Tag: substance abuse treatment

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Cycle-ology: A Passion Project Story

Posted on May 26, 2021 - 8:59 am by

For young men beginning their journey in recovery, one of the most common misconceptions is that once drugs and alcohol are given up, life is destined to be boring and empty. At Green Hill, we strive to make sure that our residents have ample evidence to the contrary.

Will (28) had been struggling with addiction for years, his world becoming smaller and smaller. He described living life feeling lonely, detached, depressed, and aimless. Despite recognizing the need for treatment, and appreciating the potential structure of a transitional living program, Will still harbored many concerns about recovery and how it would impose limitations on his life and future.

Drew (20) knew he needed help and wanted to change his trajectory, but he was worried about losing the freedom to pursue the things he loved while in treatment. One of the most important parts of Drew’s life was outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and he felt skeptical that he’d still be able to follow his passions during treatment. He wasn’t sure if a program like Green Hill would allow him any opportunities for fun or to pursue his own interests.

These concerns are common for incoming clients at Green Hill. They recognize that while structure is an important part of a sober living environment, they also desire space to explore and pursue their interests. We believe it is part of our mission at Green Hill to ensure our residents have ample support to pursue their passions. We have built a culture which encourages teamwork, human connection, and growth. For Will and Drew, we found some unique ways to help them feel like they belong and experience the freedom to explore. 

Working with Will and Drew, we found that a shared love of the outdoors and the support of our staff helped them become Green Hill’s resident expeditionary adventure team. As of this writing, Will and Drew have just returned from a self-planned camping trip and hike with other residents and are already planning the next one. And that’s not all!

In addition to hiking and camping, Will and Drew both enjoy biking. In fact, several other residents brought bikes and enjoy riding. The revelation that biking was a shared interest among residents inspired Will and Drew to create something cool for the house. As their service project, Will and Drew built a specialized bike rack and storage system to help accommodate all Green Hill’s bikers and outdoorsmen, current and future.

At Green Hill we are proud that our residents have an opportunity to pursue their passions in recovery, and feedback from residents tells us this support goes a long way at making recovery feel meaningful. 

As an example, Will told us: “I feel Green Hill does a great job in helping incubate client ideas and energy in a positive way.” 

Drew also found his passion project work at Green Hill very rewarding. He says: “It was great to revive my woodworking skills for our bike rack, and I enjoyed giving back to the house. It really felt like I accomplished something.”

We believe our cultural commitment to building exciting and fulfilling lives is key to our identity. We find that lasting recovery rests not in the absence of relapse alone, but in rediscovering the things which make our lives exciting as well. Drew and Will certainly accomplished something special and we thank them for leaving their mark on the Green Hill community.

Meet our Clinical Outreach Director: Marcus Shumate

Posted on March 29, 2021 - 12:59 pm by

Could we get some biographical information from you? Where you’re from, academic history, professional history, experiences in recovery, family life etc?

I was born and raised in Nashville, NC. It’s a small town in Eastern NC. I went to a small liberal arts University called Gardner-Webb University where I majored in Psychology and Religious Studies with an emphasis in Philosophy. I returned there to get my Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. I came from a family that hadn’t previously had anyone graduate from college so my dad put a pretty big emphasis on getting my brother and me through school.

What made you want to work in a) the clinical field generally and b) substance abuse specifically? And what made you decide to change your focus to working in Outreach?

Honestly, I grew up around a lot of heavy and problematic substance use and had no interest in working in the field of substance abuse. It felt “too close to home.” However, as I was set to graduate from my Master’s program, I got an offer to interview for a case manager position at a residential program and I had no other offers available to me. I knew that I liked to have food on the table and had no real prospects for how I was going to make that happen so I figured I’d take the job until something else opened up and, well…I ended up loving it.

Around about eight years into my clinical career I had become involved in some outreach efforts and found that I enjoyed the challenge of finding ways to best represent the ideals and practices of the program. This felt invigorating for me and opened up challenges that I hadn’t previously experienced. Additionally, I started to recognize that I had developed artificial constraints in my head about what I could and couldn’t do and switching to Outreach fulltime gave me a way to challenge those.

The other reason I changed my focus to Outreach was it gave me a chance to join the Green Hill team and I believe I’d be hard pressed to find another environment that relished it’s team members questioning assumed constraints as much as Green Hill does.

What precisely does a Clinical Outreach Director do?

I view the role of a Clinical Outreach Director as being able to distill complicated ideas into readily graspable concepts and narratives that can help others figure out if our program is a good fit for them or their clients. I also view it as my job to make sure we have healthy relationships with various resources and that I can translate what they do and what we do for different people.

What keeps you coming to work back day after day?

The culture of Green Hill is what keeps me coming back. It’s a culture from the top down that prioritizes personal and professional growth and operates off the sincerely held belief that cultivating this sort of culture will impact and challenge our clients. Getting to be a part of that sort of culture is invigorating for me and feels like we are continuing to build something that can be transformative.

What do you believe makes Green Hill stand out in its field, and why?

I think I run the risk of sounding like a broken record, but it’s our culture. Our leadership team has frequent conversations about cultivating a vibrant and growth-oriented culture amongst ourselves. It’s our sincere belief that if we foster this amongst ourselves and create a system by which that becomes the norm all the way down to our most frontline staff, then we can create a healing environment full of cues that are constantly pulling our clients in the right direction.

