As Many Chances As It Takes

Opioid Response Department and Seneca Strong supports Seneca individuals and non-Seneca family members (i.e. non-enrolled fathers/mothers) who are struggling with substance use disorder while in custody by offering direct treatment linkages and post-release plans for a successful re-entry into the community and family reunification after incarceration.

 “Individuals with no re-entry support are 400x more likely to pass from an over-dose”        

 – Cheryll Moore

How This Works

Weekly reviews are made of the Erie County Inmate Roster Census by the Opioid Response Program Coordinator and Seneca Strong Case Managers – this is a public list of current inmate population within the Erie County jail systems. When an individual is identified from this census, the Jail Re-entry Coordinator and Seneca Strong Case Managers will contact the Chief of Community Re-Integration, Thomas Diina, and Lieutenant Jennifer Howell, to request one-on-one visits with these individuals while in custody. If the individual agrees to a visit, Legal Releases of Information will be filed and put in place, then a meeting will be scheduled. Meetings with Opioid Response staff do not count as “personal visits” but are identified as special and/or service visits.
Our team provides ongoing support throughout the individual’s incarceration and works collaboratively to develop personalized aftercare plans prior to release. This may include direct transitions into treatment programs, reintegration housing, or other recovery support services. Regardless of the pathway, we remain engaged with each individual to ensure continuity of care and long-term stability. The Jail Re-entry Coordinator and Seneca Strong Case Managers also receive referrals from Peace Prints (Erie County) and the Re-Entry Opportunity Center (ROC).

Opioid Response Department – Program Coordinator: Shaina Gates 
Shaina.Gates@sni.org
Mobile: 716-801-2001
Cattaraugus Seneca Strong – Case Manager: James White
JWhite@sni.org
Mobile: 716-801-3843
Allegany Seneca Strong – Case Manager: John McLaughlin 
John.McLaughlin@sni.org
Mobile: 716-801-1661

Resources: 

Peace Prints
The ROC (Re-Entry Opportunity Center)
Erie County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Roster

Coming Soon: Summer 2026

The Journey to Wellness Treatment Court is a “opioid – court” look alike, providing immediate intensive daily services to individuals to kickstart their recovery journey, and help saves lives. This is an intensive treatment opportunity which may be court ordered or voluntary. An individual will conduct daily check-ins with a Hearing Officer. Full wrap around services including medications, counseling, job – training, insurance access, and housing will be offered to the individual as needed. Upon completion of the healing to wellness treatment program, criminal charges made within the County, City, and State court systems may be reduced or dismissed.

The Journey to Wellness Treatment Court serves enrolled members of the Seneca Nation, Seneca Nation First Descendants, and other Tribal Nation citizens with affiliated MOU’s in place.
Staff

• Hearing Officers
• Court Coordinators
• Peer Advocates

See what local cities and New York State have similar to the Seneca Nations “Journey to Wellness – Treatment Court”:

• Opioid Intervention Courts (OICs)

See what other tribal nations are doing similar to the Seneca Nations “Journey to Wellness – Treatment Court”

• The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Healing to Wellness Court

Questions? Feel free to contact Opioid Response Department Director: Dawn Colburn at Dawn.Colburn@sni.org

Coming Soon: Summer 2026

Red Cedar Lodge is a 12-bed housing facility in development on the Seneca Nation Allegany Territory, providing a safe place for people in recovery while they transition back into their local community.

Reintegration is a journey of returning to balance—within oneself, with family, and within the community. This home is rooted in Indigenous values that recognizes healing as a holistic process, honoring the mind, body, spirit, and connection with oneself. This space reflects the belief that every person carries inherent worth and the ability to heal when given daily home structure, counselor and residential aid support, and cultural understanding. Through shared responsibility, cultural respect, and supportive services, residents are encouraged to reconnect with their strengths and move forward in a good way.

What is it?:

Housing for individuals working on various healing journeys in their life with supportive services to assist with successful transition back to independence and success in the home community.

Who we Serve:

Enrolled Senecas and non-enrolled parental figures to Seneca children, over 18 years of age.

Where:

629 East State Street, Salamanca, NY 14779

How do individuals access this service?

Individuals must be in a recognized treatment program with a referral from the provider detailing the level of need of the individual. Including release from incarceration.

Questions? Feel free to contact Opioid Response Department Director: Dawn Colburn at Dawn.Colburn@sni.org

The Healing Conference through the Seneca Nation is a gathering open to the Haudenosaunee Community that offers culturally grounded healing through connection, culture, and care. 

The 2026 Spring Healing Conference took place April 23-25 at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, NY. 

View photos from the Spring Healing Conference below: