Terrence Rodgers received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany, N.Y.

The three service organizations he is involved with are the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Wellsville, N.Y., the Adhoc Committee against Heroin and Opioid Abuse of Allegany County, N.Y., and Celebrate Recovery, of Allegany County.

He is earning his Bachelor of Science in Human Services. He is getting his degree after having to leave college more than 20 years ago. He intends to go on to earn a graduate degree and a Certification for Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling (CASAC).

After a challenging childhood, Rodgers said he sees himself as a survivor. Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based organization for people who struggle with addiction and behavioral problems. Rodgers said he appreciates the fact that people can “take off the mask” and be vulnerable with one another. The focus of Celebrate Recovery is the whole person, not just particular substance abuse issue. Rodgers serves on the leadership team, and, therefore, facilitates some of the men’s groups in Allegany County.

He also is heavily involved in the Suicide Prevention Coalition. After several people he knew commited suicide, Rodgers began to attend a training called Safe Talk, followed by another, called Assist. He said the trainings were free to the public, and allowed participants to get a better understanding of suicide, its causes and prevention. Because of those trainings, Rodgers became a member of the Allegany County Suicide Prevention Coalition, where he helps others understand the causes and prevention of suicide.

Finally, he is involved in the Adhoc Committee Against Heroin and Opioid Abuse. He said the goal of this group is to find ways to lower overdose deaths, addiction and damage done from the opioid and heroin epidemic. Rodgers took part in producing a documentary developed for Allegany County to illuminate the issue. Because of people who Rodgers knew who were addicted to heroin, he says, “I am very passionate about helping others who are addicted to heroin and/or opioids, and the people that love them and are impacted by their addiction.”

Recipients of the Service Award must be a matriculated student at the college and must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA. They also must list up to three organizations with which they have significant service and involvement.