What’s the one message you’d like the parents and loved ones of our residents and clients to know?

I’d want them to know that growth comes from failure. We have a saying amongst ourselves that we want to create an environment where it’s ok for our clients to “skin their knees without cracking their heads.” When dealing with substance use disorders and mental health struggles it’s easy to forget that part of young adulthood is failing and absorbing the lessons from those failures.

I think back to when I was in my late teens and early twenties and I’m sometimes surprised I am still alive. The funny thing is, I think most of us are like that regardless of our relationship with substances and somehow that truth gets lost on us when substance use disorders and mental health come into play.

We hear you are an avid Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai practitioner. How does your martial arts practice impact your life, your approach to things, your perspective, etc.?

You’ve probably heard that because, in typical fashion to anyone that trains this stuff, it is like one of the four topics that occupies most of my mental space and talking. When you train this stuff you become a zealot and talk about it all the time in the hopes that some other obsessed person will hear your siren call and come to exchange techniques and stories.

One of the reasons I continue to train is because it intimidates me. It’s physically grueling and I never walk into the gym without a flash of anxiety. I’ve been involved in a lot of martial arts over the years and when I first started training things like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai weren’t readily available in most places. As such, most martial arts had a playacting quality to them in which one person initiates a prescribed technique and the other person responds with a scripted technique. It leads to a sense of confidence that all but the most delusional feel is a bit hollow.

When you step on to the mats to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Muay Thai, there are no self-deceptions that can abide. It’s a combat sport where you are actively trying to best your training partner. Any delusions you may have are immediately brought into contact with reality and the better practitioner often wins the match. If you get lucky, you know that you got lucky. It’s remarkably vulnerable and exposed and it never ceases to make me anxious.

You know what? I need that in my life. It gives me something that lets me constantly be mindful of my own insecurities and recognize them as automatic and transient. This practice gives me the opportunity to generalize it into every other area of my life.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How has that advice affected your day-to-day?

This is a good one. I am not entirely sure, but I’ll cheat the question and try to marry two pieces together. First piece of advice: don’t take yourself too seriously. Second Piece of advice: don’t marry yourself to your ideas. I feel comfortable with these two pieces of advice being married, because I think they’re pretty similar. I think the world is a remarkably complicated place and requires mental models that are fluid and ever evolving. I also think that’s what is fun about living. It’s a constant process of evolution that will be happening with your willingness or not. We can engage with that process with a sense of curiosity and playfulness or have tightly bound fists that stay clinched until our departing breaths.

I’m not the best at applying this, but I find that when I am able to abide in it a bit I tend to feel lighter, more balanced, and think more clearly.

What’s one memory you’ll always take with you from your time here in Green Hill?

It’s not a memory per se, but an impression. I was at my first yearly leadership team meeting and had this overwhelming impression of how dedicated the team and organization was to personal and professional growth. It left me intimated and excited. I think it would be entirely too easy for me to be a part of many organizations and be able to float by, but I don’t think that’s remotely possible for me on our team and it’s intimidating in all the right ways.

When you’re not at work, what do you do to recharge your batteries?

It could be any number of things, but it’s usually a combination of training Jiu Jitsu, cooking, meditation, time with friends, and being outdoors. Also, I love to watch football and could lay comatose on the couch for entirely too long watching games I only have a passing interest in if I am not careful.

What does your ideal day look like?

My ideal day would likely look pretty simple. First, I’d wake up, make some coffee, and get the dogs up and fed. From there, my next move would be to sit on the couch and drink my coffee with the dogs, and then meditate.

Next I’d do a light workout, probably go to Jiu Jitsu and spar with teammates. Having worked up an appetite I’d head home and get into the kitchen and start cooking with my lovely wife. When I’m cooking I love to either listen to music or have some sort of sporting event on in the background. After eating, I’d get back to where I started, on the couch chilling with the dogs… or a friend, until I head to bed. That’d be a good day!

What makes Raleigh a superb environment for young people in recovery?

It’s a city that is full of play and opportunities to build a life. In my past job I was a referring clinician and noticed that a lot of programs were based in really cool cities and places that our clients could go to for aftercare, but couldn’t do much besides play in those places. It was always tough for them to start building a career or exploring interests that were more broad.

What’s one message you wish our residents at Green Hill would always take with them?

Find something to work at that you will fail at and don’t take yourself too seriously.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT MARCUS

Undergraduate School: Gardner-Webb University

Desert Island movie: Easy. Shawshank Redemption

Favorite Book: East of Eden

Favorite Album: Jason Isabell’s South Eastern, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, anything Sam Cooke

Favorite Podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience, Your Mom’s House, Making Sense, and the Knowledge Project.

What’s One Thing Your Hometown Could Be Known For: George’s BBQ Sauce

Dream Vacation: Backpacking around Thailand.

Favorite spot to visit in Raleigh: Transfer Co. Food Hall

Dream job as a child: Chef or Fireman.

Guiltiest pleasure: Peanut Butter. I could eat an entire jar in a sitting.

Why our most important bottomline is People (3BL at Green Hill)

Posted on March 10, 2021 - 9:37 am by

In this series of blog posts, we’re sharing our journey to adopting a triple bottom line approach (3BL) approach at Green Hill. The previous and introductory post of the series is available here.

