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.
Angel’s Story
ANGEL: BRONX Angel, 60, had completed our ElderCare program before, but after four months of sobriety, he felt like he could test the waters and prove to himself that he could handle one drink. “It was such a mistake,” Angel recalls, as one drink led to another. “It...
Phillip’s Story
Phillip: Queens When Phillip, 33, struggling with his party lifestyle and crystal meth use, said he needed more support, his outpatient program referred him to Odyssey House. Since arriving at the Manor, Phillip has become an active member of the community. His hard...
Kim’s Story
KIM: HARLEM Kim, 56, has always been the caretaker of her family and friends, as her supportive nature made others count on her. However, after the loss of her husband and the traumatic experience of one of her children dying, she was the one in need of support....
Sylvester’s Story
Sylvester: Queens Sylvester, 33, needed help. His opiate addiction had left him “hanging on by a thread,” to his family, to his apartment, to his sense of self. “It wasn’t me anymore,” he says, reflecting on who he had become. While sober, Sylvester worked as a...
Kyle’s Story
KYLE: BROOKLYN Before Kyle, 30, came to Odyssey House, he had been struggling with his drinking and cocaine use for 10 years. He had tried multiple short-term programs but did not get the support he needed, and he continued to relapse despite his best efforts to stay...
Corey’s Story
COREY: HARLEM Corey, 27, was born and raised in Michigan, but after a series of personal tragedies, including the death of his son and father, he needed a break. Thinking a change of scenery would give him a fresh start, Corey moved to New York and started working for...
Pat’s Story
PAT: BRONX Born and raised in the Bronx, Pat, 27, has always been very hands-on in all aspects of his life. This includes working for his father’s construction company, with the hope of eventually running it himself. However, like many others who struggle with...
Aaron’s Story
AARON: LONG ISLAND “This is my last chance,” Aaron says when he talks about his time here at Odyssey House. “I never want to disappoint myself or my family again, so I’m making each day in treatment count.” Aaron, 25, came to Odyssey House after being mandated for...
Heaven’s Story
HEAVEN: HARLEM Heaven, 23, didn’t think her drug use was a problem, but when her second son was born with marijuana in his system she knew it was time for things to change. Two days after her son’s birth, she entered the Odyssey House Family Center to address her...
Rebecca’s Story
REBECCA: BRONX After graduating from Odyssey House in 2006, Rebecca, 65, never thought she’d be here again. But following a few years of sober living, Rebecca stopped following her treatment plan and relapsed. When other programs failed, and knowing that it helped her...
Rolfi’s Story
ROLFI: BRONX Rolfi’s infectious smile and positive attitude are not what someone would typically associate with a recovering alcoholic and cocaine addict. Rolfi’s addiction had taken over his life, and after the loss of his cousin to a drug overdose, he knew it was...
Alonzo’s Story
ALONZO: HARLEM Alonzo, 68, is a quiet man, yet his eyes tell the story of a 50-year long struggle with heroin addiction. After a drug-related arrest, he was offered treatment at Odyssey House as an alternative to incarceration. Seeing this as his final opportunity,...
Jean’s Story
JEAN: BRONX Jean, 13, started to go down the wrong path at a young age. After being introduced to marijuana, his behavior began to change; he became disobedient, secretive, and indifferent towards school. His wake-up call came after he and his close friend,...
Eddie’s Story
EDDIE: BROOKLYN “I feel like I can finally breathe,” says Eddie, 60. For him, our Park Avenue housing program has become his refuge. For more than two decades, Eddie has been looking for a home where he could feel safe and focus on his recovery. He used alcohol to...
Amanda’s Story
AMANDA: LONG ISLAND When Amanda, 19, first came to Odyssey House Lafayette Avenue, she didn’t think she needed help. However, she quickly realized how wrong she was. With the help of her counselors, Amanda has been able to recognize her problematic behaviors and...
