Let’s get back to work.

About EPRA

EPRA's unique vocational rehabilitation program focuses on building job skills and mastering the requirements of the workplace.

We believe that by returning individuals to work in an honest and dignified manner, the ideal of hope is communicated that recovery is possible.

EPRA is committed to the concept that meaningful employment is an integral part of continuous recovery. 

An honest and realistic appraisal of the relationship of work to sobriety is required to attain what we call vocational recovery.  EPRA believes that by returning the individual to work, in an honest and dignified manner, the ideal of hope is communicated that recovery from addiction is possible.

How It works

  • CALL

    To start the process at EPRA, call (212) 947-1471.

  • SCREEN

    We will conduct a quick screening with you, also known as our Intake, to gather some information about your background to establish eligibility.

  • INVITE

    Once the Telephone Intake is done, you will be invited to our Orientation, where we will provide you with information about EPRA and the Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES-VR).

Let's open some doors

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

EPRA's program is designed to support and provide you with the resources necessary for attaining employment. In order to qualify for our program you must meet the following admission criteria:

  • Total abstinence from alcohol and all illicit substances

  • Unemployed or underemployed

  • Over the age of 18+

  • A resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City

  • Ongoing involvement with treatment or recent successful completion

  • Housing and financial stability

  • Demonstrate appropriate level of insight and coping skills needed to address vocational issues in a group setting

  • Additional documentation may be needed (e.g., psychiatric and/or medical evaluation, proof of eligibility to work in the U.S., etc.)

WHAT SETS US APART

EPRA's unique vocational rehabilitation program focuses on building job skills and mastering the requirements of the workplace, experiences that graduating clients can use to find and maintain employment during their recovery.

Our vocational rehabilitation program consists of:

  • EPRA is a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation program for individuals in recovery from substance and alcohol abuse. Our programs help clients explore vocational interests, identify transferable skills, re-enter the workforce, and sustain meaningful employment.

  • EPRA services have been developed, tested, and refined after years of program evaluation. Our ongoing focus is to conquer the common barriers faced by recovering individuals in their efforts to enter the workforce and, most importantly, listening to feedback from EPRA clients.

Our Services

  • Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation (DVE) & Career Exploration (CE) Program

    Our Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation & Career Exploration Programs are offered each month and consists of group psych-educational work and individual sessions. Workskills assessments are given to determine academic and practical strengths and weaknesses

    Learn More

  • Job Readiness Training & Job Placement (JRT/JP)

    Applicants demonstrating the ability to benefit from Job Readiness Training and/or Job Placement services work with an EPRA employment specialist on preparing for and accessing job opportunities.

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  • Situational Assessment Program (SAP)

    The Situational Assessment Program (SAP) offers clients the opportunity to participate in an internship in a chosen field of interest. Internships typically range from five to eight weeks with three days at an approved worksite and one day participating in process groups at EPRA.

    Learn More

Meet the Team

  • Executive

    DOROTHY ACEVEDO
    Administrative Director

    MARVA FLETCHER, MBA
    Executive Director

    SAIKETA MYERS, MSED, LMHC
    Clinical Director

  • Adminstrative

    Gismel Matos
    Administrative Assistant

    Taneisha James
    Receptionist

  • Board of Directors

    Judith Jordan President
    Constance Harper-West Vice President
    Suroosh Alvi
    Kathrine Mitchell

    PAST MEMBERS
    Adele Smithers d 2017
    George J. O’Donnell, ESQ. d 2011
    Eileen Kopf-Walker d 2022

  • Clinical

    Jennifer Fayerberg
    MSEd, CRC, LMHC, Senior Vocational Counselor

    Lateshia Charles
    MSEd, CRC, Vocational Counselor

    Bonnie Walker - CRPA
    Peer Specialist

    David Robinson
    Employment Specialist

CONTACT US

Let’s work together.

Are you looking for the perfect candidate to fill a position in your company? EPRA has what you’re looking for.

DONATE GENEROUSLY.

Help us get New Yorkers back to work and back to their lives. We appreciate all forms of generosity.

Client Testimonials

  • M. McNair, CRPA, CARC, SBIRT, CJSR • Class of 2018

    It's such an honor and my pleasure to be one of the individuals chosen to write my statement about the impact EPRA has had on me. I can remember coming to EPRA in the late 1990's when I first heard about the program, thinking I was ready to change. Although, I did complete it, received my coin and was told, I'm an Alumi, and if I ever needed EPRA they were here for me. …

  • R. Witzal

    This program helped save my life. I went through ACCESS VR who's put me through EPRA and I am now a CASAC which I never thought would be possible. …

  • S. Butler

    It’s been a great experience they help me understand my Strengths and weaknesses motivated me all the way step-by-step and even dictated for me when I needed them to pay raise for Leticia Charles thank you!

  • S. Martin, CASAC-T

    I am writing to express my gratitude for training with EPRA. I took part in training last year in November, and I must say the experience gave me so much insight. I not only developed new skills, but I was able to assess my strengths in order to choose a career that was best suited for me. A year later, I am currently working as a CASAC-T with an outpatient program.

  • V. McLean •  Class of 2021

    … I was one of the lucky ones. It takes discipline and lots of determination to startsomething new and actually complete it. At first I wasn't sure if I could; … Today I work for a non profit organization that serves the Mentally ill and I love it. … I too am recovering from a life changing experience and I also have 33 years clean from drugs. I'm grateful for the opportunity EPRA gave me, because they also gave me a chance to grow because they believed in me and sometimes that's all you need. …

  • Y. Hicks

    … I just wanted you guys to know that I feel privileged to have gone through your program it helped me to realize my strengths and my weaknesses. Your program also showed me that I can be all I can be if I put my mind to it. …I will be utilizing my access VR case manager for further assistance in obtaining my CASAC …

  • C. Smith

    …I could never forget the instructors at EPRA because they motivated me in so many aspects. Not only did they encourage me to stay focused on my goals,  but they kept in touch and showed genuine interest in my progress.  There were times I felt frustrated in my development, but they were always there to give me confidence and patience in my progress.
    … Without them, … I would be pretty much lost. I’m happy I was able to attend EPRA and I’m a proud alumni.

  • Angela Mujahid *

    [EPRA] Literally saved my life. I was at a low point. And I was picked up by this agency!
    I am now 6yrs. CLEAN and SOBER! 
    Thanks to you and your people!
    Thank You!

    *(permission granted for the use of name)

  • Donald Flowers*

    My experience with EPRA was a positive one and one that was so appreciated thank you EPRA. I'm now five years clean from crack cocaine and marijuana and liquor dependence I thank God and is now going to Bronx Community College for human services to become a social worker. … I do therapy still my journey is all because I put one foot forward and never looked back …I yearn to stay on the right path God bless you EPRA once again and beloved keep your head up!

    *(permission granted for use of name)

  • Joseph E.

    I am grateful for EPRA because 15 years ago I did not have the support or knowledge on how to navigate being employable in recovery. After working with EPRA I was able to gain confidence, knowledge and resources to land a long-term temp job that turned into a fulltime career. The staff at EPRA enabled me to shift my thinking to see new possibilities in regard to my employment and career options. I am very grateful.