Those of us in the addiction and mental health field typically got here for a combination of two reasons: we’ve personally been impacted by addiction and/or mental health issues and we want to help others that are struggling. It’s awesome to show up to work everyday with a group of people that are passionate about making the world a better place, but that doesn’t mean that leadership always knows how to effectively create an environment that serves its clients and its team. Of course we’re focused on our clients’ outcomes but we believe that in order to produce the best client outcomes over time, we must be just as focused on the growth and development of our team. The triple bottom line approach helps us clarify what it means to focus on the social welfare of our people. 

We are in the helping profession, which means we are inherently stakeholder-oriented. The needs of our clients and their families are of paramount importance but that doesn’t mean they are our only, or even main concern. To ensure our clients have the best possible outcomes, we posit that focusing on our team is the primary concern.  2021 is the year we take it a step further and double down on the our-people-first approach. 

To understand Green Hill’s our-people-first approach, it’s important to understand the underlying theory which consists of three main components: (1) structural isomorphism, (2) people as dynamic systems, and (3) kaizen & self-renewal.

Isomorphism is a similarity of the processes or structure of one organization to those of another, be it the result of imitation or independent development under similar constraints. At micro and macro levels, entities (individuals or organizations) mirror like entities. The general concept we’re trying to apply is simple: provide the same level of engagement for each member of our team as we expect them to do towards our clients. If we pride ourselves on being a program that goes far beyond treating substance use and mental health concerns to helping people maximize their potential, then that needs to be true for each member of the team.

Dynamic Systems Theory states that the environment (available resources or affordances), task (goal), and individual constraints (past experience + genetics) themselves influence the output (our actions or behaviors). In simple terms, we are all shaped by a combination of factors that are constantly influencing each other. As an organization, it’s important that we provide the best possible environment to facilitate learning and growth, as that will greatly impact how successful an individual is at meeting their goals. People are not static — it’s on us to provide the necessary training, resources, and mentorship to help each member of the team reach their full potential.

Kaizen is a Japanese word that translates into “change for the better” or “continuous improvement”. Green Hill is an organization that is committed to isomorphic kaizen, which means that we expect each client, team member, and the organization as a whole to be committed to continual improvement. While this spirit has always been captured in our value of ‘growth’, we want to more formally acknowledge our ‘growth mindset’ as a key component to who we are. 

Implications

We will focus on team member personal-professional development (PPD). PPD is the cornerstone of what Green Hill provides — we believe that a life in recovery is a life of limitless opportunity, not a limitation. From the top down, we will all be engaged in a standardized PPD program that will focus on goal setting, mentorship, and learning. Green Hill’s leadership team is committed to each team member’s growth and we want to leverage the company to help you meet your goals. 

This translates directly into the work we’re doing with our clients. If they see each member of the team engaged in personal and professional growth, there will be implicit (positive) pressure from their environment to do the same, that’s the structural isomorphism at work. Moreover, if you receive mentorship and opportunities to pursue the things that interest you, you’re more likely to understand how to do the same for our clients. At the leadership level, we don’t get to spend as much time as we’d like with our clients and our front-line team; however, this company-wide approach to PPD is how we turn Green Hill into an ecosystem of human flourishing. 

Our people are extremely talented, hardworking, and share a set of values. Regardless of where our people sit on the organizational chart, they have the ability to impact strategic decisions. We want everyone to be empowered to make a positive impact and it’s of the utmost importance that our team members see their work as rewarding. 

3BL People Group

Green Hill will establish a working group that will meet monthly to focus on addressing the people within the Green Hill community, with a primary focus on our team members in 2021. The goal of this working group is simple, though not easy: make Green Hill the best place to work. To accomplish this, the People Group will analyze our current operational policies and procedures and then provide recommendations on how to improve our organization. 

Health, wellness, & safety 

  • How can Green Hill better encourage team member wellness?
  • Do our benefits package line up with our values? 
  • What team-oriented activities should we add to our schedule? 

Mentoring & coaching DNA

  • Are we receiving consistent mentorship and coaching?
  • Do we provide holistic development opportunities?
  • What general training should we add? 
  • How can the Company better support your personal goals?

Career development & hiring

  • How can the Company better provide job-specific training?
  • Does Green Hill support non-job-specific broadening? 
  • What can the Company do to better prepare you for your next role?
  • How can we better demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion? 

Engagement & satisfaction

  • Are we living up to our core values?
  • What team-wide events should we have? 
  • How can we improve the physical environment? 

Company Value: Growth 

Whether it’s as a company or as individuals, we want to grow. When we initially conceived of our core values, “growth” was not included; however, as we looked at the team members who best exemplified the other values, it was obvious that they valued personal growth and that Green Hill was a piece of their development. 

As we look to the future, it’s clear that our organization needs to value growth from the top down. If we want a sustainable, high-impact company, we must all be committed to developing to our fullest potential. Optimal growth does not occur when we’re in our comfort zone, nor does it occur when we’re pushed far beyond our capabilities. At Green Hill, we’re committed to providing mentorship, supervision, and coaching to serve our team in their personal journeys to their potential. 

Over the coming weeks we’ll be exploring how we’re implementing a 3BL approach at Green Hill. We believe that this framework, while applicable in every field, is a must in the helping professions.

Stay tuned for more information on our approach and we look forward to connecting with other impact-oriented leaders. 

