Neumann University was recently awarded a $12,500 grant from the Independent Blue Cross Foundation for the Collegiate Recovery Program. These funds are intended to reduce the stigma and educate the NU community about recovery, substance abuse, and self-injurious behaviors.

According to Mike Webster, assistant dean of student conduct and community standards, the grant will also provide peer support through a non-denominational 12-step fellowship, or program similar to a previous on-campus effort called “Sober Knights.” In addition, this grant will be used to increase support for students whose family members may be struggling with addiction.

“The grant is to promote recovery communities on college campuses. But we can expand it to other diagnoses including eating disorders, self-injurious behaviors, depression, and family members of people in recovery,” Webster explained.

The grant will create support groups to help those in recovery and those who know people in recovery.

Webster is planning a kick-off event on October 20, 2022, which will coincide with Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. Professional skateboarder and motivational speaker Brandon Novak, who has battled heroin addiction, will be on campus for this event. Webster plans to have support group meetings up and running by mid-fall.

According to Webster, the university has teamed up with The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE), which supports college recovery programs, college recovery communities, and the faculty, staff, and students in these programs. This organization provides education and resources needed to help change the trajectory of recovering students’ lives.

Webster will work with Stephanie Jones, Chelsea Minsky, and Christy Fleagle to establish these programs.