Pathways to Recovery - Opioid Grant
Emely Rolon
Recovery Reveals Potential
Passaic County
At 59, Emely Rolon of Paterson stands as a remarkable example of strength, purpose, and transformation. A proud woman in recovery, Emely chose not only to reclaim her life but also to use her journey as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles.
Her chapter with WorkForce Advantage began in April through the Pathways to Recovery Grant. Emely embraced the opportunity with courage and clarity, enrolling in Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) training.
Her mission was clear: turn her lived experience into meaningful service for her community.
Serving Through Lived Experience
From the beginning, Emely brought determination and heart to every step of her journey. She completed 500 internship hours at Ruby’s Vision, a grassroots nonprofit serving individuals and families facing homelessness, housing instability, and crisis. With its strong foundation in peer support, Ruby’s Vision became the ideal place for Emely to grow her skills and deepen her connection to the work.
Emely fully immersed herself in service. She provided one-on-one peer support, participated in outreach efforts throughout the community, distributed harm-reduction kits and hot meals, and helped deliver critical educational resources. Her empathy, consistency, and unwavering commitment immediately set her apart. Emely didn’t simply complete tasks—she brought comfort, dignity, and understanding to the people she encountered.
Building Professional Readiness
As she advanced, Emely strengthened her professional readiness by earning her CPR and SERV Safe certifications. She is now completing the final steps toward her CPRS credential—a milestone she once viewed as distant but that is now firmly within reach, thanks to her drive and the support provided through Pathways to Recovery.
Stepping Into Leadership
On November 14, Emely’s dedication was rewarded in a powerful and life-changing way: Ruby’s Vision hired her full-time. Today, she serves as the organization’s General Manager, overseeing daily operations, supervising staff, managing schedules, and ensuring every service meets the highest standard of care. She stepped into leadership through hard work, humility, and perseverance.
Emely proudly earns $18 per hour, but it is the purpose behind the paycheck that fuels her. She is contributing to her community in a meaningful way, rewriting her story, and demonstrating the potential found in recovery.
Recovery does not limit potential—it reveals it.
Lifting Her Community
Emely Rolon’s story is more than a personal victory. It is a testament to what becomes possible when recovery is met with opportunity, training, and unwavering support. The Pathways to Recovery Grant at WorkForce Advantage helped open the door, and Emely walked through it with courage, determination, and a heart ready to serve. Her journey reminds us that leaders often rise from adversity—and when they do, they lift entire communities with them.