Meet Our Clinical Case Manager: Samantha Puckett

Posted on March 8, 2021 - 8:32 am by

Could we get some biographical information from you? Where you’re from, academic history, professional history, experiences in recovery, family life etc? 

I am originally from Franklin County, Virginia. I moved to Norfolk, Virginia after completing high school to study Marine Biology at Old Dominion University. When drugs and alcohol started taking over my life, I stepped away from school for a while and went to Florida. In 2013, I began my journey of recovery at a treatment center in South Florida.

Through my personal recovery journey, I found that I really enjoyed helping other addicts recover. I decided to move to North Carolina so that I could go back to school and later graduated from Old Dominion University with a Human Services Degree.

I am currently a graduate student at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill working towards my Master of Social Work. I just recently got engaged and live in Chapel Hill with my fiance and dog, Cooper. 

What made you want to work in a) the clinical field generally and b) substance abuse specifically?

I found that I had a passion for working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders when I was sponsoring women in the recovery community. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their lives change which made me want to continue to do this work. Before deciding to go to school for this field, I got an entry level position at a treatment center in South Florida and quickly found that  this was what I wanted to do with my life. 

What precisely does a Clinical Case Manager do?

As the Clinical Case Manager at Green Hill, I wear multiple hats. I help provide academic and vocational support to the residents through case management sessions, facilitate scheduling of medical appointments, manage all client’s medication. I also manage admissions upon arrival at our organization, and help facilitate all aspects of the Transitional Living program. I often serve as the point of contact for any questions or concerns regarding the Transitional Living program and aim to support our residents with any of their needs.  

What keeps you coming back day after day?

Definitely our Transitional Living residents! I have found a passion for working with individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. Each day, our residents surprise me with the amount of growth they make, whether it be recovery related or not, seeing that spark in their eye is comforting. It is comforting to know that the work they are doing is making a difference in their life.

What do you believe makes Green Hill stand out in its field, and why?

Green Hill focuses on empowering young adults to live with purpose. Many of our clients have not experienced life outside of using drugs or alcohol. Green Hill truly tries to find the strengths in our clients that will help them live a productive life. We encourage our clients to develop the essential executive functioning skills that they need in order to continue to thrive. We want our residents to complete our program with the ability to live on their own with skills that will help them succeed.

What’s the one message you’d like the parents and loved ones of our residents and clients to know?

Each of our staff is committed to helping your child. We develop a connection with our clients where they can lean on us for the support to get through this new point in their lives. We want them to walk away from Green Hill with the skills they need to live on their own and manage their life without needing drugs and alcohol to do so. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How has that advice affected your day-to-day?

Growing up I played a lot of sports and had a lot of coaches who would push me to my limit. On the wall of the gym where I did gymnastics was a sign with the word “Can’t” which had a circle around it with a diagonal line going over it. My coach would not allow us to use the word “can’t”, it was a forbidden word at the gym. She would always tell us, if there is something that you want to do then you can do it if you put your mind to it. I have tried to carry this message with me to this day. I think it is important to strive to meet your goals and dreams which is what I try to do on a daily basis.

What’s one memory you’ll always take with you from your time here in Green Hill?

Wow, how can I choose just one memory?! I cherish every moment at Green Hill because the guys we work with have made an impact on my life. The most rewarding part of my job is for the residents to tell me they have had something good happen.

For instance, I’ve had guys walk into a room yelling at me with excitement a about how they got a good grade, or got the job. I even get phone calls or text messages from program alumni to tell me about their academic and personal milestones. These are all the memories that I will forever cherish and take with me: seeing the success of our residents. 

When you’re not at work, what do you do to recharge your batteries?

I have just recently got into practicing yoga which I find very relaxing and calming. After a long day I will come home and do yoga to clear away the day and restart. I am also a country girl so I enjoy doing activities outside. In the summer my favorite thing to do is go fishing or go on hikes with my dog, Cooper.

What does your ideal day look like?

My ideal day would be spending time with family. I love the days where we can be in the pool all day, playing some pool badminton. We ended the day with a cookout on the grill and a bonfire at night. 

What makes Raleigh a superb environment for young people in recovery?

Raleigh is such a growing city and has a lot of recovery opportunities for young people in recovery. There are many recovery meetings in the Triangle that are specifically for young people in recovery which provides the opportunity to meet other young people who are in recovery. There are also some amazing recovery programs/groups at the local colleges in the area where young people in recovery can find support from other students.

What’s one message you wish our residents at Green Hill would always take with them?

We are always a phone call away! We will always be there for you whenever you need us!

Quick Facts about Samantha

Undergraduate: Old Dominion University-Norfolk, VA

Graduate school: Current enrolled in MSW at UNC- Chapel Hill

Desert Island Movie: Fried Green Tomatoes

Favorite Album: T.E.T.I.O.S., Papadosio

Dream Vacation: Anywhere where I can hike and have beautiful scenery

Favorite spot in Raleigh: All restaurants, I LOVE food!

Favorite meal: A nice steak with a side of mac-n-cheese 

Dream job as a child: I wanted to be a Marine Biologist, went to college for it and realized that I had other passions.

Guiltiest pleasure: ANYTHING Sweet, I have a major sweet tooth

Upcoming Free CEU: Rethinking Shame 3/23 1pm

Posted on March 1, 2021 - 4:43 pm by

We’re excited to announce we’re teaming up with Family First Adolescent Services and Joanna Lilley to bring you an exciting and free CEU virtual training this month. 

