must have a minimum of one year uninterrupted recovery experience before they start service.

“Our recover navigators partner with people in recovery and support them through one to one customized services. They help identify goals, action places and get all of the support and resource navigation they need to sustain and grow a healthy lifestyle in recovery,” said Stimes.

Alana Stimes, Recovery Corps

Recovery Navigators Needed

Stimes says Recovery Corps is still looking for 50 people to fill open positions statewide. Twenty of those positions are in Hennepin County at various nonprofits and public entities where there’s need. The positions offer 40 hours a week that are mainly Monday through Friday with some weekend commitments. There is a stipend for the work, plus money for student loans or tuition and health insurance. Recovery Corps takes care of training and members can also prepare to earn a professional credential–at no cost to them–in the process. 

“We hear time and time again that our navigators say not only were they able to support people in their recovery, but that they got to support their own recovery as well,” said Stimes. “It’s a mutually beneficial program for everybody. I am in awe everyday I talk to our Recovery Navigators. They get to change lives, literally.”  

See also: Drug Overdose Deaths Spike in 2020

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