Empowering Recovery: ATR’s Transformative Impact
Access to Recovery (ATR) is a comprehensive recovery support program in Massachusetts, developed by AHP and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. This innovative program assists individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs), offering vital services like vouchers for basic needs, recovery coaching, care coordination, and career training. With a strong emphasis on participant-driven recovery, it has supported over 30,000 individuals since 2011.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has been improving health and human services systems of care and business operations to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential.
CHALLENGE
The transition from addiction to recovery is fraught with challenges, including finding coordinated care, meeting basic needs, securing stable housing in sober environments, and engaging in career training opportunities. A significant obstacle faced by many is the lack of access to employment opportunities that accommodate individuals in recovery. Another significant challenge for ATR participants is their history of involvement in the criminal legal system, posing formidable barriers to employment. Breaking this cycle requires targeted career training and support in fields receptive to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds.
SOLUTION
By offering wraparound recovery support services tailored to individual needs, ATR provides participants with the tools to reclaim productive lives. Services include:
- Care coordination
- Access to resources to help with basic needs
- Health and mental health services
- Recovery coaching
- Job preparedness
- Employment training
ATR collaborates with local agencies to provide job readiness opportunities, like the Paths to Empowerment (P2E) program that ATR developed in partnership with MassHire Career Center. Additionally, ATR partners with various organizations and agencies to offer occupational job training opportunities in fields that are receptive to individuals with a substance use and/or legal system background.
RESULTS
The impact of ATR’s approach is profound. Graduates are not only equipped with career skills but also empowered to sustain their recovery journey, secure stable housing, and forge a path toward a brighter future. They find purpose, structure, and financial stability. ATR’s collaborative efforts with community partners have created a road map for individuals with SUDs and criminal backgrounds to get a second chance at a purposeful life, fostering self-sufficiency and meaningful employment.
AHP’s role in providing administrative services and training and technical assistance, contracting with community-based organizations, handling data management, and conducting surveys and evaluation has been instrumental in the success and expansion of the ATR program across multiple cities in Massachusetts.
“I would not have had the opportunities that I’ve had if it weren’t for ATR. You start slowly, build up your own confidence to do what you want to do, and they help you along the way. I’m watching my life change every single day.”
—ATR Participant
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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