Virginia Bough to Lead Friends of Recovery Oswego County

OSWEGO – Friends of Recovery Oswego County (FOROC) has announced that Virginia Bough has been named the agency’s executive director.

Established to promote strategies and solutions for long-term recovery, Friends of Recovery of Oswego County (FOROC) provides information, non-clinical support, and education for those impacted by substance use disorders, including individuals in recovery, as well as their families and friends.

Bough, who holds a bachelor’s degree in human development from SUNY Oswego, has worked in the human services field for more than 30 years, including local agencies Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) and Catholic Charities. Most recently Bough worked at ACR HEALTH in Syracuse where she was involved with community education, community collaboration, and capacity building. She is excited about the opportunity to support and collaborate with people who use substances, emphasizing a commitment to compassionate, person-centered care and community empowerment.

“I have a passion for human services,” said Bough. “My sister always said that I wanted to know why people do the things they do. It’s true. I enjoy the cultural aspects of what makes communities thrive. It’s rewarding that I can play a part in people having the opportunities to make positive changes in their lives. My focus is on empowering people so that they may overcome the barriers they face, achieve their goals, and reach their full potential. The mission of FOROC aligns well with my vision of providing individuals with the information and tools necessary to make their own choices so that they can indeed live their best life.”

As executive director, Bough is charged with creating and maintaining a trauma informed, culturally competent environment; one that prioritizes the well-being of staff and volunteers, as well as sustaining recovery for individuals and their families by supporting all pathways to recovery and decreasing the stigma of substance use disorder. She will also take the lead in collaborating with other organizations and advocating for legislation and services that aid in recovery.

“Virginia’s diverse experiences with developing programs, fostering collaborations, and dedication to increasing services & supports for those impacted by substance use disorder (SUD), made her the perfect choice for executive director,” said FOROC Board President Ellen Lazarek. Those attributes, combined with her community work towards destigmatizing, harm reduction and recovery, will play a key role in the success of FOROC.”

Bough was involved in the formation of the Oswego County Opiate Response Consortium bringing new strategies to the community to meet the needs of those with SUD and their families/friends. In addition, she helped to increase community collaborations to meet those needs.

“Virginia has accomplished much in her short time as executive director,” added Lazarek. “I anticipate Virginia leading FOROC forward with continued programming that meets the needs of the community. It is truly clear that our mission of being welcoming to everyone is important to Virginia. She has worked to onboard her team and opened the Fulton RCOC seven days a week with a variety of opportunities so there is something for everyone.”

At the Friends of Recovery of Oswego County Recovery Center in Fulton, Bough will be promoting education, prevention, and awareness activities surrounding substance use disorder.

“I am excited to be leading Friends of Recovery of Oswego County,” said Bough. “I am an optimist. I believe people can change. Our new Recovery Center provides education, support, and empowerment in a stigma-free space for anyone affected by substance use disorders. We empower people who use or have used drugs to improve their health and wellness and to live their best self-directed lives with dignity, autonomy, and support. It’s rewarding to watch people embrace positive change and grow into the best versions of themselves.”

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