Alabama Peer Conference

Our R.O.S.S. Employee’s attended the 8th Annual Alabama Peer Conference March 29th through 31st of 2023. This year’s Peer Conference theme was “Nothing About Us Without Us!” The conference theme signifies that if services, policies and events are going to take place in our Alabama communities on substance use disorder and bringing awareness through advocacy that peer support specialists need to be involved every step of the way as well. The Conference hosted 400 Certified Recovery Support Specialists at Bessemer Civic Center!

Our R.O.S.S. Executive Director Cynthia Rice was awarded the first ever Pam Butler Award after our Pam, a trailblazer of Peer Support, at our first ever Peer Awards Banquet! No one is more deserving of this award than Cynthia! Cynthia is our fearless leader and R.O.S.S. would not be where we are today without our Cynthia. Cynthia Rice started R.O.S.S. with just a few of us! Cynthia you are a mentor, friend, role model and advocate for all of us in this Peer Support field. You have led R.O.S.S. for over 7 years and you have grown our Non-Profit into what we are today. We are forever grateful for you Cynthia, Congratulations!

At the 8th Annual Peer Conference Awards Banquet our R.O.S.S. Certified Recovery Support Specialists were awarded as well! You are all so deserving of this special recognition. You have all gone above and beyond advo- cating, empowering and collaborating for the individuals we serve. The following Awards were given out to our team members. Congratulations to you all!

Innovative Peer Award – Michael Ann Green, Rebecca Stebbins, Carla Buggs, Sara Walker, Tamara Beasley, Janna Caddis, Heather Rich, Nikki Warren,

Peer Service of Excellence Award – Lorraine Smith, Stephanie Richardson, Theodis Christian

Peer Warrior Award – Nikki Warren, Amanda Townson, Christina Abney