CORE Conversations - Pathways to Success

Welcome Back to CORE Conversations: Pathways to Success. This episode isn't full of resources, but it is full of fun and laughter. You get to meet a new member of our team, Megan Spinks from Hub 2. We also have our director, Ashley Shaw, hosting this episode, and she has several rapid-fire questions for us as a team and as individuals. What a way to wrap up our first season, too! With that said, we'll see you guys in a few months for Season 2. Have a wonderful summer!

Michael Haney, director of PROACT, joins us for this month's episode of CORE Conversations: Pathways to Success. PROACT provides comprehensive assessment, education, intervention, and addiction treatment solutions in a single accessible service hub. Michael Haney shares with us how PROACT demonstrates the concept of "together is better." PROACT 800 20th St Huntington, WV 25703 (304) 696-8700

Welcome Back! In this episode, we are joined with Tina Ramirez the director of Great Rivers. This time we dig into what it has been like for Tina to be a well of knowledge and a librarian for local resources. She talked about programs she's been involved in, connecting resources, and seeing things change around her. We also have some surprise rapid fire questions. Most excitingly, we have added a new segment called CORE Powerups, where we have our guests talk about a specific soft skill in the workplace, why they value it, and how they've grown that skill over time. We hope you enjoy! Contacts: Tina Ramirez-ramirezt@marshall.edu Sidney Lambert-lambertsi@marshall.edu Yvette Barrett-barrett71@marshall.edu

In this episode, we explore some of the resources Marshall University has under its belt, much like our very own CORE. Heart of Appalachia is an organization based around helping individuals with all things education. They work with first generation college students, those seeking to enter a trade, and individuals seeking 4-year degree. Here, we talk with Patricia Moore about what motivates her, who she is inspired by, and what her organization can offer the people of WV. Enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Facebook Page. Patricia Moore-moore21@marshall.edu Samantha Page-adkins500@marshall.edu Sidney Lambert-lambertsi@marshall.edu

Brandon Whitehouse with WV Collegiate Recovery Network joins us to share about his role and the amazing work the Collegiate Recovery Network is doing across West Virginia. 

In this episode, we talk with Mark Kemp about Reconnecting McDowell. Reconnecting McDowell has several programs at work in McDowell County, WV. The list includes the Maier Foundation Scholarships, Broader Horizons, GoGrowcery, Farm to School, BeHealthy WV, Project LifeSaver, Make It Shine McDowell, the Health Fair, and Shared Heritage. Mark expounds upon each program and even gives us dates for upcoming events, such as the Shared Heritage Event on 04/12/2021 at the Caffrey Center in Welch, WV. We also pose serious questions about employment and what that means for someone in recovery from substance use disorder. Mark tells us about his own personal experiences and dives into the importance of support and program availability. We hope you enjoy! Contact Information: Mark Kemp- mkemp@aftwv.org Sidney Lambert- lambertsi@marshall.edu Yvette Barret- barret71@marshall.edu Important Links: Creating Opportunities for Recovery Employment Website: https://www.marshallhealth.org/services/addiction-medicine/core/ Reconnecting McDowell Website: www.reconnectingmcdowell.org

Lisa Welton, Jaclyn Johnson, Jake Merritt, Nicholas Devens, and Bethany Holley from the Salvation Army in Huntington, WV joined us to share about the many great programs they provide throughout the year and special programs during the holidays. Throughout this podcast we learn how the Salvation Army lives out their moto of "Doing the Most Good." If you have any questions or would like to connect with the Salvation Army, you can contact the Huntington, WV location at (304) 529-2401. If you are interested in being a Red Kettle Volunteer, you can sign up at redkettlevolunteer.org

In this episode, you get introduced to Deb Davis, the founder and creator of One Voice. One Voice was founded in 2005 out of prayer and concerned parents vowing to meet a community need. It has transformed into an organization that reaches more than those in its birth county. As you learn in the episode, the One Voice One Cup building is where CORE's Hub 3 Employment Specialists have their office. Brittany Cook and Sidney Lambert cover Mercer, McDowell, Fayette, Raleigh, and Wyoming County and work to help those residents gain meaningful employment. You can expect funny stories, heartfelt origins, and helpful advice. Contact Information: Brittany Cook - cook297@marshall.edu Sidney Lambert - lambertsi@marshall.edu Important Links: One Voice Website: https://onevoicewv.org/ Creating Opportunities for Recovery Employment Website: https://www.marshallhealth.org/services/addiction-medicine/core/

We are thankful to have John Smith and Ryan Elkins join our podcast to share their stories of recovery and what they are doing to bring additional recovery resources to Lincoln County.  

Before we share with you stories from our partners, resource agencies, employers, and other community members, come get introduced to the CORE team and learn about our journey from when we started to where we are now. If you or a person you are assisting may benefit from CORE's services, below is the contact information for our employment specialists in each of the Hubs: Hub 1 (Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln) Yvette Barrett - barrett71@marshall.edu Samantha Page - adkins500@marshall.edu Hub 2 (Boone, Kanawha, Logan, Mingo) Xondre Willis - willisx@marshall.edu Hub 3 (Fayette, Mercer, McDowell, Raleigh, Wyoming) Brittany Cook - cook297@marshall.edu Sidney Lambert - lambertsi@marshall.edu

CORE (Creating Opportunity for Recovery Employment) through Marshall Health is starting a new adventure where we share with you our employment guidelines, partner interviews, and recovery success stories.