It takes a comprehensive approach to create lasting change in addiction and mental health care. In order to ensure individuals and families receive the care they deserve, Maryhaven delivers integrated treatment programs that address the whole person. Maryhaven is dedicated to providing accessible, person-centered care that meets people where they are while guiding them toward stability and long-term recovery. With a focus on tailored treatment plans, wrap-around services, and strong community connections, they are creating pathways to healing that empower people to rebuild their lives.
We chatted with Maryhaven to learn more about their work, recent achievements, and challenges. Here’s what they shared about their mission, impact, and role within the community:
1. Every organization has its unique identity. What sets your organization or program apart from others working in a similar space?
Maryhaven has been ranked, nationally, as the number one best nonprofit addiction and mental health treatment center in The State of Ohio and number three overall best. What has put Maryhaven as a leader is our integrated programming and commitment to whole-person care. The services we offer, from withdrawal management, short and long-term residential programming, to our outpatient and problem gambling treatment, all work in tandem with each other. The ability to take advantage of any service or integrate multiple programs into a single care plan, means that every part of a person's care is tailored to their specific needs. The addition of wrap-around services such as workforce skill building, housing connection, or assistance in continuing education, is a key piece in both current care and sustained long-term recovery. This is what sets Maryhaven apart.
2. Reflecting on recent achievements, what has been your biggest success as an organization in the past year?
No nonprofit is immune to shifted funding priorities from donors, grants no longer being available, or economic uncertainty that keeps funding levels stagnant or lower than before. This year, Maryhaven has been able to care for an increased number of individuals and families, which totaled just over 15,000. This was all done in the face of these funding challenges and a shifting economic landscape. Programs and services were made available because of expert financial decisions, strong leadership, and a community that supports one another.
3. Turning to challenges, what is the most pressing issue your community or clients are currently facing in the coming year?
Addiction and homelessness have been a persistent problem for thousands in our community, and unfortunately, it is only being exacerbated by a downturn in funding for community resources, a tight job market, lack of affordable housing, and the accessibility of substances (both legal and illegal). Our community, and clients, will face these issues, and Maryhaven will continue to offer our services and programs at no cost to every single person.
4. Community involvement is key. How can people who are inspired by your work get involved with your organization?
Volunteering, donating, or sharing our information with someone who might need it. Volunteering to teach our clients new skills, sort donations, or take part in many other opportunities is available. Donating items such as clothing, toys, board games, books, or hygiene products go a long way for the people in our care. Donating monetarily gives Maryhaven the flexibility to fund the most pressing priorities our clients face. Some days we need to feed more people, others we need to spend more on clothes. The gift of a financial donation means we can show up in the way that matters the most to the person and has the greatest impact.
5. Collaboration is often essential in creating impact. Who are some of your favorite partners or collaborators in the community, and how do you work together?
Victoria's Secret has been a wonderful partner in clothes donations. Nationwide volunteers continuously show up to work with our clients. Dress for Success has helped our female clients get prepared for workforce reentry. These are just a few of the community partners who show up for the clients we care for.
6. Becoming part of this network brings you to a new community and potential collaborations. Why did you decide to join Community Shares of Mid Ohio?
Community Shares brings together community organizations in an authentic way. There is a clear demonstration that as a partner, Community Shares genuinely cares about the success of the both our shared community and the partnerships that help get us there. It is true that funding is one of the keys, if not the most crucial, ways community organizations need to be supported. But Community Shares, and their team, have the insight to see beyond the dollar. What does the funding do? How does the funding make an impact? Are there ways organizations can collaborate to bridge this funding gap through resource sharing? There is no dollar amount that can buy this commitment to each other, the invaluable insight, and strong partnerships that formed from Community Shares inviting everyone to be at their table.
7. The heart of Community Shares’ work is to create a more just, caring, and healthy Community for all. How does your organization contribute to this vision?
Maryhaven works at all levels of changing the face of addiction and mental health treatment. As a social safety net, Maryhaven offers all our services and programs to every single person without consideration on pay or ability to do so. These free services mean that the door is not just open 24/7/365 but is encouraged to be used. Zooming out just a bit, Maryhaven works hand in hand with large and small businesses to put equitable healthcare squarely in the conversation for funders. By being ensuring funders, both public and private, know the realities facing our community, we are able to unlock dollars for every community organization that works in healthcare or similar treatment ecosystems. On that same level, Maryhaven works closely with hospitals and public resources. By being a present partner and maintaining relationships, Maryhaven successfully pulls the weight off of public resources and health partners to ensure that we are sharing the load. Our programs and services are effective and timely, which means that public resources can be more present for more people. At the largest level, Maryhaven advocates for wider health access and equitable healthcare with local, state, and federal representatives. This persistent advocating is designed to change how healthcare policies affect everyone. Beyond the dollar, Maryhaven seeks to make healthcare a right that isn’t dictated by circumstance or wallet size.
8. Let’s end with something surprising. What’s an interesting fact or statistic about your organization that most people might not know?
Maryhaven has been around for 72 years! The services started out helping women suffering from the effects of alcoholism, and our work has now evolved to treat all substances, including gambling problems.
Through decades of service, innovative programming, and powerful community partnerships, Maryhaven continues to lead with purpose and vision. By prioritizing access, advocating for equitable healthcare, and investing in long-term recovery, they are helping individuals and families move forward with dignity, hope, and real opportunity for healthier futures.
Explore Maryhaven's profile and get to know the rest of our member nonprofits.
