Net Training Institute Secures $1 Million State Funding to Expand Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative

Press Release • Jul 30, 2025
Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 30, 2025 (Newswire.com) - Net Training Institute, the administrative agency behind the Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace (FLRFW) initiative, has been awarded a $1 million appropriation in the 2025-2026 Florida state budget. This funding will support the creation of a Center of Excellence in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to train and certify employers statewide as Recovery Friendly Workplaces.

The new Center of Excellence will serve as a dedicated hub to expand the reach and impact of the FLRFW initiative, which aims to promote supportive and inclusive workplace environments for employees in recovery from substance use disorders. By providing specialized training and certification programs, the center will equip employers with the tools and resources needed to foster recovery-friendly policies, reduce stigma, and enhance employee well-being.

"This significant investment reflects Florida's commitment to supporting recovery and creating healthier workplaces," said Cheryl Brown-Merriwether, Executive Director of Net Training Institute. "Through our collaboration with the Department of Children and Families, we will empower employers across the state to become leaders in recovery-friendly practices, ultimately benefiting individuals, families, and communities."

The expansion of the FLRFW initiative aligns with Florida's broader public health goals and workforce development efforts. Employers certified under the program will demonstrate their dedication to supporting employees in recovery, which research shows can lead to higher retention rates, improved productivity, and a more positive workplace culture. The Center of Excellence will also facilitate ongoing research, best practices sharing, and community engagement to continuously improve the initiative.

Net Training Institute looks forward to working closely with the Department of Children and Families and other stakeholders to implement this critical program and help Florida build a stronger, healthier workforce.

About Net Training Institute

Net Training Institute is a leading organization dedicated to workforce development and recovery support initiatives in Florida. As the administrative agency for the Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative, Net Training Institute works to create inclusive environments that help individuals in recovery succeed in the workplace. For more information, visit www.netinstitute.org.

Contact:

Candace Alley
Marketing Administrator
Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative
Email: candace@flrfw.org
Website: www.flrfw.org

Source: Net Institute

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About Net Institute

In August of 2024, the Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Board of Directors designated the NET Training Institute (NTI), a 501(C)3 non-profit Educational Center of Excellence, as the Administrative Agency for the newly established Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative. Since its inception in 1996, NTI, under the Leadership of Jean LaCour, PhD (President and CEO) and Cheryl Brown Merriwether (Vice President and Executive Director), has focused on providing training and/or certification services to behavioral health practitioners, including counselors, therapists, recovery and recovery support peers worldwide. NTI also includes non-clinical professional coaches, health, wellness and human resources practitioners among their graduates. These all share a common goal of advancing addiction awareness, prevention and recovery education with a focus on practical, applicable skills for professionals. The Florida RFW Coalition will provide advice and consultation to NTI, as they work together to address the challenges of substance misuse, addiction and recovery in the workplace. This collaborative effort positions Florida as a key player in the national movement to integrate support for employees seeking to achieve or maintain recovery into workplace wellness and other programs. NTI’s leadership ensures that the initiative is backed by decades of expertise in addiction recovery education, providing a foundation for success in addressing the state’s unique challenges. As the Administrative Agency, NTI will oversee the design, development, and delivery of the Florida RFW training and certification program. This initiative will provide businesses with the tools to become certified Recovery Friendly Workplaces, offering training, standards, and application processes to promote recovery-focused workplace cultures. The partnership between NTI and the FL RFW Coalition reflects NTI’s mission to cultivate workplaces rooted in compassion and support and by collaborating with employers statewide, we create environments that prioritize employee recovery and well-being.

flrfw.org
Net Institute
4767 New Broad Street
Orlando, FL
32814

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