firsthand

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: firsthandcares.com/cristin #nationalrecoverymonth #recoverymonth #peersupport

Celebrating my 2 year work anniversary with firsthand. It’s hard to believe it’s been two years already. As I take a moment to pause and reflect on these past two years it is incredible to think of all that has happened for me both personally and professionally while working here -all while being able to assist with providing life changing outcomes for the individuals we serve at the same time. This place has afforded me the opportunity to bring forth and hone latent talents and skills within myself I didn’t know I had. Working at firsthand has also allowed me to bring forth the skills I had already possessed and shined best at, but were dimmed and not being put to good use at prior work place. They have also provided me and continue to provide me with invaluable ongoing opportunities to develop in my role as a leader and a CPRS. I am also grateful for the personal goals I have been able to achieve on my recovery path over these past two years due to being a part of firsthand. Thank you. Two years goes by on a blink of an eye. Don’t let life pass you by. 💜 Embrace the opportunities and lead with a service heart.

When Samir Malik asked me to join the company he was starting in the summer of 2021, focused on connecting individuals with serious mental illness with providers and community resources, it represented the biggest risk in my career. But being a part of firsthand since Day 1, and leading operations for the foundational first three years, has been an absolute highlight of my career. I am incredibly proud of the culture we have built and the transformative work we do every day. Leading nearly 400 community team members and clinicians to serve individuals who deserve a voice and better life has been the honor of a lifetime. But now it is time for me to take a well-deserved break! It allows me to focus on my other extremely important calling – being a mother. I will remain an avid cheerleader and investor of firsthand, and cannot express enough gratitude for the colleagues and supporters of this amazing company. The kind words after announcing this decision, and the All-Team sendoff presenting me with the firsthand Corey Walker Values Award, will stay with me for my lifetime. 

Last week, firsthand's Richmond, VA team celebrated Mady Hill'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!!

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. The message is..if nobody told you they believe in you today..let me be the first.

Hi friends, We’re still looking to fill one firsthand guide position in the Bristol/Abington area. If you have any questions, please reach out. It’s truly the best company I’ve ever worked for. https://lnkd.in/eaGHA_Fd

Jen is one of the many inspirational people I have the honor and privilege of working with at firsthand #Ilovemyjob

I’m happy to share that I’ve completed my Bachelors of Social Work at University of Cincinnati!

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. If you’re interested in helping individuals living with serious mental illness through peer support, check out our open roles here: https://lnkd.in/gDhJn-Tx #PeerSupport #MentalHealth #ReEntry

I want thank Health Connect America for for the opportunity to develop, lead, and grow their therapeutic foster care program for the State of Tennessee. The program has achieved phenomenal outcomes for the children and families we served. I would also like to thank Brandi Haws, LPC, regional vp for the support and guidance in building a successful program. I am so proud of the work we did together and I will always be grateful for my time with the company. Now, I am excited for my next opportunity as Director of Community Operations at firsthand. Firsthand is a healthcare company that serves people living with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. I am thrilled to be in a role to help grow and guide services that improve people’s lives in measurable and meaningful ways.