Joel Dworkin

In 2008, Joel entered an inpatient treatment center and then a wilderness therapy program for heroin addiction. It not only ended his drug use but fed his interest in working in the outdoor education and recovery fields. He worked at Camp Ramah of the Rockies for five years, helping them start a program for campers to learn about addiction and recovery. That sparked a chance for him to help start BaMidbar Wilderness Therapy in Colorado, a program for Jewish young adults struggling with mental health challenges. He continued to work with Jewish camps until moving to Chicago. While in Chicago he completed a long overdue bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Roosevelt University and worked as the Youth Programs Manager for Brooklyn Boulders climbing gym.

Now that he has joined HAMSA, Joel will provide support, resources, and strategies for those seeking help and in recovery. He will also be working hard to dispel myths about addiction and eliminate the shame so often felt by those struggling with addiction and their families. Through a Jewish lens, HAMSA offers information, Narcan education, sober holiday celebrations and gatherings, Jewish Sensitivity Training for treatment providers and expert clinical support. HAMSA runs groups for adults and teens struggling with substance abuse, their significant others, and parents.