Many of the symptoms and behaviors that young people struggle with have their origins as shame-based survival responses to childhood trauma. Using a developmental trauma-informed approach is an important tool for promoting lasting healing.

Join Green Hill Clinical Director Matt O’Connor and Family First Adolescent Services Director of Clinical Development Mike Giresi as they explore how shame can have a profound impact on addiction, mental health, and the development of adolescents and young adults.

In order to receive your free 1.5 CEUs, please ensure you provide all appropriate licensing information when you RSVP (link below). 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Will at (wbernholz@greenhill.advaita.health). 

Topic: Rethinking Shame – How Identity Formation in Adolescents and Young Adults Impacts Everything
Presenters: Matt O’Connor MA, LCAS, ICAADC, Clinical Director, Green Hill Recovery and Mike Giresi CAC, CTP, ICADC, NMP, Director of Clinical Development, Family First Adolescent Services
Hosted By: Joanna Lilley, MA, Lilley Consulting
Date: Tuesday, March 23rd
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm EST
Free CEUs offered: 1.5

Click here to RSVP

The Right Ingredients: A Passion Project Story

Posted on February 25, 2021 - 1:07 pm by

Will was a bit apprehensive before coming to Green Hill. Being in his late 20’s, his concern was whether or not he would connect with the community in the house because he figured he would be significantly older than most of the other guys.

“I was coming from a challenging period of my life,” says Will. “My addiction had taken me to a pretty lonely and dark place; living in a halfway house, drinking and getting away with it. I had to get up at 6am to drink in order to avoid withdrawals.”

Having been through treatment before, Will was anxious to progress in the program and as many Green Hill guys do, was wondering what his Passion Project might be. Immediately, he became an asset to the community with his empathetic listening and sharp sense of humor. 

Not long after his arrival, our team was overwhelmingly impressed by both Will’s intelligence and earnestness in recovery. He began contributing to our house the moment he arrived, and was always happy to talk to staff about a wide range of subjects.

However, it soon became apparent that Will wanted support in other areas of his life as well. One major area he wanted support in was in how to prepare delicious and healthy food.

This was an excellent opportunity for a Passion Project! We matched Will up with Chef Brian, a local chef who is also very active in recovery and frequents the Green Hill house.

Chef Brian agreed to begin meeting with Will to mentor him and provide cooking lessons. What emerged was a weekly personalized cooking class for Will. Will came in with a beginner’s mind and quickly absorbed important life lessons. Will noted “the most important things I learned was how to plan meals and effectively shop for groceries.” There were other benefits as well. Chef Brian made sure that Will learned multiple recipes, fundamental and advanced cooking and food preparation techniques. Ultimately Will became much more comfortable in the kitchen.

After several months, Will is an old hand in the kitchen and has become more comfortable in the community as well. “I felt really welcomed and supported by the community at Green Hill and was able to connect well with the guys here” says Will. 

Staff too noticed a change. “After Will began his cooking class I noticed a huge shift,” said Michael O’Sullivan, a Green Hill Program Facilitator, “he’s definitely become more comfortable and energized. One specific thing which has been awesome to see is how Will has taken an active role in cooking community dinner on Sunday nights.” 

Will also started to notice a change in himself, saying “I have become more comfortable being honest about when I am struggling and asking for help.” Since being at Green Hill, Will has begun working again full time and has plans to finish school. 

Will is still growing and adjusting to new challenges around food, Now that he’s working full time, keeping up with his healthy cooking routine has been a difficult balance to maintain. However, he still feels that Green Hill and his Passion Project have helped provide him a foundation to build upon and move forward.

Food knowledge has always been a part of our culture at Green Hill. On Sundays we have a community dinner where clients and staff make dinner for the whole community together.

Green Hill prides itself on its ability to facilitate enriching activities and pursuits for our residents. 

Ultimately, that’s what our Passion Projects are all about: helping our guys find their “thing” and then working out a plan of action to foster and support the pursuit of that passion. Our mission is always to bring hope and joy back into the lives of our young men. 

Why We’ve Adopted a Triple Bottom Line (3BL) approach at Green Hill

Posted on February 15, 2021 - 9:58 am by

Green Hill has always been a values-based, mission-driven organization. At the end of 2018, when we were celebrating our first anniversary, we began presenting this ‘values-based, mission-driven’ framework to the team. Some people may have thought this was just a fad, another idea that our leadership team adopted in response to reading a book or blog, but it was the beginning of consciously developing a culture.

Over the past two years, everyone who has joined the Green Hill team has spent time during their first days meeting with our CEO to discuss the history of Green Hill and what it means to be a ‘values-based, mission-driven’ company. The triple bottom line approach takes things a step further — it helps operationalize our values. This approach to organizational management focuses us on maximizing our impact in the community and on the world. 

One of the most exciting aspects of being social entrepreneurs is the real life thrill of testing your philosophy. Let’s not be naive. We’re in the for-profit healthcare business and depending on your political inclinations, this may seem abhorrent. However, we choose not to define ourselves by a narrow field — healthcare, mental health, substance use disorder treatment — but rather by what we do. Green Hill is an ecosystem committed to empowering individuals to live with profound purpose.

