One of the many challenges faced by people who struggle with mental illness or addiction is that these conditions often interfere with their ability to sustain a job. Symptoms can often be impairing or even disabling, forcing the person to quit work. Many times, it is only after the person engages in treatment and begins on the road to recovery that they can re-enter the workforce.
Another roadblock to employment is that lingering symptoms can affect energy, mood, stamina, and concentration. These issues may prevent the person from being able to maintain a full-time work schedule or to stay focused while on the job.
Yet another barrier is the response from potential employers that people in recovery may encounter when applying and interviewing for jobs. Employers may be reluctant to hire someone whose health concerns have interfered with their work ability in the past. Also, there can be subtle (or not so subtle) discrimination if employers look less favorably on applicants because of their history of mental health issues.
But in some workplaces, these attitudes are changing in a positive direction. Many businesses are improving employee wellness programs and are putting a greater focus on the mental health and physical health of their employees. Some employers are taking this worthwhile approach a step further and are actively recruiting employees with a history of mental illness and/or substance misuse. Others are donating some of their revenues to causes which promote mental health.
I thought it would be helpful to briefly profile four such employers who are breaking new ground in their support of people who are in recovery.
DV8 Kitchen is a restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky, which was founded to offer employment to people in the early stages of substance abuse recovery who have found it difficult to obtain other jobs. They believe that by providing employment this “can lead to a lifetime ability to gain and maintain employment and deviate (hence the name “DV8″) from their past lifestyle.” Open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, they bake fresh breads and pastries and offer a wide-ranging menu including sandwiches, salads, breakfast items, and tacos. There is always a fresh loaf of bread on the counter along with jams and honey for customers to have a free slice. DV8 has established a loyal following and the customers love the “food that will change your life.”
Sip of Hope, located in Chicago, Illinois, bills itself as “the world’s first coffee shop where 100% of the proceeds support proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.” They go on to say they are “the perfect space for breaking the silence around suicide and raising the visibility of mental health resources in our community.” The monies from the coffee shop support the non-profit, Hope For The Day, a Chicago-based organization who focuses on education around the issue of suicide prevention. All of the staff and volunteers at the coffee shop receive Mental Health First Aid training, so they are equipped to recognize common mental health issues and to intervene if someone is in a crisis.
Second Chance Auto in rural Louisa, Kentucky, is under the auspices of Addiction Recovery Care (ARC), which has 500 employees, over half of whom are in substance abuse recovery. Through employment sites like Second Chance Auto, these individuals are given the proverbial second chance at rebuilding their own lives through meaningful work activity. ARC’s CEO, Tim Robinson, was recently quoted, “We are changing lives while changing tires.”
McLeod’s Coffee House in Lexington, Kentucky, was founded by retired pastor Brewster McLeod, whose vision was to open a business to employ those with disabilities and special needs. The coffee house now has over 50 such employees, all of whom are called “VIP’s.” Providing coffee, donuts, and conversation, McLeod’s is also providing gainful employment to some of their employees for the very first time in their lives. McLeod hopes the coffee house will be a stepping stone for them to move on to other higher-paying, full-time jobs.
I find these examples so hopeful and inspiring. They show how dedicated and innovative employers can open doors to employment for individuals with many years of personal physical and mental health challenges and they can also support worthy causes which are working to improve mental health services.
Here’s a question: What are other examples of how workplaces are supporting people in recovery? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend.