We launched our first-ever Annual Performance and Culture Awards this year! Team members nominated colleagues who truly embody firsthand's values and go the extra mile. The five winners were flown to NYC last week for an itinerary packed with fun activities, joined by our leadership team. We can't wait for next year!
It's a big day at firsthand- today our first west coast office opens in Tacoma, WA! We are honored to start support individuals living with serious mental illness in the PNW.
As #RecoveryMonth wraps up, we’re celebrating the incredible recovery journeys of the firsthand’s peer supporters (firsthand Guides). Meet Mandy. Her story is proof that recovery isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Now, Mandy channels her lived experience into empowering others on their recovery journeys, offering compassion, understanding, and hope to those facing similar battles. Read her story and see how lived experience changes lives.
September is National Recovery Month, a time to honor resilience and uplift those on their journey to recovery. At firsthand, our team is composed of hundreds of Peer Support Specialists, each bringing unique lived experiences of recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and mental illness. These remarkable individuals transform their personal challenges into sources of strength and hope for others through peer support. Cristin Doherty is one of them. Read her bio here:
Last week, firsthand's Richmond, VA team celebrated Mady's 8-year sober anniversary. Mady is a firsthand Guide- a Peer Support Specialist who uses her lived experience to help others find recovery. Here's what Mady had to say about this special day: "Anything is possible if you believe. Today I celebrate 8 years clean from all mood and mind altering substances. My job allows me to share my lived experience in a way that expresses gratitude and hope! To say I'm proud of the person I've become is an understatement. Care, compassion and hope will break any chain feeling defeated in life. If nobody told you they believe in you today, let me be the first." Congrats, Mady!!
Jen’s six years in prison were a wake up call. She spent her time behind bars educating herself and confronting her past trauma through therapy- and came out stronger on the other side. As a firsthand Guide (Peer Support Specialist), Jen is able to leverage her lived experience to offer empathy, support, and practical help to others. She leads by example that one's past does not dictate their future.
“I’ve been there. I’ve lived it” Shanice, a Community Resources Guide in Cincinnati, OH, talks about how her experiences and struggles as a single teen mom have prepared her to help others in her role.
Allison, a Senior Software Engineer at firsthand, describes the importance of diverse perspectives in driving creativity and problem-solving on her team. Check her out in this article from Builtin!
“I’ve learned that the grace and love we extend to others should also be given to ourselves.” On the blog, Senior firsthand Guide (Peer Support Specialist) Kate shares her experience of overcoming substance use disorder and managing her serious mental illness, finding support through peer work, and ultimately reuniting with her daughter.
We are thrilled that firsthand’s Senior Director of Learning and Development, Bonnie Anderson, has been recognized as in the WTWH Healthcare Class of 2024 Future Leaders in Behavioral Health. Bonnie and her team have cultivated a culture of continuous learning at firsthand, empowering our staff to thrive in their roles. Her approach is humble, kind and candid, setting a positive example for others. Bonnie marries a deep commitment to firsthand’s mission with an entrepreneurial ability to build “something out of nothing” and keep iterating on it to make it better every day. We are so proud of Bonnie- this award is well-deserved! https://futureleaders.agingmedia.com/class-of-2024/
