Riverside Recovery Services, in operation since 2015 and located in the Mt. Vernon area since 2017, has a profound mission: to restore hope and success to those grappling with addiction, whether it be drugs or alcohol.
Caitlin Sheets, the human resources director at Riverside Recovery Services, shared insights into the organization's work, its expansion, and the importance of reaching out to individuals who find themselves at their lowest point.
“The overarching goal for Riverside Recovery Services is just to bring hope and success back to those in the community of addiction in the form of drugs or alcohol use,” Caitlin Sheets, the human resources director at Riverside Recovery Services told Mount Vernon News.
“We definitely work as hard as we can to reach out to that population when they're usually at their lowest. When a lot of people see them and don't bat an eye. But being able to help those clients who have reached rock bottom get back to being part of society and working and functioning and being able to to realize that there is such a good life on this side in a sober manner and that they can grow past and through everything that they've done or gone through, that there's success and hope on this side of the world no matter what it is that's in their past.”
Sheets expressed that Riverside aims to assist clients reintegrate into society, lead functional lives, and realize that a fulfilling, sober life awaits them, regardless of their past experiences.
The organization provides a range of services, including drug and alcohol counseling, with outpatient services available in Coshocton, Mt. Vernon, and Mt. Gilead.
Riverside offers residential facilities in the Mt. Vernon area, comprising long-term residential care lasting at least six months and sober living arrangements. As clients progress through their recovery journey, they can transition to outpatient settings or residential facilities, based on their specific care requirements.
Riverside Recovery Services recently expanded its presence to Mt. Gilead, where they opened a dedicated office approximately a year ago. The new location is part of a small plaza, featuring a counselor and a case manager to serve the local community.
Sheets highlighted Riverside's commitment to providing hope, emphasizing that no matter the circumstances, there is always a path to recovery. The organization primarily serves individuals aged 18 and above, as it is not certified to provide services to those under 18. Riverside's clients come from diverse backgrounds and age groups, each facing their own unique struggles and paths to recovery. The organization tailors its approach to meet individuals at their current stage and aligns their goals and needs with the assistance and resources they require.
“We try to stick by the belief that there's always, always hope, no matter what,”Sheets said. “For our services, we specifically are not certified for anybody under the age of 18. So anybody over 18. We've had a wide range – 18 year olds to 68 year olds to all kinds in the houses. And everybody meets their rock bottom at different points. Everybody hits that time of darkness at different points.”
Addressing concerns of individuals who may hesitate to seek their services, Sheets emphasized that it is entirely normal to be hesitant when considering addiction recovery services.
The first step in the process, which is often the most challenging, is asking for help. Riverside Recovery Services aims to support individuals in setting and achieving their recovery goals, even if they are initially hesitant. Sheets encouraged individuals who are uncertain or have questions to reach out, emphasizing that calling to inquire is a welcome and supported first step.
“There's nothing wrong with being hesitant about wanting services and struggling to want to get in to even just asking for help,” Sheets said.
“That's one of the hardest parts, is to just start the process. But starting it is what leads you to the other side. That's what gets you to your goals. We want to help you set those goals to get you through the door and help you pull that trigger on being able to take that first step.”
“If you're hesitant because you don't know what it looks like or you have kids and don't know if you can be in residential care, just call us. We'll answer any questions you have. We have an intake team that is excellent at going over everything when it comes to the houses and how things are done and ran. Even if you're not ready to pull the trigger yet, calling in to ask questions is always accepted and there's nothing ever wrong with that.”
For family members or loved ones concerned about someone struggling with addiction, Sheets recommended being a source of encouragement and support.
“A lot of that has to do with that person's personal recognition for the need of recovery,” Sheets said.
While it is difficult to force someone into recovery, providing a strong support system and offering care and love can make a significant difference in their journey to sobriety.
Riverside Recovery Services values the importance of a close-knit, sober support network for clients, which aids in their recovery process and beyond.
In addition to its core services, Riverside Recovery Services has launched Focused Driving School under its umbrella. This school offers a Driver Intervention Program every other month. The program is designed for individuals who have received DUIs or IUIs and need to complete a three-day course to regain their driver's license or reduce points on their driving record, as mandated by a court or recommended for self-referral. Riverside's holistic approach extends to supporting the community through its initiatives such as the Driver Intervention Program.
