Rosie McCarter is a certified peer counselor. She works with the disadvantaged populous of the greater Seattle Metropolitan area on a daily basis. She has seen how people are affected when they are turned into criminals for things beyond their full control.
For those who don't know, Addiction is in fact a form of mental health and a disability. These people are suffering. And criminalizing them is not the answer to helping them. To begin many of them are unhoused living in places not meant for human habitation due to their disability, addictions, and mental illness. But, there is hope. By focusing on the whole person and not just the symptoms we are able to better help people overcome and recover from their addictions, mental illness and homelessness.
Imagine Kent, a city being the first of its kind to lead the charge by focusing on Wellness when it comes to people with addictions, mental illness, and disabilities. Things that intersect on a frequent basis. You may be wondering well how does Rosie know this process works? Well, my friend that is simple. She has experienced the process and has come out on the other side. A little ruffled but thriving.
She was informed that at the age of eight years old she was diagnosed with ADHD. But, it went untreated for many years, until about two years ago when she found out the truth. She was then able to get to the doctors she needed and figure out the best path to her own recovery. Rosie has been able to rebuild her life. She has also been able to use her lived experience to help others. She is the living example that recovery is possible. And by focusing on Wellness, the entire person they too are able to find their way.