The 2025 Ohio Recovery Housing
Annual Conference

Governor Mike DeWine was named this year's Recovery Housing Hero. Ted St. John, CEO of Hope Town Ohio and Vice President of the ORH Board, gave the following remarks when presenting the award at our annual dinner:

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Good evening,

 

It is truly an honor to stand before you today as we recognize a leader whose vision and commitment have transformed the landscape of recovery housing in Ohio. Each year, Ohio Recovery Housing presents the Recovery Housing Hero Award to a champion who has gone above and beyond to ensure that individuals in recovery have access to the safe, stable, and supportive housing they need to rebuild their lives. This year, we are proud to present this award to Governor Mike DeWine.

 

While Governor DeWine is unable to be with us in person today, we are grateful to have Aimee Shadwick, who has been instrumental in advancing recovery efforts across our state, here to accept the award on his behalf.

 

At Ohio Recovery Housing, we know that recovery housing is workforce housing. It is not just about having a place to live—it is about creating an environment where individuals can heal, grow, and contribute to their communities. Governor DeWine understands this better than most. His leadership has helped Ohio invest in recovery housing not just as a means of support, but as a key part of Ohio’s economic and workforce development strategy.

 

We all know that when people are in active addiction, their ability to maintain steady employment, further their education, or participate fully in their communities is often severely impacted. But when individuals are in safe, stable recovery housing, they have the foundation they need to rejoin the workforce, gain new skills, and become valuable contributors to Ohio’s economy. Recovery housing helps people get back on their feet and take that next step—whether it’s securing a job, continuing their education, or launching their own business.

 

That’s why Governor DeWine has championed investments in recovery housing, ensuring that more individuals have access to the resources they need to stabilize their lives. But his leadership goes beyond just housing—he has supported policies that strengthen economic opportunity, expand education, and create healthier communities.

 

Governor DeWine recognizes something that many do not: That an environment that supports recovery is also an environment that supports prevention. When people have access to stable housing, when they can find meaningful employment, when they have opportunities to continue their education, and when they live in communities that prioritize health and well-being—we reduce the likelihood of addiction taking hold in the first place.

 

Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, Ohio has set a national example by recognizing that recovery housing is not just a social service—it is an economic investment. His administration has worked to ensure that recovery-friendly workplaces are supported, that educational opportunities are available for those in recovery, and that Ohio’s workforce development programs include pathways for individuals rebuilding their lives.

 

One of the first things that Governor DeWine accomplished when he took office was to sign an executive order that created Recovery Ohio within the Governor’s office, ensuring that recovery was top priority in state policy. This office is not only working to support individuals who are already in recovery—it is helping build a system that prevents future addiction through economic stability, education, and strong community supports.

 

Because of Governor DeWine’s leadership:

• More Ohioans in recovery have a stable place to live.

• More employers understand the value of second-chance hiring.

• More individuals have access to education and job training.

• More families have hope for a future where recovery is possible and sustainable.

 

This is the kind of leadership that transforms lives—not just for those in recovery, but for entire communities. His work has shown that investing in recovery is investing in Ohio’s workforce, its economy, and its future.

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On behalf of Ohio Recovery Housing and the thousands of individuals whose lives have been changed through recovery, we thank Governor Mike DeWine for his dedication, his leadership, and his belief in the power of second chances.

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At this time, it is my great honor to present the Recovery Housing Hero Award to Governor Mike DeWine. Accepting on his behalf is someone who has been a tireless advocate for recovery in Ohio—please join me in welcoming Aimee Shadwick, Director of Recovery Ohio.