To celebrate Recovery Month, Second Chance Opportunities held an event at Washington Park in Albany to honor those who have recovered from opioid addictions and other types of substance abuse.

Through second chance opportunities, people can find work, housing, learn life skills and participate in recovery communities, which provide resources that can help them rebuild their lives.

"I tried so hard to get clean, but failed,” Kamdyn Bishop, member and supervisor of Second Chance Opportunities, said. “I tried to get clean by myself and failed multiple times. I found SCO or SCO kind of found me, and, for the first time, I noticed a huge change because it was like the community, all those peers, and the friendly environment."

According to Recovery Research Institute, the number of Americans in recovery from substance abuse is estimated to be 22 million, and organizations such as Second Chance Opportunities are on hand to assist people in recovery.

"It is important for people to know when they come to Second Chance Opportunities that everything in recovery is possible,” executive director for Second Chance Opportunities Kellie Roe said. “If somebody has been using substances for years and now wants to live a life that is beyond their wildest dreams, they need to know that they can do so, no matter what their dreams are. I literally am living my life beyond my wildest dreams." 

If you or someone you know needs help, call the national helpline at (844) 289-0879.