History of PAR
People Advocating Recovery has been Kentucky's statewide recovery community organization since 2002.
Kentucky's statewide recovery community organization.
People Advocating Recovery was founded as Kentucky's statewide recovery community organization in 2002, gaining non-profit status in 2006.
Following a Recovery Ambassador advocacy training conducted by the Johnson Institute, the group formed PAR to bring forward an advocacy and public awareness focus. While relatively few new state dollars had been budgeted in the past 20 years, addiction problems were calling attention to the need for more treatment and recovery options.
Building an advocacy agenda
Historically, PAR's legislative advocacy agenda has included increasing funding for indigent treatment, restoration of voting rights to justice-involved persons, seeking increased placement of people in recovery on state policy advisory boards, and working for diversion programs. PAR has developed effective partnerships with other advocacy groups, such as Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, the Catholic Conference of Bishops, and the League of Women Voters. Our partnership with the Restoration of Voting Rights Coalition, housed at Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, has fostered a fruitful collaboration.
2002–2022 · Mike Barry
In June of 2022, PAR's founding member and Chief Executive Officer, Mike Barry, retired after an incredibly successful 16-year administration. Mike was the center of the recovery advocacy movement in Kentucky, and PAR was born from his leadership and dedication to helping more people gain access to treatment and recovery. He continued to lead the board of directors as Board President.
2022–present · Tara Hyde
In July of 2022, Tara Moseley Hyde assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. A longtime supporter and member of PAR, she came from Young People in Recovery, where she served as Vice President of Programs. Under her leadership, PAR continues to support new organizations and paradigms entering the community, backed by a robust training and technical assistance program.