Recovery Friendly Workplaces (update)

UPDATE: Ten16 is excited to announce that we have hired Camille Gerace Nitschky as our new Manager of Strategic Initiatives. In her new role, Camille’s first project will be to bring the Recovery Friendly Workplace program to area businesses! Before joining us, Camille was the founding Executive Director of the Children’s Grief Center and runs a successful wellness practice, Angelheart Studio. And in a twist of serendipity, Camille’s father, Frank Gerace, was on Ten16’s Board of Directors in its early days! We are thrilled to have her energy and passion to show employers how becoming an RFW-certified workplace will help their employees and businesses thrive!

We are excited to share that Ten16 Recovery Network has been selected by the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) to collaborate with employers across Ten16’s region in promoting and establishing Recovery Friendly Workplaces. This prestigious recognition underscores our ongoing dedication to supporting individuals in recovery and fostering healthier, more inclusive work environments.

About the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative

The Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative aims to empower workplaces to support employees in recovery from substance use disorders. By providing education, resources, and support, RFW helps create a culture of understanding and inclusion, ultimately contributing to healthier, more productive workplaces.

Ten16 Recovery Network’s Role

As a partner in this initiative, Ten16 Recovery Network will work closely with employers to:

• Develop Comprehensive Policies: Assist in creating workplace policies that support employees in recovery, including accommodations and resources for those seeking help.
• Provide Training and Education: Offer training programs for management and staff to raise awareness about substance use disorders, reduce stigma, and promote a supportive work environment.
• Support Wellness Programs: Integrate wellness programs with substance use disorder support, encouraging a holistic approach to employee well-being.
• Create Peer Support Networks: Establish peer support groups within workplaces to provide ongoing encouragement and a sense of community for employees in recovery.

A Message from the Michigan Public Health Institute

“We are excited to partner with Ten16 Recovery Network in this crucial endeavor,” said Nicki Gabel, RFW Program Manager, MPHI. “Their expertise and commitment to recovery make them an ideal partner in promoting Recovery Friendly Workplaces across Michigan. Together, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of employees and their families.”

Why Recovery Friendly Workplaces Matter

Creating a Recovery Friendly Workplace benefits both employees and employers. For employees, it means a supportive environment where they can seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination. For employers, it reduces absenteeism, higher productivity, and a more engaged workforce.

Looking Ahead

Ten16 Recovery Network will partner with interested employers to implement the RFW initiative in the coming months. We will provide regular updates on our progress and share success stories from participating workplaces.

How You Can Get Involved

We invite employers interested in becoming certified as a Recovery-Friendly Workplace to contact us. By joining this initiative, you can be pivotal in supporting your employees’ recovery journeys and contributing to a healthier, more resilient workforce.

For more information about the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative or to learn how your organization can participate, please email Sam Price, President/CEO, directly at sprice@1016.org.