In Appalachian Ohio, the challenges of recovery and re-entry often intersect with the need for meaningful employment. The Peer Recovery Support (PRS) Initiative, a six-month, community-driven project, is bridging that gap by integrating workforce development into recovery support. Through this program, agencies gain access to trained and certified Peer Recovery Supporter interns, career coaching, and specialized workforce training—creating a holistic approach to healing, stability, and sustainable employment.
At the heart of this initiative is Kelly Johnson, a Peer Recovery Supporter intern whose story reflects the transformative power of combining recovery tools with career pathways. Kelly’s journey began when she joined Future Plans as part of the PRS program, and it quickly became a turning point in her life.
“Getting hired by Future Plans as a Peer Recovery Support has been the perfect catalyst for my career,” Kelly shares. “It gave me the opportunity not only to use my lived experience to help others, but also to discover my own professional strengths in a deeper, more meaningful way. This role pushed me to grow, to lead with empathy, and to develop the confidence to step into new possibilities.”
Kelly credits the program for opening doors she never imagined existed. “Future Plans didn’t just give me a job—it provided a foundation for purpose, stability, and upward momentum. Everything I’m pursuing now traces back to the moment I joined Future Plans.”
Behind Kelly’s success is the guidance of Michael Rickey, her Peer Recovery Supporter Coach. Michael’s role is to mentor interns, helping them build skills and navigate career pathways using tools like the Future Plans assessment and local resources. His approach goes beyond coaching—it’s about unlocking potential.
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Kelly during her journey with Future Plans,” Michael says. “Kelly is an exceptional professional who consistently demonstrates tremendous insight and dedication. She has integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic. Her enthusiasm for learning and innovation will make her a tremendous asset to any organization.”
Kelly echoes that sentiment, describing Michael’s mentorship as life-changing:
“When I first sought guidance, I felt stuck—unsure of my next steps. Michael didn’t just offer advice; he helped me completely rewrite my career story. He saw potential long before I did and pushed me to aim higher than I thought possible.”
The PRS Initiative is more than a program—it’s a movement to build a pipeline of skilled Peer Recovery Supporters who are cross-trained in workforce development. By combining recovery support with career coaching, Future Plans and its partners are creating a collaborative regional network focused on outcomes and impact.
Kelly’s story is proof that when recovery and workforce development intersect, lives change—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
