Gary Russo, FOR-DO Executive Director
Gary Russo is the Executive Director of Friends of Recovery- Delaware and Otsego Counties (FOR-DO) and will oversee all operations of the organization including operations of the Turning Point Recovery Centers in Oneonta and Delhi Gary was in advertising sales and marketing for over twenty years. He has always wanted to be in the helping professions as a counselor and has recently completed his master’s in addiction counseling from Grand Canyon University and hopes to obtain his CASAC credential upon completing the professional experience requirement.
“As a person in recovery since July 1998, my position with FOR-DO is not only an employment opportunity, it is a chance of a lifetime. To help as many people in recovery as possible has and continues to be the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Recovery, for me, is a life of freedom from the misery and suffering of addiction and helping others to recover.”
John Arlet, The Turning Point Recovery Community Center-Oneonta Manager
John, originally from New York City, has been a native of Oneonta, NY since 2004; where he and wife Ilene enjoy a simple and tranquil lifestyle. John has worked within the non-profit sector since transitioning to Central New York, and has “treasured” each opportunity to “give back.”
“…I know that I’m right where I’m meant to be. My work with The Friends Of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties is about quality of life – not just for me, but for anyone wanting recovery from an addiction. My substance abuse disorder had wrought decades of havoc, suffering and torment. I sometimes think of it as decades of lemons, now producing lemonade in recovery – by God’s graces!”
Jeanette Tolson, LMSW, CASAC-Recovery Care Coordinator/Qualified Health Professional
Jeanette Tolson, LMSW, CASAC is the Recovery Care Coordinator/Qualified Health Professional at FOR-DO. She is responsible for coordination of the NY SOARS grant for Access to Recovery, supervision of student interns, and assisting in the development of a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC). She has over 4 years of experience working in the addictions field. She also has experience working in the fields of mental health, domestic violence, and end of life care. She will be working out of both The Turning Point-Oneonta and The Turning Point-Delhi.
“As a family member affected by addiction, I’m excited to be working with people in recovery in a way that honors their choices about recovery. I am happy to be assisting people in their own path to recovery and advocating for the development of a recovery-friendly community.”