When most people think of a business model, they’re thinking about some combination of a pro forma and a balance sheet. While those are certainly foundational elements of running any successful organization, whether it’s for-profit or not-for-profit, we all joined the helping professions because we’re interested in more than collecting a paycheck. 

As an organization, Green Hill has always implicitly taken a triple bottom line approach — focusing on impact beyond our bottom line; however, we lacked a cohesive framework that was widely understood. As the company has grown, we can no longer ‘wing’ our approach and we’ve found a framework that will assist us in our co-creative endeavor. 

Enter the Triple Bottom Line (3BL) approach. The triple bottom line approach gives us an objective framework through which we can more deliberately analyze our decisions and elicit buy-in for new opportunities, with our core mission in mind. 

Green Hill is more than a business, it’s an ecosystem dedicated to the reduction of suffering and the empowerment of individuals. 3BL gives us an objective framework to build something special.

What Is the Triple Bottom Line (3BL)?

Triple bottom line (3BL), in economics, believes that companies should commit to focusing as much on social and environmental concerns as they do on profits. 3BL theory posits that instead of one bottom line, there should be three: profit, people, and the planet. A 3BL seeks to gauge a corporation’s level of commitment to corporate social responsibility and its impact on the environment over time. (Credit: Investopedia)

Our Triple Bottom Line (3BL) approach centers around People, Planet, and Profit. Below are a few details on our thinking and initiatives under each category, but we’ll be expanding on each in a dedicated blog post later. 

People
We believe that over time, growth-minded, ethically concerned, hard working people can move mountains — and that’s what we plan to do. So while our people have always been our “special sauce”, embracing the triple bottom line framework means that we will look at our “people practices” through a more objective lens and increase transparency for our team and the world writ large.

・Financial Security & Pay Transparency 
・Health, Wellness, & Safety
・Career Development 
・Engagement & Satisfaction

Planet: Community + Environment
Green Hill is a mission-driven company within a mission-driven, people-centric industry. Our work is dedicated to serving others so they may live more fulfilling lives. As part of that mission we see Green Hill as a citizen of the community and the environment. To that end we will be examining how our organization impacts the broader community (in the Triangle) and the environment. 

・Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
・Civic Engagement & Giving
・Energy & Water Usage 
・Trash, Recycling, & Waste 

Profit
We believe in the potential of capitalism, and in the notion of conscious capitalism. We are a for-profit company and thus we need to make a profit to serve the community. While we could engage in a fun, mind-expanding conversation regarding corporate structure, tax incentives, and why our “for-profit healthcare” company is less susceptible to corruption than your “not-for-profit healthcare” company, that’s not what we’re here to do. 

・Economic Impact
・Financial Transparency & Co-Created Goals 
・Data-Driven, Impact-Oriented Decision Making (think effective altruism) 
・Distributions & Charitable Giving Targets
・Team Member Bonuses & Incentive Structure

Over the coming weeks we’ll be exploring how we’re implementing a 3BL approach at Green Hill. We believe that this framework, while applicable in every field, is a must in the helping professions.

Stay tuned for more information on our approach and we look forward to connecting with other impact-oriented leaders. 

Meet Our Primary Therapist: Cassidy Conway

Posted on February 9, 2021 - 11:15 am by

First things first, could we get your name, job title, and academic qualifications?

My name is Cassidy Conway and I am a Primary Therapist at Green Hill Recovery working in both with our Transitional Living and the Community Outpatient Programs. I have a Masters in Counseling, am a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Associate, and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. 

Could we get some brief biographical info from you? Hometown, previous experience, education, etc.?

I am originally from Wilmington, Delaware, directly outside of Philadelphia. I grew up with my parents and younger brother and I attended Drexel University for my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Behavioral Health Counseling. Ever since high school I knew I wanted to be in the helping field, and my co-ops (internships) gave me the opportunity to explore what I really wanted to do with my career. 

Initially I worked in sports psychology with youth developmental teams for the Philadelphia Union and helped uninsured hospital clients apply and receive Medicaid.  While working in the hospital, I witnessed horrendous treatment of individuals seeking help for their substance use and/or medical complications. I immediately saw the need for substance use counselors specifically and better patient advocates for those on their recovery journey generally. I began taking courses in substance use, joined a co-op where I facilitated transition into a residential treatment facility and the rest is history! My personal experience with loved ones drew me to working in the mental health field. 

I took a leap of faith and came down to North Carolina to pursue my Master’s program at University of North Carolina, Charlotte. There I completed two internships, one with veterans and military families and the second with men who experienced homelessness. I also worked for three years at UNC-Charlotte’s Collegiate Recovery program. This experience shaped me as a professional and increased my desire to work with young people. I especially enjoyed how my role created an opportunity to educate the community and provide settings in which students could have fun in recovery. 

What’s the most satisfying part of facilitating a group therapy session?

Personally, I love what the community members bring into a group session. Their insight, intelligence, humor, kindness, and love towards one another is incredibly powerful. They are the life and heart of the group. 

What do you believe makes the Green Hill Community Outpatient Program stand out in its field, and why?

Our Community Outpatient Program stands out in so many ways to me, although I’ll admit I am a little biased! Ultimately, we are a realistic and honest program, in the sense that we are understanding of the challenges faced by our community and don’t set unrealistic expectations for our members. By setting realistic goals, we encourage our group to have fun together. 

