天美传媒 National Collegiate Recovery Week Event
天美传媒 hosted a powerful and inspiring event Tuesday as part of National Collegiate Recovery Week, showcasing how opioid settlement funding is transforming student recovery support services and strengthening regional partnerships.*
The event, "Blaze the Trail: Recovery Starts Here," brought together college leadership, community partners, and students to highlight the real and measurable impact of this critical funding. The program emphasized a clear message: Hope. Support. Success.
Speakers included LCCC President John Yudichak, Melissa Wassel, Director of the Center for Student Support & Intervention, Luzerne County Council Chair Jimmy Sabatino, John Cosgrove of the AllOne Foundation, and LCCC student Madison Hayes, who shared a moving personal recovery story. The event was emceed by James Monahan, Certified Recovery & Intake Specialist.
At the center of the event was the growing impact of the AllOne Recovery Educational Institute (AREI), a collaborative initiative between LCCC and the AllOne Foundation that has expanded significantly through opioid settlement funding.
Transforming Education, Recovery, and Workforce Pathways
The impact of opioid settlement funding on AREI has been transformative?expanding access, strengthening student support, and building workforce pipelines across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
One of the most significant developments is the launch of the Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) Training Program. The current cohort includes 20 participants?18 professionals from inpatient and outpatient recovery centers across Luzerne, Lackawanna, Columbia, Northumberland, and Schuylkill counties, along with two AREI students. The program, offered over five weeks, provides comprehensive training while also covering meals and support services for participants. Strong demand has already created a waiting list for future sessions.
Enrollment in AREI has nearly doubled in less than a year, with students now representing a growing multi-county region including Luzerne, Lackawanna, Northumberland, Columbia, Schuylkill, and Wyoming counties. Last semester alone, the program provided nearly $30,000 in tuition and textbook assistance, removing financial barriers for students in recovery. This spring, 12 AREI students are graduating, with several continuing their education at four-year institutions.
Expanding Partnerships and Regional Impact
The program has also strengthened partnerships across the recovery and human services network, with increased referrals from organizations such as Blakeslee Outpatient, Pyramid Healthcare, Clearbrook Treatment Centers, Huntington Creek Recovery Center, Luzerne County Treatment Court, Columbia County CareerLink's Reboot Program, Woodhaven Academy, Pathstone, Geisinger's Free 2 Be Moms program, Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
New partnerships continue to emerge, including outreach from the John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation and Fresenius Medical Care in Nanticoke, further expanding opportunities for students in recovery.
Building a Stronger Workforce
The workforce impact has been equally significant. More than half of AREI students are currently employed in the human services field, with many advancing in their careers upon completing their studies at LCCC. Additionally, more students are enrolling in skilled trades programs such as plumbing, electrical technology, and industrial maintenance--pathways made more accessible through funding that covers tools, books, and supplies.
Strengthening Student Support Systems
Opioid settlement funding has also enhanced wraparound support services essential to student success. These include a technology loan program providing laptops and calculators, meal support for more than 40 AREI families, and expanded community programming such as the annual Community Resource Fair and the "Stop the Stigma! Start the Support!" event.
The funding also enabled the addition of a Student Support and Resource Specialist, a critical role focused on connecting students with community services and expanding outreach across LCCC's campuses and partner organizations.
Looking Ahead
LCCC and AREI leaders highlighted continued growth, including future CRS training cohorts, summer workshops focused on life balance and recovery, the second annual Community Resource Fair, and expanded recognition programs for graduating students.
The event concluded with a group photo and media availability, reinforcing a shared commitment among education, healthcare, and community leaders to create lasting recovery pathways.
Opioid settlement funding is not simply supporting a program--it is creating hope, opportunity, second chances, and long-term recovery success for individuals and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.