We’re glad you’re here.
At Odyssey House, we believe in transparency, community, and celebrating progress. Our News Archive is a place where you can explore the stories that have shaped our work—milestones in recovery, moments of advocacy, community events, and the voices of those we serve.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just learning about us, this archive offers a window into the heart of our mission.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Newsletters – Browse through years of Odyssey House News, our twice-yearly publication highlighting client achievements, program updates, and staff stories.
- Event Coverage – See recaps and photos from our 5K run, art openings, community celebrations, and special gatherings.
- Recognition & Impact – Read about awards, partnerships, and the measurable impact of our programs.
- Archives by Month – Looking for something specific? Use the filter to find what you’re looking for quickly.
How to Navigate:
- Use the sidebar menu or dropdown to select a specific year or topic.
- Click on any headline to read the full post.
- Want to read our most recent updates? Head to the main news page for the latest stories.
If you have questions or are looking for something you can’t find, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help.
Thank you for being part of the Odyssey House community. We hope you enjoy exploring our story.
What does it mean to own your recovery?
In early September, members of the Odyssey House Art Project began work on a banner to commemorate Recovery Month. They chose “Recovery – We Own It!” as their theme. Chad Porter, who runs the art studio at our George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery on Wards Island,...
RFYL Weekly: Studying newly sober runners
This Saturday, September 19th, our “Run for Your Life” workout will be back at Central Park starting at 8:00 am. The team will meet up at the Band Shell, which you can reach by using the 72nd Street entrance on the east side, then following the transverse to the...
Wellness Wednesday: Sustainable energy snacks
Snacks that satisfy and provide sustainable energy? Yes, it’s possible! Here are a few to try: Cheesy: Popcorn tossed with spices and nutritional yeast. Fewer calories and sodium than packaged popcorn. Creamy: Plain Greek yogurt with a drop of vanilla extract,...
PIX11’s James Ford invites you to Run for Your Life
Today marks the halfway point of our Run for Your Life Virtual 5K! There's still time to sign up to run/walk any course you choose, any day in September. PIX11 reporter James Ford has emceed our annual Run for Your Life event for the last several years. While we can't...
Run for Your Life Virtual 5K 2020
SEPTEMBER 2020 Please join Odyssey House in commemorating Recovery Month at the 15th Annual Run for Your Life Virtual 5K Run/Walk. This event raises awareness of, and funds for, the recovery movement. With our Virtual Run/Walk, you can run anywhere, anytime in...
RFYL Weekly: Bodyweight exercises
Please join us this Saturday, September 12th for a fun run on Randall’s Island in honor of our 15th Annual “Run for Your Life” 5K. Saturday’s weather forecast calls for temperatures in the low- to mid-70s, ideal for running or walking. Although we are not hosting an...
Join Andre in running for recovery
Andre Matthews, Odyssey House Deputy Director of Recreational Services, has run 22 marathons and countless 5K/10Ks for people in recovery. COVID-19 has made accessing treatment harder for many people, and overdoses are on the rise. This September, he's asking you to...
RFYL Weekly: How to prepare for your first 5K or 10K
This Saturday, the Run for Your Life team will meet in Central Park at 8:00 am in front of the Band Shell, located on the 72nd Street Transverse. For those using public transportation, take the #6 train to 68th Street & Hunter College, then walk over to 72nd...
Get ready to run!
Our virtual run starts today! John Tavolacci, COO of Odyssey House, invites you to join us for our Run for Your Life Virtual 5K this September. While COVID-19 interrupted our plans to meet up and run together, you can still show your support by participating in our...
RFYL Weekly: Running in recovery from alcoholism and addiction
New Yorkers need your help! Opioid overdoses are on the rise due to Covid-19 and accessing treatment in our community has become more difficult. Please join me for our “Run for Your Life" Virtual 5K this September to help raise awareness about addiction, homelessness,...
September events & telehealth services at the Recovery Center
We're excited to announce that the Odyssey House Recovery Center is open and fully staffed. So, if you want to get out of the apartment and have a friendly, safe place to go, COME HERE! We have an amazing group of recovery coaches here to assist you. Check out our...
Training opportunities in September
Odyssey House provides ongoing training for social workers, mental health professionals, and substance abuse counselors. The topics range from training on evidence-based practices to those with an administrative focus. We offer courses approved by the NYSED Office of...
RFYL Weekly: Benefits of running
Good afternoon and welcome back to RFYL Weekly! This week, the team will be slowly integrating back to running in the community, following all safety precautions advised by the CDC. All runners must be wearing a face mask to participate. Our Saturday morning workout...