We are a young community, and so offering fun and engaging activities is critical for our members. We are honored to be able to offer this as a component of our programming and that is where I see us really standing out in recovery services.

When you’re not at work, what do you do to recharge your batteries?

I have a routine self care practice to help recharge my batteries. That includes spending some time outside, practicing yoga, and enjoying some crappy reality TV. In addition, I am a huge Eagles fan, so during the fall I am always watching football. During the off season I enjoy watching Carolina basketball and the Carolina Hurricanes. 

What made you want to work in a) the clinical field generally and b) substance abuse specifically?

During my high school years mental health issues were prevalent with my peers and in my family, but it was very rarely talked about or addressed directly. Our culture and the stigma associated with mental illness would sweep it under the rug. I always found myself being a listening ear or support and recognized it was a vocation I wanted to pursue. It wasn’t until my experience working in a hospital that I knew how  important it was for me to pair my passion for counseling with both mental health and substance use. I was grateful Drexel had a program with robust courses specific to substance use counseling. I then completed an internship with a residential program that really reinforced for me how much I loved the people and the work.

What’s one memory you’ll always take with you from your time here in Green Hill?

One memory I will always take from Green Hill is the love and genuine kindness within the staff. All our staff meetings are so much fun to be a part of because each member is valued and appreciated for their role, and that’s something you can really feel. The fun we all have together is amazing. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How has that advice affected your day-to-day?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received may sound a bit unusual, but it has stuck with me over the years. During our first day of class, one professor told us “you are a part of the problem, be aware of that,” and it totally took us aback. This has affected my day-to-day because it reminds me that personal growth should never end. I explore my biases, enter into difficult conversations, and continue to be a forever student of life. 

What does your ideal day look like?

My ideal day would be spending time on the beach getting lost in a book, followed by spending time with family and having a meal together. Then when it is not too hot or cold out, setting up a bonfire and continuing to spend time with the people I love!

What’s one message you wish our community program participants at Green Hill would always take with them?

“Find the beauty in each day.” We so often get caught up in the past and worry about the future that it can be difficult to be in the moment, especially during early recovery. Finding the beauty in each day could be something beautiful we see, hear, achieve, and so much more. Each day is a gift and I am grateful and honored  to spend my time and days with our community members and Green Hill staff. 

Quick Facts about Cassidy

Undergraduate: Drexel University

Graduate school: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Desert Island movie: Mrs. Doubtfire

Book: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

Album: Beyonce – Beyonce. 

Favorite color: Green

Top Karaoke Song Choice: Mr. Brightside by The Killers

Ideal lunch: Poke

Favorite spot to visit in Raleigh: All the local trails and parks

Favorite meal: Burgers and Fries (I love trying burgers with unique toppings)

Dream job as a child: Veterinarian

Am I Too Young to Be Addicted? – A Look at Adolescent Substance Use Disorder

Posted on December 22, 2020 - 5:13 pm by

When you visualize someone suffering from addiction, what kind of person do you imagine? Many people’s image of addiction includes only the rock bottom consequences of the disease. While it’s true that homelessness, poor health, incarceration, and death can be the end result of years of substance abuse, in fact many, if not most, people dealing with addiction never reach those depths. 

The misguided notion that only “low bottom” cases require help often gets in the way of much needed recovery. We hope to dispel some misconceptions out there that may wrongly lead young people in active substance abuse to believe their problems are not “severe enough” to seek help. 

Misconceptions about addiction are especially common in adolescents and young adults who may have only been using drugs and alcohol for a few years. It can be difficult to recognize their use as an issue at this early stage. Hopefully, having a working understanding of addiction will help you recognize if you have an issue before you suffer the most severe consequences of this disease.

Is Addiction the Same as Substance Use Disorder?

There are professionals in the substance use treatment industry who prefer not to use the term “addiction” due to associated negative connotations. They instead prefer to use the clinical term Substance Use Disorder or SUD. We choose, at times, to use the word addiction as this term is what is most commonly used by the general public. We use the two terms interchangeably in this article. 

What is Substance Use Disorder?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) define a substance use disorder (SUD) as:

“Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.”

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-V) outlines eleven symptoms of SUDs:

  1. Having a persistent wish to stop using the substance and/or continuously trying to reduce or control substance use
  2. Continuing to use the substance despite knowing that a physical or psychological health issue was likely caused or worsened by the substance
  3. Using the substance in larger amounts or over a long time period than originally intended
  4. Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
  5. Spending a significant amount of time trying to obtain the substance, use it, or recover from using it
  6. Stopping or decreasing social, work-related, or recreational activities due to substance use
  7. Building up a tolerance, where a larger amount of the substance is needed to experience an effect
  8. Having a strong urge to use the substance
  9. Continuing to use even when it causes an inability to fulfill work, school, or home-related responsibilities
  10. Continuing to use the substance even when it causes interpersonal problems or makes them worse
  11. Continuing to use the substance even in situations that are risky or physically dangerous

Careful reflection of the above list reveals that a catastrophic collapse in health and social standing are not necessary for a person to have a problem. The more important factors to consider are your personal relationship with drugs and alcohol and the relative decline of your relationships, work, and overall lifestyle. Whether you have only been drinking or using for a few months or many years, you may be suffering from a SUD.

Does Age Have an Impact on Substance Use Disorder?

