Voices of Hope is excited to announce that the Opioid Workforce Innovation Fund (OWIF) has awarded Voices of Hope up to $50,000 to train people in recovery, family members and allies to earn the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential in Maryland. This grant will build the professional workforce of people who help others overcome addiction and lower opioid overdose deaths in our state.

14 students from Cecil and Harford counties have already enrolled in this training program. Students will receive all the required education, internship hours, supervision and final exam support to receive the credential. They will also receive job application and retention skill training with job placement assistance.

“Data proves that the use of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists in service organizations improves behavioral health treatment engagement and outcomes. Individuals are making a monumental change in the way that they live by choosing recovery and Peer Recovery Specialists support them along the way.” said Voices of Hope Executive Director, Jennifer Tuerke. “Voices of Hope believes that people with experience make the best advocates for individuals and families seeking treatment. Helping others well is a skill and requires training, experience and standards. This workforce will continue to make a difference and lower overdose deaths. The award from OWIF allows us to offer a pathway to this profession for those who could otherwise not afford it.”

Voices of Hope, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit recovery community organization that is based in Cecil County, Maryland. It’s mission is to advocate for recovery resources, mentor new people in recovery and support all pathways of recovery. The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential is administered through the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professional Certification Board.

The Opioid Workforce Innovation Fund is Maryland’s Workforce Development response to the Opioid Epidemic. In 2017, Governor Hogan declared a state of emergency in response to the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl crisis ravaging communities in Maryland and across the country. In response to this, the department has secured funding from the United States Department of Labor to counter the negative impacts of the opioid crisis on Maryland’s workforce and economy. The OWIF is a competitive grant fund intended to seed the implementation of new
and promising ideas or to adapt proven strategies at the systems or service delivery level,
ƒ Supports local organizations in developing innovative solutions that lead to improved employment outcomes for individuals and businesses who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the opioid crisis, and
ƒ Further addresses the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use disorder with innovative workforce programs in Maryland.

If you are interested in earning the credential to start a new career as a Peer Recovery Specialist, we invite you to watch the free webinar on our website. To inquire about Certified Peer Recovery Specialist training, call (443) 993-7055 or email voicesofhope414@gmail.com today!