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and when we reflect on what we're thankful for, we think about you, our Friends of Odyssey House! Through our programs, we have seen many lives changed for the better. This is only possible because of thoughtful contributions from people like...
One week until #GivingTuesday!
The holiday season is just around the corner, and we invite you to kick it off with us on Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving back. On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, you’ll have the chance to join people around the world and support a cause...
“It’s a miracle story” — Recovering addicts conquer NYC Marathon
Staten Island Advance By Nick Regina Odyssey House was running for a cause near and dear to many Islanders at Sunday’s New York City Marathon “Turning addicts into athletes,” boasts the organization’s slogan, written across the backs of its shirts on race day. “Run...
They Were Addicted to Opioids. Now They’re Running the New York Marathon.
By William Shannon The New York Times Ryan Stevens sat on the edge of a concrete balustrade in Central Park after finishing three laps around the reservoir. She and her fellow runners from Odyssey House, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, joked about a grueling...
Join us at the NYC Marathon
On Sunday, our team of residents, alumni, staff, and friends will take on the NYC Marathon and they need your support! Show your encouragement by cheering for them on the sidelines, posting inspiring messages on our Facebook, or making a donation to their fundraising...
Odyssey House Resident Named “Tenant of the Year”
Stephen Bates, a resident of Odyssey House Soundview Avenue, was recognized as "Tenant of the Year" by the Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) at their annual gala. Mr. Bates was recognized for his "tenacity and strength to overcome tremendous hardships and...
Help Team Odyssey House reach their marathon goals
On November 4th, a team of 43 clients, alumni, staff, and supporters will take on the ultimate challenge - the grueling 26.2-mile 2018 NYC Marathon. These runners have been training for this day for months. They are out to prove to themselves that they are not...
Join us at the 1st Annual Bronx Women’s Forum
Odyssey House, Violence Intervention Program, WellCare of New York, and SCANNY invite you to the 1st Annual Bronx Women's Forum on Friday, October 12th for a day of workshops and important conversations. The theme of the forum - Use Your Voice - is an invitation for...
Dr. Provet on “And Now the Good News”
This morning, Odyssey House President Dr. Peter Provet and an Odyssey House client were guests on the first episode of “And Now the Good News,” a new Facebook show hosted by PIX11 reporter (and “Run for Your Life” emcee) James Ford. In this episode, James and Peter...
Thank you to all our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers!
Thank you to everyone who attended the 13th Annual Run for Your Life on Saturday, September 15th! More than 1,000 people came out to Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island to show their support for men and women in treatment for substance use and mental health disorders....
PIX11 supports recovering addicts in the Run For Your Life
by James Ford WPIX RANDALLS ISLAND, Manhattan — New York’s Very Own supports New Yorkers recovering from substance abuse and addiction. PIX11 voted with its feet, literally, at the Run For Your Life on Randall’s Island on Saturday. It’s an event operated by Odyssey...
Bid on great items at Run for Your Life
Our Run for Your Life event has a little something for everyone: runners, walkers, dancers, fitness buffs...and bargain hunters! Score a great deal on one of your favorite restaurants or travel destinations, all while supporting Odyssey House. Take a peek at our...
Brooklyn district attorney has plan to wipe out 20,000 marijuana convictions
Tens of thousands of low-level marijuana convictions could be erased with the OK of Brooklyn's top prosecutor, under a new plan for wiping records clean of offenses no longer being prosecuted in parts of the nation's biggest city, the Associated Press reports. Click...
Get involved with Odyssey House
Be part of the solution The latest report from the CDC estimates that a record 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017, a rise of around 10 percent. We can only end this tragic loss of life with the help of supporters like you. See what motivated Amelia, an...
Addiction & Mental Health News, Aug. 31
Associated Press: Expecting mothers' opioid use may stunt kids' learning New study says children whose mothers used opioids while pregnant commonly face learning disabilities and other special education needs. The Atlantic: A Simple Reason So Many Older Americans Are...