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Our mission is to uplift individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges. Through peer-led recovery services, education, advocacy, and connection, we are committed to fostering an environment where every person has the opportunity to reclaim their life, realize their potential, and contribute meaningfully to a healthier, more resilient community.

Chris Earing I bring over two and a half years of bookkeeping and accounting experience to my role supporting nonprofit organizations, where I provide financial guidance to a number of fraternities and sororities. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and plan to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in the near future. Outside of work, I love spending time with friends and family as they mean the world to me. I’m also a big fan of going to the movies, playing just about any sport, and getting outdoors to camp or explore nature, which always brings me peace of mind. CARE holds a special place in my heart because I want to see the local community thrive. Being an advocate for those seeking help with addiction and recovery means a great deal to me. It’s a hard battle to fight alone, and being a helping hand to those in need within our community brings me both joy and purpose.

Jerad Stevens Jerad Stevens is a credentialed pastor in Cortland, New York, and owns a construction business. With over a decade of experience in the trades, including welding, plumbing, pipefitting, and general contracting, his career has been built on hard work and resilience. At 19, after struggling with addiction, he entered Teen Challenge for a 12-month recovery program. He completed the program and went on to study at Elim Bible College in Rochester. He married, started a family, and continued working in the trades. In 2016, he experienced a relapse and entered inpatient treatment, where he committed to living a life of intentional recovery. Since then, he has remained sober, remarried, planted a church in Ithaca, and now pastors alongside his wife, Leigh, in Cortland. Together, they lead The Hope Foundation of Binghamton, a nonprofit offering faith-based residential recovery through Hope Homes, serving men and women facing life-controlling challenges. His passion lies in helping others find freedom, healing, and purpose through recovery.

Paul Mikowski Paul is a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience with adult psychotherapy. His expertise is motivational interviewing, suicide prevention, and mindfulness meditation. He is a peer in recovery from substance use and other mental health disorders. Outside of the office, he loves board and video games, hiking, and campfires. He also volunteers with the AFSP (the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and his local Independent Living Center. He lives with his wife, Alex, in Cortland, NY. He identifies as a person who is a member of the queer community.

Peer Recovery and Community flyer

What’s Happening CARE, Cortland Area Recovery and Empowerment presents the 2025 Peer Recovery & Community. An evening of real stories, shared strength, and connection. Come listen, support and explore how you can get involved. November 19th 6pm – 7:30pm at Two Rivers Church 78 Homer Ave Cortland Ny 13045

Your donation helps CARE uplift individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community, one life at a time.

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