Earlier this semester, University Health Services launched, Badger Recovery, UW-Madison’s first collegiate recovery program for students in active recovery from alcohol, substance use, and other addictions. Badger Recovery strives to provide a safe environment that empowers students to stay on track with their recovery to help achieve academic and personal goals.
Badger Recovery currently offers an All-Recovery Meeting on Mondays at 7 p.m. via Zoom and usually has about seven student attendees each week. We welcome students in active recovery from a substance use disorder and other behavioral and process addictions. We hope to grow attendance and add meetings based on interest and availability. We look forward to adding Wellness Workshops next semester, and staff is currently being trained by CCAR as recovery coaches.
Below you will find more information on Badger Recovery and ways to get involved.
Media
- UHS announcement
- News story in the Badger Herald
Ways to get involved
- Like our Facebook Page Facebook.com/BadgerRecovery
- Follow us on Instagram BadgerRecovery
- Visit our website to learn more about us: uhs.wisc.edu/recovery
- Join our faculty/staff email list by emailing recovery@uhs.wisc.edu.
- Refer others. We have meetings and events on the calendar on our website and we can offer recovery specific resources and connections.
- Consider donating to the UW-Madison Collegiate Recovery fund or adding a donation link to your email signature.
- Print and hang a flyer (attached)
Meet the Badger Recovery Staff
Jenny Damask, EdD (she/her/hers)
Jenny has worked for UHS in the Prevention and Campus Health Initiatives since 2015. She oversees substance abuse prevention and recovery programming and is excited to help build this community. Previously, she worked with the student organization Live Free and is grateful for the work of the student members who helped pave the way for a university supported collegiate recovery program. In her spare time, she spends time with her family and Boxer pup, and riding her Peloton.
Samantha Kozlowski, Project Assistant for Collegiate Recovery (she/her/hers)
Sam is a graduate student studying public health and has been the collegiate recovery program assistant since January 2020. She was drawn to collegiate recovery after experiencing how the lack of a recovery support community can impact one’s wellness and recovery journey. When she learned about the growth of a recovery community on campus, she wanted to be involved to help foster and create a welcoming, safe, and supporting environment that allows students to thrive. As a recovery ally, she hopes to see Badger Recovery grow so students in recovery and allies can find community and support with their peers. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, and playing with her Corgi.
Jessica Sloane, Badger Recovery Student Assistant (she/her/hers)
Jess is an undergraduate student studying psychology, philosophy, and criminal justice. She has been in recovery since August of 2019. Jess is also planning on working in the mental health field of the criminal justice system. She was drawn to Badger Recovery because she is grateful for her support system and the important role they have played in her sobriety. Jess believes that no one can remain sober without a support system. After learning about Badger Recovery, she wanted to get involved to support others who are struggling in their own recovery. She finds it helpful to find fellow sober students and wants to build a sober network of friends. She has a passion for helping those with similar struggles as her, whether its mental health disorders or substance abuse disorders. In her free time, she enjoys painting, working out, cooking, watching psychological thrillers, roller blading, spending time with friends, and playing with her Golden Doodles.
Denver Baker, Badger Recovery Student Assistant (he/him/his)
Denver is an undergraduate student studying Actuarial Science and Risk Management & Insurance. He has been an active member in the Madison recovery community for almost two years now, preceded by a significant stint of his own battles with alcohol and drug abuse. He came to Badger Recovery to share his experiences with others and to help build a community where people affected by addiction and substance abuse can feel welcomed and have fun. He wants to show other undergrads that you can be sober and still have fun. Through his own recovery, he has found gratitude in the challenges that life presents and in the growth that they provide. Outside of recovery, Denver coaches hockey and likes to be active; he can usually be found in the gym or on a trail in the area.
Please contact Jenny Damask at jenny.damask@wisc.edu or recovery@uhs.wisc.edu with questions.
This post was authored by Academic Affairs on 12/10/2020.