Senate Passes Sen. Fahy Bill to Rename OASAS Scholarship for Addiction Support Professionals after Father Peter Young of Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany) announced today that the Senate has passed her legislation (S.1731 Fahy) renaming the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports’ Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program as the New York State Father Peter G. Young Memorial Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program. The companion bill will be introduced in the State Assembly by Assemblymember John T. McDonald, III.

“Father Peter Young dedicated his life to uplifting those struggling with addiction through his transformative and innovative ‘three-legged stool’ model, and few individuals have had a greater impact on how we approach treatment and recovery in New York,” said bill sponsor Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “Renaming this scholarship program in his honor recognizes not only his visionary leadership, but also the thousands of lives changed through his work and advocacy. I’m thrilled this legislation finally memorializes the impact and legacy of Father Peter Young not just here in the Capital Region, but across New York State.”

A native of Albany’s South End, Father Young challenged the punitive attitudes of his era by emphasizing treatment, dignity, and opportunity. In 1959, he founded what would become Peter Young Housing, Industries, and Treatment (PYHIT), built around the belief that lasting recovery requires more than sobriety; it requires stability. His model centered on what he called the “three-legged stool”: treatment, housing, and employment. With this framework, PYHIT grew into a statewide network with more than 100 sites, supporting thousands of New Yorkers annually. Father Young passed away in 2020 at the age of 90, but his legacy endures. PYHIT continues to expand, rooted in his conviction that compassion and opportunity are the most powerful tools in the fight against addiction.

The Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program (APSP), administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and funded by the Opioid Settlement Fund, provides full or partial scholarships to New York State residents pursuing credentials or degrees in addiction services, including CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor), CPP (Credentialed Prevention Professional), CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate), as well as associate and bachelor’s degrees in related fields. 

The program covers tuition, fees, books, certification and exam costs, and in many cases offers internship opportunities. It is open to both those currently working in addiction services and those new to the field, with priority given to individuals employed in OASAS, OMH, or DOH-certified programs. Applicants must be at least 18, have lived in New York for at least one year, and meet education and program-specific requirements (such as a bachelor’s degree for the CPP credential or high school diploma for CRPA). 

The program is offered through numerous SUNY and CUNY campuses and other training organizations, with rolling admissions for most certificates and associate programs, and semester-based deadlines for bachelor’s degrees. Nearly $18 million has been dedicated to support participants statewide, as part of an effort to build a stronger, more diverse, and better-trained addiction services workforce across urban and rural communities.

"Father Young was a visionary and a missionary. He empowered countless people in the Capital Region and across the state to regain control of their lives and follow his example of uplifting others. He knew that real recovery required compassion and accountability, healing and hard work. Renaming this scholarship program in his honor is a tribute to his legacy and sets an incredibly high standard for the honoree entering this critically important field. I'm proud to support Sen. Fahy in this endeavor," said Senator Jake Ashby (R,C—Castleton). 

“I have many fond memories of Father Peter Young. His invocations before the Senate were insightful messages for everyone. We would sit together during session in the chairs next to the podium and he and I would talk- about everything. My husband served in the Senate and admired him. He and Father Peter were friends. I thank Senator Fahy for honoring his legacy,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D—Queens).

“Father Young’s family is grateful to the legislature and Senator Fahy in particular, and Father Young would be humbled by the recognition,” said Kevin Luibrand, Esq, President of Father Peter Young programs and member of Father Young’s family. “It was Father Young who led the creation of the Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse in 1992 which later became OASAS. Fundamental to Father Young was that those who are in recovery should lead the way to others seeking recovery, and this scholarship will ensure continuation of that vision in his name.”

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