Our Advisory Board
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“What Advocacy means to me is – to work towards creating a better tomorrow for those that aren’t always seen or heard.”
CHARMIN GABBARD – Chair
Connection Cafe
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“What does Advocacy mean to me?
Advocacy is soo very important to me and has been a corner stone of my recovery. There were many times in my active use where I felt that no one was advocating for me. It’s heartbreaking and discouraging to be in that place.
Once I entered recovery and began working in this field, I decided that I wanted to fight for those that don’t have a voice or feel silenced. I want to fight for the Spencer that felt discouraged.
These days, I work and do my best to educate and advocate. I have often found that it is typically just a lack of correct information. If you present them data driven, neutral facts, most of the time they are receptive and change their practices.
At the end of the day, I advocate for those that aren’t at the table. Their voice needs to be heard. Often, decisions are made that will directly impact someone in active, chaotic use. So when I am “at the table”, I do my best to keep that frame of mind when making decisions.”
SPENCER MEDCALF – Secretary
Valle Vista
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“Advocacy is a multiplier permitting us to assist so many more than otherwise possible!”
STEVE MCCAFFREY – Treasurer
Mental Health America of Indiana
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“Having a brave, strong and passionate voice. Being able to effectively communicate to others who you are and what you stand for, what you will and will not accept, what needs you have and how you prefer for those needs to be met is so powerful and valuable. Learning how to clearly, effectively and respectfully use your voice are game changers.”
AISHA DISS
Project.ME
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“Advocacy means to me: My ability or desire to be a voice of support for people in recovery or greatly need recovery opportunities in their lives.”
PASTOR MICHAEL PIRTLE
City of Refuge Christian Church, Emma House, LHRC
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“Treating and advocating for people in Recovery is my passion. I know first-hand the suffering that comes with addiction and mental health issues, and the struggle it can be for a person to sustain recovery. I want to help make that an easier and more fulfilling process for all those who face issues with substance use and mental health.”
ANDY SAUNDERS
Aspire
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“Advocacy to me is “using my voice for others who can’t, and to empower those who can to find their voice.”
PHIL STUCKY
THRIVE RCO
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“Advocacy (to me) is about taking action, such as raising awareness, educating, or empowering others, to create positive change. I am passionate about advocating for individuals who have been impacted by substance use disorders and/or addictions.”
BEN WILSON
Ethan Crossing