Mission Statement
Parkersburg’s First Stigma Reduction is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and compassionate community by reducing stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. We aim to empower individuals through education, support, and advocacy, creating a safe environment where all voices are heard and valued. Our mission is to promote understanding, encourage healing, and inspire hope, ultimately transforming perceptions and improving the lives of those affected by mental health and substance use challenges in the Parkersburg area.
Goal
The primary goal of Parkersburg’s First Stigma Reduction is to significantly reduce the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders within our community. We aim to achieve this by:
- Educating the Community: Providing comprehensive education and awareness programs that inform the public about mental health and addiction, highlighting their impacts and the importance of support and understanding.
- Creating Support Networks: Establishing safe spaces and support groups that encourage open dialogue, sharing of experiences, and mutual support among individuals affected by mental health and substance use issues.
- Advocating for Change: Working with local policymakers and organizations to promote policies that address stigma and improve access to mental health and addiction services.
- Building Partnerships: Collaborating with other community organizations, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to foster a united front in the fight against stigma and to enhance resources available to individuals in need.
- Measuring Impact: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of our programs and initiatives to ensure we are making a measurable difference in reducing stigma and improving community attitudes towards mental health and addiction.
Through these efforts, we strive to create a more supportive and understanding environment for all individuals, fostering a culture of acceptance and healing in Parkersburg and beyond.
Purpose
The purpose of Parkersburg’s First Stigma Reduction is to foster a community environment where individuals affected by mental health and substance use disorders are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. We are dedicated to achieving this purpose through the following initiatives:
- Awareness and Education: To provide accurate information about mental health and addiction, dispelling myths and misconceptions that contribute to stigma. Our educational programs aim to inform community members about the realities of these conditions and the importance of empathy.
- Support and Empowerment: To create supportive spaces where individuals can share their experiences, connect with others facing similar challenges, and receive encouragement. We aim to empower those affected by mental health and substance use issues by giving them a voice and fostering resilience.
- Community Engagement: To actively engage with the community by organizing events, workshops, and campaigns that promote open conversations about mental health and substance use. We seek to encourage dialogue and community participation in reducing stigma.
- Advocacy: To advocate for policy changes and improved access to mental health and addiction services. We work to influence local decision-makers to create a more supportive framework for individuals in need of help.
- Collaboration: To build partnerships with other organizations, health providers, and stakeholders in order to strengthen resources and support systems available to individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders.
Through these efforts, Parkersburg’s First Stigma Reduction aims to contribute to a healthier, more inclusive community where everyone feels safe seeking help and support.
Meet the founders
Hello! I’m Sara Smith, and I’m a dedicated advocate for individuals in recovery from addiction. My journey has shaped my passion for helping others navigate their own paths to healing and empowerment.
MY STORY
I grew up facing significant challenges, including the loss of my father at a young age. This loss led me down a path of substance abuse that started with marijuana and escalated to harder drugs, including methamphetamine and intravenous drug use. My struggles intensified, and I ultimately made the painful decision to leave my children in the care of my mother, recognizing that I was unable to provide the support they needed.
In 2017, I hit rock bottom after facing multiple arrests and the potential for lengthy imprisonment. This pivotal moment made me realize that I needed to change my life. Through detox and treatment at Westbrook Health Services and Wood County Drug Court, I began my recovery journey. It was filled with ups and downs, including relapses, but on January 21, 2018, I committed to staying sober—and I have been ever since.
My Professional Journey
Today, I work as a Case Manager at Harmony Ridge, assisting others on their recovery journeys. My involvement with the Jobs & Hope WV program has helped me overcome numerous educational and legal challenges, allowing me to expunge my criminal record with community support.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree from WVU Parkersburg and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Walden University. My personal journey fuels my passion for supporting others, and I actively serve as a sponsor for women in recovery.
My Commitment
I’m dedicated to reducing stigma around addiction and promoting understanding in my community. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their lives, and I strive to make a meaningful impact by sharing my story and supporting others.
Through my work, I aim to inspire those around me and prove that no matter how difficult the journey may seem, recovery is possible. Together, we can challenge the stigma of addiction and support one another in our healing journeys.
Hi! My name is Ellisha Seabolt, I am a person in long-term recovery and I am an advocate for individuals with substance use disorder. Today I stand as a productive member of society and a present mother that once had my own legal endeavors with Child Protective Services.
MY STORY
I am the fourth generation in my family to experience the grips of addiction. I experienced no stability, attending 13 different schools and even being placed in a foster home. They say addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful and I can attest to it being just that. My addiction controlled my life for nearly 12 years and being stigmatized for asking for help became my biggest barrier. I never want someone to feel like their life is not valued.
In the year 2018 I experienced a great loss due to fentanyl poisoning and it became the biggest justification for me to use, but I broke free from those chains and used my pain as motivation and on May 11th of 2020 I sat crying thinking about the mess my life had become and the next day was my oldest child’s birthday where I walked into treatment and May 12th of 2020 was my first full day sober.
My Professional Journey
As a Certified WV Peer Recovery Support Specialist, my professional journey has been deeply intertwined with my personal experiences. Having battled addiction myself, I know firsthand the challenges and stigma that comes with it. Today, I am in long-term recovery, and I use my story to help others find hope and healing. My path to becoming a support specialist wasn’t easy, but with the help of programs like Jobs and Hope and the Human Resource Development Foundation, I was able to rebuild my life. These programs provided job training to assist me in regaining stability and purpose. The support I received through these programs inspired me to pay it forward by helping others on their recovery journey. Now, I work alongside individuals facing similar struggles, offering guidance, encouragement, and empathy as someone who has been in their shoes. It is my mission to show that recovery is possible and that no one has to face it alone.
My Commitment
At our nonprofit, I am deeply committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. We believe that everyone deserves respect, dignity, and access to compassionate care. Through harm reduction services, we provide non-judgmental support to those in need, focusing on minimizing risks and empowering individuals.
In addition to direct services, we are dedicated to offering education and resources to help individuals and communities understand the complexities of addiction. By equipping people with knowledge and tools, we aim to foster healthier, more informed communities, ensuring that no one has to navigate their journey alone.