The following is written by Jotham Fady, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Riverside Recovery.
Seven years. Countless lessons.
When I think about my time at Riverside Recovery, what stands out most is how much I’ve learned, not just as a professional, but as someone in recovery myself.
Every day, I see resilience, courage, and transformation. Those experiences have shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Here are seven lessons that continue to guide me in my work, recovery, and in life.
1. Do the Next Right Thing
Recovery (and life) can feel overwhelming when we look too far ahead. I’ve learned that if you stay focused on what’s right in front of you, things have a way of working out. Small, consistent steps forward create real progress.
2. Clear and Direct Communication Is Essential
Your team, your loved ones, and your support network can’t read your mind. Clarity, honesty, and transparency build trust, and trust makes progress possible.
3. Treat Every Client Like Family
Everyone you meet is carrying more than you can see. Leading with empathy changes interactions in profound ways. Every person who walks through our doors is someone’s son, daughter, parent, or friend. When we care for people like our own, compassion naturally leads.
4. Take Pride in Your Environment
Your surroundings shape your mindset. Whether at work or at home, creating a clean, safe, uplifting space helps you thrive. By caring for Riverside as if it were our own home, we create a safe, welcoming place where people can begin to heal.
5. Build Strong Community Connections
We are all in the same fight. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and don’t be afraid to lean on them. None of us can do this work alone, and the stronger the partnerships we build in the community, the more lives we can reach.
6. Asking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
No matter who you are, asking for help shows courage and creates opportunities for connection and growth. This is true for clients, for staff, and for me personally. None of us have to carry the weight alone, and reaching out is often the first step toward real growth.
7. Meet People Where They Are
Meeting people where they are fosters understanding and stronger relationships. This applies everywhere: leadership, parenting, friendships. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Personalized treatment, truly meeting people where they are, creates lasting change.
More to Come
I am deeply grateful for my team, our clients, and the community partners who make the work at Riverside Recovery possible. These lessons remind me every day why we do what we do.
I’m looking forward to more lessons as I continue to learn, grow, and serve.