About
Testimonials: Community Members
Our PTO invited ALUMNI IN RECOVERY to speak to our parents and their 7-12th grade students. The turnout was beyond our expectations. The speakers and their message were incredibly well-received. After the recovering Alumni spoke, our students said, ‘They were so relatable... They’re just like us’.
STACY STEIN
River Dell High School PTO
The impact that the presenters left with the students is invaluable. I truly look forward to having this organization return on a regular basis. Great job!!
JAMAYLA SCOTT
SW Guidance Support Staff/School Social Worker
Dwight Morrow High School, Englewood
We were impressed with your candidness in telling it like it is about the prom and your strong words to parents about having those uncomfortable conversations.
Deborah Bajakian
Student Assistance Coordinator
Northern Valley, Demarest High
The folks at ALUMNI IN RECOVERY are so awesome. The peer-to-peer model works better than any other. Our students really got the most important message: If you need help, do not be afraid to ask.
TODD URESSE
, Tenafly CAPTestimonials: Recovery Members
Looking back, most of my adolescence and early twenties were spent partying and blacking out — which I used to think was fun. I could not get my priorities straight. The only way I knew how to cope was with alcohol. I thought no one would ever understand what I was going through. When I finally asked for help, I found people in recovery that understood me and showed me how to live alcohol free. It has been better than I ever imagined. I joined ALUMNI IN RECOVERY to share my gratitude and my experience with this disease. I want to help young people choose to follow their dreams — not the drugs or alcohol.
NOELLE
AGE 28Testimonials: Parent/Family Members
After my son, Kevin O’Brien, died I was introduced to ALUMNI IN RECOVERY to serve in the capacity of a bereaved parent. I was able to turn my pain into purpose as a Co-Chair of the Parent Program and act as an active member on the Board. Alongside other bereaved parents, I was able to take part in community events that would honor our children as we shared our stories. Our mission was to spare other families from the consequences of a possible fatal outcome as we have endured. We were the voice of our children that became their legacy. We banded together to help others and begin our healing.
NANCY O’BRIEN
, Co-Founder of Parent ProgramTestimonials: Students
Yesterday, the ALUMNI IN RECOVERY presentation was very touching and powerful. What this program is doing is special. It is leading kids down the correct and positive path. Very inspirational.
YOAV
, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, TenaflyI am so thankful for the ALUMNI IN RECOVERY program. They made me realize that I’m not alone and help is always there — I just need to ask for it.
SOPHOMORE
Lodi High School, Bergen County, NJ
I think the speeches were really powerful. I feel that the way they told their stories could help my peers if they know someone struggling or are struggling themselves. It can help kids find their way and convince someone to get help and /or help others. The presentation was told in a way that seemed helpful and comforting.
SUJIN
, Janis Dismus Middle School, Englewood