As we have seen, age is irrelevant as a criteria for diagnosis with a SUD, but what do the numbers say?  

According to SAMHSA, approximately 3.8% of adolescents aged 12-18 have suffered from a substance use disorder in the past year. This may not sound like a whole lot, but across the entire US, this amounts to almost 1 million adolescent sufferers every year.

In North Carolina, there are an estimated 25,000 adolescent substance abusers, and 3.45% of all 12-17 year old North Carolinians need but do not receive treatment. This is a substantial challenge to not only the sufferer, but their family and friends.

If you or a loved one is an adolescent and are concerned that they might be suffering from a SUD, here are some questions to consider:

1. Social Impact: 

  • Have I scaled back my life and changed my behavior to maximize opportunities for drinking and using? 
  • Have I failed to meet my relationship, work, or school obligations? 
  • Am I spending more and more of my time trying to obtain the substance? 
  • Am I hiding my use?

2.  Physical Impact: 

  • Has my tolerance increased? 
  • Do I still have control over the amount I use?
  • Do I experience withdrawals or cravings?

3. Mental Impact:

  • Do I continue to use despite wanting to stop? 
  • Do I continue to use despite knowing that it will have an adverse affect on my health and relationships?

If you or a loved one answered yes to all or some of the above questions, you/they may be suffering from a substance use disorder. So what now?

What Can I Do About Substance Use Disorder?

Being a teen or young person with a substance use disorder can cause you to feel hopeless, alone, and ashamed. It can be hard to see a way to build or rebuild your life and have hope for a happy future, either with or without your drug of choice. Happily though, there is a way out. 

For many this involves clinical treatment in programs specializing in adolescent SUDs, outpatient programs, and participation in recovery fellowships. These steps can help stabilize life, recover physically, and build a social network of other young people on a similar path.

One of the programs out there that specializes in dealing with adolescents is Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center. We spoke with them recently about how young people who work with them often experience recovery from addiction issues.  

“Young people often express that they have been using substances to cope with the discomfort of feelings, that prior to treatment, they couldn’t identify and were overwhelmed by,” notes Heather Thomas, a Clinical Therapist at Stonewater. “After treatment, they feel a sense of empowerment to manage those emotions that they once found overwhelming. The sense of relief that accompanies this powerful change in emotional awareness and management is life-changing.“

Another important consideration that Elizabeth Fikes, one of the Founders at Stonewater, made clear is how important it is for families looking at treatment programs for an adolescent to seek out programs that focus not only on the substance use, but dig into why an adolescent began using in the first place.

In our work with emerging adults, we’ve found that young people’s lives do get better over time in recovery, but the journey is almost never linear. Embracing that your journey is unique to you is important, and know that there are people who’ve walked a similar path as you and are ready to guide you along. The most critical thing to remember is that there is help available. 

No matter how young you are, it is never too early to recover. 

Are you or a loved one looking for help with substance use in North Carolina? Give us a call at 984-204-1106 and we’ll gladly help you find the right resources.

Green Hill Makes Substance Treatment More Accessible in Raleigh, Joins Blue Cross NC as In-Network Provider

Posted on December 15, 2020 - 2:04 pm by

PRESS RELEASE: December 15, 2020, Raleigh, NC – Green Hill Recovery, a Raleigh-based treatment provider for young adults grappling with substance use disorder (SUD), announced this week that it joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) as an in-network provider. This news makes public another important step in Green Hill’s ongoing effort to make high-quality substance use treatment more affordable and more accessible to families in North Carolina, and around the country. 

Blue Cross NC is the nation’s second largest insurance provider, and by going in-network, Green Hill’s can provide clients and families better insurance reimbursements options and ultimately, lower the total cost of care. Going in-network is for Green Hill a reflection of the company’s desire to operate as a values-based, mission-driven organization that works to reduce the impact and burden of addiction on families. As an in-network provider with Blue Cross NC, Green Hill can build further financial transparency, and achieve a greater level of unity with clients and families. 

Green Hill CEO Tripp Johnson had this to say about the Blue Cross NC news: “This partnership with Blue Cross NC is a long time in the making. I really respect that work that Blue Cross NC does to provide top-notch care for their customers and we look forward to being a leader for substance use disorder treatment in their network”  

Green Hill has set a goal for 2021 to also become an in-network provider for United, Anthem, Cigna, and Humana. Green Hill joined Aetna as an in-network partner earlier this year.

Tripp Johnson added “Increasing access to quality substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health treatment is a top priority for us. We believe that developing relationships that extend beyond contractual agreements can increase the quality of care over time. We’re committed to sharing data, resources, and expertise with insurance providers to better serve our communities.”

Green Hill believes that the ongoing increase in SUD along with co-occurring mental health conditions must be met with innovation and creative solutions from the private and public health sectors. Organizations like Green Hill strive to play a key role in making the highest quality treatment options more accessible and affordable. 

About Green Hill: Green Hill is a nationally recognized treatment provider for young adults grappling with substance use and other co-occurring mental health disorders. Green Hill prepares clients for success beyond their days in treatment through sophisticated addiction, mental health, and executive functioning treatment; intentional community integration, experiential, and wellness offerings; and individualized academic, career, and personal growth curriculum. At its core, Green Hill empowers individuals to live with profound purpose. 

For more information, visit www.devgreenhillr.wpengine.com or call 984-204-1106.

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