2025 First Quarter Updates
Enhanced Clinical Programming/New Staff
We are happy welcome Tracy Williams, LISW-S, as our Director of Treatment Services. Tracy has added value to our clinical programs and provided clarity around milestones for individuals while they are in treatment to help with their success. In addition to clinical treatment, clients are learning life skills relative to their recovery such as parenting skills, budgeting, holistic care, healthy relationships, and more.
Growth in Housing
In addition to clinical programming enhancements, we have shifted to a transitional housing model which has allowed more individuals to reside on our main campus. The Mission House opens opportunities for 48 men who were struggling to find stable housing options. Between the Mission House and Emerge Springs Recovery Housing, 86 men have access to our services.
Serving Former Foster Youth
One of the most exciting developments is our ongoing partnership with Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS) and the Greene County Juvenile Court. These entities worked with us to provide opportunities for two motivated young men to engage in certification programs at The Trades Institute while still incarcerated. Due to the success of this pilot program, we are thrilled to welcome additional ODYS students into our programming. On May 21, our community will celebrate their graduation from The Trades Institute certification programs in HVAC and plumbing. This program demonstrates the power of partnerships with a cohort of judges, court systems, and correction facilities advocating on behalf of these two young men.
A Seamless Transition
As a part of honoring the true vision of Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative, The Trades Institute was officially acquired by our organization as a wholly owned subsidiary. As our team continues to provide workforce skills for those seeking to rebuild their lives, this transition opens the door to building a unique model of recovery, stability, and hope.
Horticulture Therapy Coming Soon!
Thanks to funding from the Christian Life Center, the Dayton Foundation, and Makino, we are nearing the completion of our 2-bay hydroponic greenhouse. Horticulture therapy is a recognized form of therapy and is used in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, prisons, schools, and community gardens. Its popularity has continued to grow, and it is now recognized as a valuable tool in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We are excited to include this additional opportunity for our clients to train, learn skills, have job opportunities while they learn the therapeutic benefits of horticulture.
BUILDING TRUST
My journey here at Emerge has been most rewarding when I get to work or interact directly with the clients. I have had the opportunity to provide counseling again in group settings,
which I had not done in a few years due to being in administrative roles. It has been really nice to get back to engaging with clients directly and be reminded of why we do the work we do here at Emerge. Working with clients again helps remind me of how important it is for counselors and mentors to build trust and come alongside people when they need help. We all need that whether we are in recovery or not.
GAINING WISDOM THROUG PEER SUPPORT
We often think of peer support for those navigating recovery, but I’ve experienced the value of learning from peers in my role of leading Emerge. Through the Mathile Family Foundation, I’m participating in an Executive Peer Circle where local leaders gather and share their work in the nonprofit space. This has been very rewarding in learning how other organizations are serving people, gleaning wisdom through their learning experiences, and solving problems with challenges we all face, especially in young nonprofits. I love being able to connect to peers and share opportunities and learning experiences because we all need this. Thank you to the Mathile Family Foundations for allowing leaders to come together to better serve our community!