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Since its inception in 1977,
the Employment Program for Recovered Alcoholics (501.c.3) has
provided the vocational rehabilitation link to a successful recovery
process from the disease of alcoholism and substance abuse.
Studies have consistently demonstrated that job stability is
a key factor in establishing long-term sobriety.
EPRA graduates are enabled to return to meaningful work,
get off public assistance, pay taxes, and maintain long-term
sobriety.
Until
the founding of EPRA there was no recognized program for helping
recovered alcoholics rediscover their employment potential.
Initial funding came from the National Council on Alcoholism
and grants from the Union Carbide Corporation and Brinkley Smithers
of the Smithers Foundation. As a founder of EPRA,
Brinkley Smithers continued his generous support. Today, the
generous spirit and support is continued by the Christopher D.
Smithers Foundation and Adele C. Smithers. EPRA’s
success has generated subsequent support from other Foundations,
Corporations, and government agencies.
100% of EPRA’s Board of Directors provide financial support
to the organization.
EPRA’s
Unique Program
EPRA’s
unique career recovery program has been developed, tested, and
refines after years of listening to clients.
Each component provides different, yet essential, information
and experiences. Building on personal strengths developed in the
program, EPRA helps people better set their vocational goals and to
master the requirements of the workplace.
In addition to achieving meaningful employment, clients
adopt positive principals that enrich their sober lives for the
present and future.
EPRA's
services include: job
placement, job readiness training, evaluation and assessment
and work experiences which enable clients to make the transition to
the discipline of a normal working life-style.
Evening and weekend programs provide follow up to help
clients and graduates deal with workplace issues.
EPRA’s Alumni Association provides support to both clients
and graduates.
EPRA
Clients
EPRA
is dedicated to the idea that the best interpersonal environment for
recovery is a “melting pot” of men and women recovering from
alcohol and substance abuse. EPRA
clients represent the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of
New York City. The
common experience of recovery helps clients provide each other with
valuable support.
The
Board of Directors and Staff of EPRA are committed to increasing
services to individuals who are handicapped by the disability of
alcoholism and substance abuse.
EPRA’s
environment has been characterized by clients as “warm, caring,
and safe.” Our accomplishments are supported by numerous letters of
gratitude and financial contributions from our most important
constituency- the graduates of the EPRA program.
“Unfortunately,
I know of no other program like EPRA in the United States.”
Dr. Anne Geller-Chief, Smithers Alcoholism Treatment and
Training Center
EPRA
Today
EPRA is a bridge back to work for
individuals in recovery. With positive attitudes and well developed
skills, they’re strongly motivated, conscientious, and eager to
make contributions to society. Their success in dealing with a major
life crisis, conquering the disease of alcoholism/substance abuse,
gives them a stability and personal insight commonly found in the
exceptional employee.
Today, thousands of EPRA trained people have
returned to productive working lives in New York City. They work at
jobs ranging from the mail room to the executive suite and are
helping to change previous thinking about recovery.
For
more information about EPRA
contact us at
(212) 947-1471
email info@eprany.org
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