NOVEMBER 2023
To those of you who I haven’t yet met, I am David Gerber, the new CEO of Willingway. I am not new to the field of substance use disorder treatment, as I have had the privilege of doing this work for over 30 years and have been involved with organizations like Willingway that have rich tradition and providing the highest quality care. I have learned a lot since arriving in July. Of my more important lessons is the value of re-engaging Willingway with our community. There are many of you out there who have come to know Willingway over the years, and our relationships may have drifted. I am committed to rebuilding these relationships, as well as our relationships with our vibrant alumni spread throughout Georgia and the southeast. Willingway is a special program steeped in history.
New challenges in our field have yielded the highest overdose rates ever recorded. It is as important as ever to provide individuals with quality care and help restore meaningful and purposeful lives. I have every intention of maintaining what has allowed us to build a well-deserved reputation, while guiding our talented team into the future to face these challenges head on.
If you would like to get to know us or reconnect there are many ways to do so. But you can start by sending me an email at david.gerber@summitbhc.com. I’d be happy to chat.
David Gerber, M.Ed. CASAC, CEO
Alumni Night
Every Thursday
7:00-8:00pm
311 Jones Mill Road, Statesboro, GA
Call 912-515-7103 for more info
Want to share your recovery story? Send us an email at: alumni@willingway.com
An Interview with Brooks Adams Director of the Tactical Recovery Veterans ProgramInterviewer: Hey, everyone! Today, we’ve got Brooks Adams, the Director of our Tactical Recovery Unit, here to share insights into what makes this unit special at Willingway. Brooks, tell us a bit about yourself and what sets this unit apart.
Brooks: Hey, y’all! Well, I’m in recovery myself, and I’m a veteran of the United States Army with PTSD.
So, I understand our patients. When our vets come in, they’re talking to someone who speaks their language, understands their struggles, and knows the challenges of reintegrating into society. We tackle addiction and substance use issues head-on from day one, starting with detox.
Interviewer: That’s powerful, Brooks. Can you give us an idea of the typical length of stay in the Tactical Recovery Unit?
Brooks: Most of our patients stay for 30 to 45 days, depending on where they’re
coming from. But we’ve got some who stay longer, up to six or eight months for those with higher needs.
Interviewer: Interesting. Now, what’s unique about Willingway is the transition to
extended care after the initial inpatient stay. Could you shed some light on how that benefits veterans?
Brooks: Absolutely. For some, their addiction issues haven’t completely upended their lives, so outpatient care might be enough. But for others with more chronic struggles, we offer extended care and sober living programs. It’s about rebuilding life skills,
relationships, and careers. It’s not a quick fix, but it gives them the tools for a sober life.
Interviewer: That’s a crucial aspect of the recovery journey. Now, Brooks, you recently attended the Tabicon Conference, and Willingway received the Top Gun Award for Best Wingman. What does this award mean, and why do you think Willingway earned it?
Brooks: The Top Gun Conference focuses on clinical staff working directly with
veterans. Our award was for the highest client satisfaction service. It’s about our vets speaking highly of the program, sharing their positive experiences, and recognizing
the fair and supportive treatment they received. It’s a testament to the dedication
of our team.
Interviewer: That’s fantastic, Brooks. We appreciate you sharing your insights and the incredible work being done at the Tactical Recovery Unit. Thanks for being here!
Brooks: Thanks for having me. Always here for our veterans and the recovery journey. Appreciate it.
Willingway Staff and Veteran clients got the opportunity to go off site and celebrate Veterans Day at the Averitt Center.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTName: Tonya Phillips
Position: Director of Medical Records
Start Date: 1988
Interviewer: Hey, everyone! Welcome to another edition of the Willingway Employee Spotlight. Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Tonya, our esteemed Director of Medical Records. Tonya, could you start by giving us a glimpse into your role here at Willingway?
Tonya: Absolutely! As the Director of Medical Records, my responsibilities span everything related to medical records. I’m involved from creating the initial chart to engaging with patients at discharge, which is, honestly, my favorite part. I love hearing patients’ stories, whether they’re tales of triumph or struggle.
Interviewer: That’s fantastic. And you’ve been with Willingway for quite some time, right? Could you share how long you’ve been a part of the team?
Tonya: Indeed, I’ve been here for a whopping thirty-five years. I joined in 1988, and it’s been a journey filled with countless medical records and memorable moments.
Interviewer: Wow, that’s impressive! With such a wealth of experience, you must have seen a lot. Speaking of which, Willingway’s mission is to improve the lives we touch. How do you see your role contributing to this mission?
Tonya: I believe that everyone at Willingway, regardless of their position, has a hand in touching lives daily. Even the housekeepers make a difference. Personally, I find that connecting with patients during their stay, especially at lunch, provides a sense of hope. Listening to their stories and being there for them is something I think we all contribute to here.
Interviewer: That’s a beautiful perspective. Is there anything else you’d like to share on this spotlight day? The floor is yours!
Tonya: Well, I genuinely love what I do, and working at Willingway has been more than just a job for me. Dealing with addiction issues with people in my personal life, I’ve found that the knowledge and experience gained here have been invaluable. It’s helped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
Interviewer: Thank you, Tonya, for opening up and sharing your story. It’s truly impactful. We’re thrilled to have you as our very first Employee Spotlight, and we appreciate your dedication and passion for the mission of Willingway. Signing off for now!
Augusta Outpatient Open House! 11/16/2023
We had a blast opening our new OP location in Augusta!
1225 Augusta West Parkway, Augusta, GA, 30909
Getting to Know You!New business development representative Rob Goucher
Location: North Florida
Recovery Date: 9/20/2017
Interviewer: What do you find most exciting about joining the Willingway Team?
Rob: Getting to help others who are in the same spot I was 6 years ago. I want to give back and return the favor!
November Birthdays:David Paul, 11/4
Tykeria Tann, 11/9
Elizabeth Jackson, 11/16
Melanie Stevens, 11/19
Hannah Rogers, 11/23
Continuing Care Community Support GroupsContinuing Care provides a supportive and welcoming community to people in addiction recovery, their family members, and their close friends. It is a safe place to land, to talk about your experiences, and to find ways to become connected to 12-step recovery.