Wellness Wednesday Tip: Bigger breakfast
For most, dinner is the largest meal of the day. But in terms of weight, you may be better off following the old advice to eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. New research from The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &...
RFYL Weekly: A fun way to improve your speed and endurance
Saturday's Run for Your Life outdoor workout will begin at 8:00 am in front of the George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery (GRCR) on Wards Island. This week’s goal is to increase your distance by ½ mile while practicing the base pace training run method. Mentors,...
Run for Your Life Virtual Run FAQs
Run for Your Life is our biggest fundraising event of the year, and an important opportunity for our community to come together, give back, and have some fun! While COVID-19 interrupted our traditional plans, our Virtual 5K will make it easier than ever to participate...
RFYL Weekly: Running for weight loss
Saturday's Run for Your Life outdoor workout will begin at 8:00 am in front of the George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery (GRCR) on Wards Island. This week’s running goal is to continue to practice base pace running while building mental stamina. Runners and walkers...
Enhance your career with our August training opportunities
Odyssey House provides ongoing training for social workers, mental health professionals, and substance abuse counselors. The topics range from training on evidence-based practices to those with an administrative focus. We offer courses approved by the NYSED Office of...
RFYL Weekly: Improve your performance
This Saturday’s Run for Your Life outdoor workout will begin at 8:00 am in front of the George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery (GRCR) on Wards Island. This week’s running goal is to continue practicing base pace running for another 5-7 mile run. Running and exercise go...
August events & telehealth services at the Recovery Center
We're excited to announce that the Odyssey House Recovery Center is open and fully staffed. So, if you want to get out of the apartment and have a friendly, safe place to go, COME HERE! We have an amazing group of recovery coaches here to assist you. Check out our...
Our Summer 2020 newsletter is now available
The Summer 2020 edition of Odyssey House News is now available online! Learn about how Odyssey House is rising to the COVID-19 challenge, see how our clients and staff are stepping up amid the pandemic, and meet our newest board member. Click here to download it and...
RFYL Weekly: Fatigue-fighting workouts
Tomorrow’s Run for Your Life outdoor workout will begin at 8:00 am in front of the George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery (GRCR) on Wards Island. The team goal for this Saturday is to complete a 7 ½ mile run down and back on the FDR Drive trailway immediately followed...
Wellness Wednesday Tip: Beat the heat
It’s HOT out there! Whether you’re spending time in your own outside space, planning a trip to the beach, visiting a local park or trail, or simply doing your usual outdoor exercise, keep these tips in mind to stay hydrated and prevent overheating. Always have water...
RFYL Weekly: Why running is so important to recovery
Saturday’s Run for Your Life outdoor workout will begin at 8:00 am in front of the George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery (GRCR) on Wards Island. Once again don’t forget to join us on Strava – this week’s running goal is to maintain base pace running for 6 miles. Also,...
NYC helping our tenants keep their pantries stocked
Food insecurity has long been a problem in underserved communities, but the pandemic has exacerbated it significantly. That’s why we’re so grateful to William Rivera of Bronx Community Board #9, NYC “Food Czar” Kathryn Garcia & the NYPD 43rd Precinct for...
Help us fight the epidemic within the pandemic
The global pandemic is dominating the news but at Odyssey House, we are still working hard to reduce the deadly opioid epidemic that killed more than 67,000 Americans in 2019 – a tragic number that is predicted to increase significantly this year. More than 1,500...
RFYL Weekly: 7 tips for buying new running shoes
With NYRR announcing the cancellation of the 2020 NYC marathon, “Run for Your Life” participants will be focusing more on strength training and injury prevention. Saturday morning’s Run for Your Life training will begin at 8 am in front of the George Rosenfeld Center...
Wellness Wednesday Tip: Budget-friendly foods
This week's Wellness Wednesday Tip from our in-house nutritionist & wellness coordinator, Tara Mardigan: Food prices have risen coast to coast since the Covid-19 pandemic as supply chains have experienced major disruptions. Keeping nutritious foods on hand is one...
Odyssey House receives Starbucks Neighborhood Grant
The Starbucks Foundation has awarded Odyssey House a $2,500 Neighborhood Grant to support our COVID-19 response efforts. Odyssey House is one of 400 organizations nationwide to receive grants as part of its efforts to support communities impacted by the pandemic....
Training opportunities in July
Odyssey House provides ongoing training for social workers, mental health professionals, and substance abuse counselors. The topics range from training on evidence-based practices to those with an administrative focus. We offer courses approved by the NYSED Office of...