Substance Use Treatment, Counseling & Foundational Community Supports Builds Back Lives

"Working with Kristy has really helped me in my recovery. She also guided me in the importance of keeping busy and saving money for a rainy day. I have some self-worth these days."  Che

Che was in Pioneer’s Co-occurring residential program (CORP) that treats individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues, and connected with our Foundational Community Supports (FCS) program designed to assist individuals who want to find stable employment. Che was personally assessed by Kristy Ellingsworth, a Pioneer supportive employment specialist, and given assistance in his employment and personal goal planning.

The FCS program uses the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model for supported employment that can be integrated with other behavioral and social services that a client may already be involved in within the community. The FCS goal is to help individuals become as independent as possible in their own vocational role, while providing support and assistance as needed. 

Che had been using drugs and alcohol since he was 13 years old. He was in and out of juvenile detention since he was 14 years old and cycled through the prison system as an adult. In his history, he barely held a job for more than two months at a time. After years of living with a substance use disorder, Che made the decision he was ready and was going to finally change his life for good. He wanted to improve his health and quality of life for his children and himself. One day, Che took the initiative and voluntarily went to Pioneer’s CORP inpatient treatment program in Seattle to help him get off drugs and alcohol for good. After three months of being engaged in the program, Che was equipped with the tools to help him live a clean and sober life back in the community.

While still in treatment, Che was connected with the FCS supportive employment specialist, Kristy Ellingsworth, to help him overcome barriers to seeking employment and getting stabilized. When Che successfully graduated from CORP, he worked hard building his resume and began applying for jobs in the Seattle area with the support of Kristy and the FCS program. Che was hired by a major home services and supplies chain store and has been employed already for several months. 

Kristy Ellingsworth said, “Che has built back his self-esteem and is enjoying every minute of the financial independence and freedom that this job has given him. It is such a joy to see him building his life in recovery and excelling in his job.”

Che stated, “Working with Kristy has really helped me in my recovery. She also guided me in the importance of keeping busy and saving money for a rainy day. I have some self-worth these days.”