In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we chat with the Executive Director of Jericho Road, a nonprofit that's all about transforming lives through addiction recovery. What makes his story extra special? He was once a participant in Jericho Road’s program himself. His journey from addiction to recovery now fuels his mission to help others. Under his leadership, Jericho Road has hit some amazing milestones.

One of the coolest things he's done is hiring from within. Many of the top and most dedicated employees at Jericho Road are former clients. These folks bring incredible passion and commitment to their roles because they’ve been there and know what it takes. This hiring approach creates a super supportive and empathetic environment for current program members. Former clients who become employees offer invaluable insights and relatable support, making the program even more effective.

Since taking the reins, the Executive Director has added an extra house, boosting the organization’s capacity by 20% and cutting down the waiting list. He’s also led successful fundraising events like the Coldest Night of the Year walk, pulling in over $50,000 each year. Plus, by implementing a CRM system, donor retention has jumped by 30%, showing how tech can really help an organization grow.