LiftUp of Routt County is a nonprofit that serves its community by providing essential support to those in need. Their mission is to respect the dignity of every person and empower individuals by meeting their basic needs, promoting self-sufficiency, and fostering community collaboration. In addition to these core values, LiftUp has taken important strides to ensure that its workplace is supportive of individuals in recovery, earning certification as a Recovery Friendly Workplace.
A Strong Commitment to Recovery
Sharon Farquhar, the HR representative at LiftUp, explains how their commitment to being a recovery-friendly workplace aligns with their mission:
“I became aware of RFWP, as there is a connection of the executive directors of all the non-profits who are our partners in the community… and knowing that we had staff members actively in recovery, I thought that would be something that we really should strive for.”
LiftUp serves many community members who are in recovery or have faced substance abuse issues, and Sharon emphasizes how this shapes the organization’s culture.
“I know through conversation that nine of our 39 [staff members] are either in recovery or have a family member in recovery… so I know that at least those nine have been touched by the issue. And I know that all of my staff has been touched by the struggles that their fellow employees have.”
Sharon reflects on the importance of open, supportive conversations within the organization.
“It’s not a secret. We have several people in recovery, and they have been very open about it, which I really admire. It’s respectful.”
Impact on Employees in Recovery
For employees, the recovery-friendly environment at LiftUp offers a safe, supportive space to thrive personally and professionally. One employee shares her experience:
“I absolutely love working at LiftUp. It’s such a calm, laid-back, yet fun work environment. Everyone here is friendly and really cares about your well-being. My work crew has become my family.”
She also reflects on her journey of finding this supportive environment:
“Before I started working at LiftUp, I was cleaning AirBNBs. I was working alone, people would leave bottles of alcohol and it was a big trigger for me. My friend, who worked at the program I went to, was a manager at LiftUp and she said I needed to work with people, so I applied and got the job.”
As an employee in recovery, the supportive environment has helped her stay accountable and connect with others who understand her journey:
“Working for a recovery-friendly workplace is amazing. My coworkers hold me accountable, and they truly do care about me and my recovery.”
Meaningful Connections and Accountability
LiftUp’s recovery-friendly policies also foster meaningful connections between staff and volunteers, many of whom are in recovery themselves. This supportive culture is particularly impactful in helping others.
“The most meaningful part of working at LiftUp is that we have people in recovery homes who come to LiftUp to volunteer. It gives me the chance to talk to them about their addictions. I can tell them my story, and they can tell me theirs. I went through a program myself and I know that talking to other addicts can be more helpful than talking to a staff member.”
She highlights how important it is for her to be that person someone can lean on:
“In NA and AA, helping other addicts is on the list, and I feel like I’m doing that here at LiftUp.”
A Community Built on Respect and Care
Sharon’s reflection on the close-knit community at LiftUp reinforces the organization’s dedication to recovery and mutual support:
“A common phrase in my home state of Wyoming is, ‘We’re just a small town with long streets.’… It’s the same at LiftUp and our team. We have to know about, be respectful, and care about others.”
As Sharon and LiftUp employees continue to foster a culture of openness, empathy, and support, LiftUp stands as a strong example of how recovery-friendly workplaces can positively impact both employees and the community as a whole.
To learn more about LiftUp, visit their website at liftuprc.org
To learn more about how to become a Recovery Friendly Workplace, view the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Toolkit, or contact Nele and look for upcoming local Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative trainings.