After 26 years in active addiction and several periods of incarceration, Jamie Madden never imagined she would one day build a career helping others find recovery. Today, the Letcher County native is doing exactly that as a licensed Community Health Worker at the Letcher County Recovery HUB, an opportunity made possible through EKCEP’s Project REACH, a recovery-to-work initiative funded by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission.
Madden returned to Letcher County in February 2024 after completing 18 months in a residential maternity treatment program, determined to stay sober and raise her daughter. But despite her progress, she immediately encountered the same roadblock many Kentuckians in recovery face: despite submitting multiple job applications, her felony record prevented her from obtaining employment. With no income, the pressure intensified quickly.
“I relapsed because I quit working a program,” she said, “but really because there were no jobs with my background. Nobody would hire me.”
By April 1, 2024, Jamie was back in jail. It was a painful setback, but also a turning point. After her release, she committed to attending recovery meetings as part of her court requirements. One day in early October, she noticed a crowd gathered outside the newly opened Letcher County recovery HUB, a community-based recovery support center operated by the Kentucky River District Health Department that offers meetings, peer support, and connections to treatment and services. Curious, she walked in with her daughter and immediately found a supportive, welcoming environment. She began attending meetings four days a week.
It was at the HUB where staff first told her about EKCEP and its career services. From there, she enrolled in Project REACH and began working with Esther Haley, a support specialist with Project REACH partner LKLP Community Action, who guided her through training and employment opportunities designed to help individuals in recovery move into stable, sustainable work.
“EKCEP changed everything for me,” Jamie said. “I would not be where I am today without this program.”
Jamie enrolled in a work experience opportunity at the HUB and quickly began building skills, confidence, and momentum. With all training costs covered through EKCEP and Project REACH, she earned her Community Health Worker certification, Adult Peer Support certification, Syringe Service Program (SSP) training, and numerous additional professional credentials. Her dedication stood out, and she soon became Site Lead at the HUB
Jamie’s work experience and training translated into a career opportunity. She was hired by the Kentucky River District Health Department as a Community Outreach Worker I, now holding a CHW billing number and being trained to serve as the only billable Community Health Worker in Letcher County.
The shift from crisis to career, she says, has reshaped her life.
“A job is something that you do to get by,” she explained. “A career is something you enjoy. It’s something you take pleasure in, you take pride in. It’s not like work. Coming here is not like coming to work. I don’t dread it. I look forward to it. I look forward to seeing the people come in.”
Today, Jamie has stable housing, is raising her daughter, and spends her days supporting others walking through the HUB’s doors in search of help, hope, or direction. Several individuals have since entered treatment because of conversations that began with her.
For those who feel stuck where she once was, Jamie’s message is simple: “There is hope. There is a way out.”
If you or someone you know is in recovery and looking for help connecting to training, work experience, or a new career path, EKCEP and its partners can help. Visit ekcep.org to learn more about the agency’s Recovery & Reentry services and other programs designed to support Kentuckians on their journey toward employment and long-term recovery.