In the heart of Reno, The Empowerment Center (TEC) is more than a transitional housing facility, it’s a place of healing and forward motion. With a mission to help women in recovery rebuild their lives through sober living, wraparound support and access to essential services, TEC serves as a lifeline for those working to overcome substance use and trauma. And thanks to a partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno’s School of Social Work, that lifeline is growing stronger.

Over the past few years, TEC has welcomed students from the School of Social Work, integrating them into the nonprofit’s operations. These students bring fresh perspectives, energy and compassion to the clients of TEC. Karen A. McKinney, LCSW, LCADC-S, who works for The Empowerment Center and serves as the students’ field instructor, describes the impact as mutually beneficial.

“For TEC, the benefit is clear. We get additional help with case management and group facilitation, and our clients get another person to connect with,” said Roxanne DeCarlo, executive director at The Empowerment Center. “But we also know the benefit for students is equally powerful. They gain firsthand experience with a diverse clientele and learn to navigate challenges that grow increasingly prevalent in the real-world: addiction, trauma, oppression and even how to navigate the realities of policy-driven care.”

The Empowerment Center provides a wide variety of resources, including residential treatment and transitional housing. The nonprofit has been steadily increasing its offerings, recently opening applications for its Marvel Way II housing project (in its second phase) and just broke ground on The Empowerment Center II, an 80+ bed residential treatment facility that will expand access to care for women in crisis. Amidst the growing need for such resources, TEC’s partnership with the University enables more robust options for the community while offering students the opportunity to engage in the kind of impactful work they’ll carry forward into their careers, especially given that practicum students are far from passive observers.

At TEC, participating students are invited to contribute meaningfully by supporting group discussions, assisting with case-related tasks and exploring evidence-based practices that inform the nonprofit’s programming. Along the way, they’re encouraged to think critically, develop their own professional judgment and engage with the complex realities of addiction recovery in a hands-on setting. For many, it’s the first time they’ve had the chance to apply what they’ve learned in class to real people and real stories.

“The partnership with The Empowerment Center offers our students a rare opportunity to engage in work that is both genuinely challenging and vitally important to our region,” said Yezenia Olivera, field education coordinator for the University's School of Social Work. “They’re not just applying what they’re learning, they’re contributing to myriad women’s recovery journeys, an experience that is as humbling as it is formative.”

And as educational as the practicum can be, the connection doesn’t always end when the semester does. Two former practicum students are now full-time TEC team members, continuing their Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-Intern (CADC-i) paths.

"I can honestly say this is my dream, to give back to the place that helped save me, and to help others believe in the possibility of recovery and rebuilding their lives from the ground up." – Brianna Bedient, MSW student and drug and alcohol counselor

"I first came to The Empowerment Center in 2014 as a client, returned in 2023 as a practicum student through the University of Nevada, Reno, and now I’m proud to work here full-time as a drug and alcohol counselor,” said Brianna Bedient, drug and alcohol counselor at The Empowerment Center, MSW student and TEC alumna. “This journey has truly come full circle and holds so much meaning for me, not just as a professional, but as someone who’s lived it. The partnership between TEC and the University gave me the chance to turn my pain into purpose. It helped me grow into the kind of counselor I once needed, and now I have the privilege of walking alongside other women as they rebuild their lives. I can honestly say this is my dream, to give back to the place that helped save me, and to help others believe in the possibility of recovery and rebuilding their lives from the ground up."

"The partnership between the School of Social Work and The Empowerment Center enhances student learning through hands-on field experiences, aligns with the School’s commitment to social justice and culturally responsive practice, and strengthens community impact," Olivera said. "By collaborating on initiatives that support youth and families, this partnership fosters professional development, research opportunities and meaningful community engagement, preparing students to be effective, compassionate social workers."

In a region where demand for mental health and addiction recovery services continues to rise, partnerships like the one between The Empowerment Center and the School of Social Work offer hope for the community’s ability to offer assistance and build healthier futures for all.

About The Empowerment Center

The Empowerment Center is a nonprofit organization in Reno, Nevada, helping low income and at-risk individuals recover from substance abuse while simultaneously reintroducing them into their communities. Their mission is to provide safe and sober housing to recovering addicts and alcoholics with services, support, and commitment to each of their residents’ long-term success. The Empowerment Center utilizes a four-month residential treatment program, aiding their clients not only through their recovery processes, but by also problem-solving with clients to overcome any barriers in their treatment. Their programming goes through four phases: Stabilization, Transition, Action, and Completion. To learn more, visit The Empowerment Center's website.