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Recovery in Action
Newsletter
| | ADAMHS Board Approves 2027 Budget to Strengthen and Reshape Cuyahoga County’s Behavioral Health System | | |
The ADAMHS Board of Directors approved a $60.1 million 2027 budget at the September General Board Meeting. The budget is designed to strengthen the county’s behavioral health continuum, direct limited public resources toward the greatest community needs and build a more coordinated and accountable system of care.
Through a comprehensive request for proposals (RFP) process, the ADAMHS Board evaluated 295 proposals spanning prevention, treatment, recovery supports, employment services and other critical behavioral health needs, ultimately approving 148 programs across Cuyahoga County.
“Cuyahoga County does not need a collection of disconnected programs. It needs a behavioral health system that residents can understand, enter and navigate, one in which providers, hospitals, first responders, government and community partners are working toward shared outcomes,” said ADAMHS Board CEO Jason Joyce. “Our responsibility is to architect that system thoughtfully, connect its many parts and ensure public dollars are producing meaningful results for the people who depend on us.”
We’re grateful to our provider community for their thoughtful participation throughout this year’s RFP process. Your partnership and feedback help secure and strengthen Cuyahoga County’s behavioral health system while ensuring resources are aligned with the needs of our community.
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The HHS Levy: Investing in Cuyahoga County’s Health and Human Services
On the Nov. 3 ballot, Cuyahoga County voters will consider Issue 11, the Health and Human Services levy. If approved, the levy is expected to provide approximately $111 million in funding for critical services in Cuyahoga County.
Over half a million of our neighbors rely on these services, including senior services, addiction & mental health treatment, medical care for those in need, foster care services, and much more.
More than 40% of the ADAMHS Board's budget comes from HHS levy funding, helping support mental health and addiction treatment, crisis services, case management, peer support, housing-related supports, employment services and other recovery supports. Last year, more than 240,000 youth and adults received services funded by ADAMHS Board dollars.
Without this levy, the Board would struggle to maintain existing treatment, housing and care programs. A vote for this levy will allow the ADAMHS Board to continue supporting Cuyahoga County residents in times of crisis, preserve existing treatment, housing and care programs, and help our neighbors live healthier, more self-sufficient and productive lives.
To be eligible to vote Nov. 3, you must be registered by Oct. 5. Click the graphic to check your voter status. Yard signs and handouts are available at the ADAMHS Board per request. Email externalaffairs@adamhscc.org for more information.
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Glick Recovery Campus Opens, Bringing New Era of Behavioral Health Treatment to Cuyahoga County
On Sept. 28, the Glick Recovery Campus officially opened to the public. Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 4, while the outpatient clinic opened earlier in advance of the full facility beginning to accept walk-ins and crisis patients.
"This campus represents the kind of behavioral health system we've been working towards as a community," said ADAMHS Board CEO Jason Joyce. "This gives those experiencing addiction or a mental health crisis a better option than an emergency room or jail."
Local elected leaders such as Congresswoman Shontel Brown, State Representative Bride Rose Sweeney, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Council President Yvonne Conwell, Cuyahoga County Councilman Purnell Jones, and Cleveland City Councilwoman Stephanie House Jones all spoke and shared their appreciation of this new institution in Cleveland's Central neighborhood.
| (l-r) Jason Joyce and The Centers CEO Eric Morse. | Funded in partnership with the ADAMHS Board, The Centers and Cuyahoga County, the new facility will support individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance use challenges. This center will help patients stabilize and return home, provide a safe alternative to keeping those experiencing crisis out of ERs and jails, and reduce overall community costs by removing unnecessary emergency and inpatient care. Watch a video on LinkedIn featuring Jason Joyce discussing how our partnership is helping advance behavioral health and substance use services across our community. | |
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Jason Joyce Inducted into Kent State University Health & Human Services Hall of Fame
ADAMHS Board CEO Jason Joyce was recently inducted into the Kent State University College of Education & Human Services Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Jason has worked to expand access to prevention, crisis intervention, long-term recovery and supportive housing opportunities across the region. His commitment to serving others continues to make an impact in communities throughout Northeast Ohio.
Jason also encourages current human services students to pursue their passions wholeheartedly, even when the path ahead may seem uncertain.
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Last Day to Purchase Tickets for Roads to Recovery is Oct. 18
Roads to Recovery 2026 is on Monday, Oct. 26, bringing behavioral health professionals together for a full day of networking and professional development. Registration includes CEUs, breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Tickets are available through Oct. 18 — register today to explore timely topics in mental health and learn from more than 40 national and local experts! Doors open at 7:30 a.m.
Learn more about our sponsors
Our sponsors help make Roads to Recovery possible. Watch the videos below to learn more about their work and impact in the behavioral health community.
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| Community Assessment & Treatment Services | | | Hitchcock Center for Women | | |
ADAMHS Board Meets With Local Leaders at 2026 State of the County
The ADAMHS Board Directors and staff joined an audience of community leaders, business partners and residents at the 2026 State of the County address. County Executive Chris Ronayne highlighted a year of progress and recognized the ADAMHS Board’s role in the newly opened Glick Recovery Campus, a partnership with The Centers. He noted recent progress in maintaining access to addiction treatment and mental health services. Watch the full 2026 State of the County.
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| (l-r) Chief Strategy and Performance Officer Clare Rosser, Chief Financial Officer Felicia Harrison, Board Director Rev. Benjamin Gohlstin, Sr., Board Director Kathryn Parks, CEO Jason Joyce and Board Chair Patricia James Stewart. | |
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Clare Rosser Receives Suicide Prevention Master Trainer Title
ADAMHS Board Chief Strategy and Performance Officer Clare Rosser was recognized for her years of service at the Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Master Trainer Summit. She became a Suicide Prevention Master Trainer in 2017 and is currently one of only 127 master-level trainers internationally.
Congratulations, Clare!
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Leshia Yarbrough-Franklin Helps Honor Frank Mugisha, 2026 Inamori Prize Winner
The Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University honored Frank Mugisha, a global LGBTQ+ advocate and Ugandan human rights leader, with the 2026 Inamori Ethics Prize during a hybrid, livestreamed ceremony. Adult Behavioral Health Specialist Leshia Yarbrough-Franklin attended with other AIDS Funding Collaborative members.
Mugisha joined the ceremony virtually from Uganda and delivered a lecture sharing his insights on human rights, advocacy and ethical leadership.
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ADAMHS Board Supports Local Faith-based Programs and Outreach
Director of Special Projects Starlette Sizemore attended two notable faith gatherings in August and September.
In August, Star helped celebrate the accomplishments of Naaleh's Teen Mentorship Program (right). Naaleh Cleveland’s Teen Mentorship Program Director, Rabbi Nosson Kielski, was awarded the Ben Chafetz z”L Legacy Award. The Teen Mentorship Program is one of the ADAMHS Board’s funded faith-based programs. The program provides mentorship to struggling teens in the community who are having a difficult time with substance use, mental health issues, and family dysfunction. It uses the building of self-esteem and self-confidence through learning life skills and physical fitness.
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In September, Star attended the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Interfaith Leaders Breakfast at Tri-C's Jerry Sue Thornton Center (left). The morning included networking with fellow faith leaders, updates from Tri-C President Dr. Michael A. Baston and other Tri-C team members, and a discussion about the many educational resources Tri-C has to offer and how they could increase collaboration for the uplift of our community. Click to learn more about the Tri-C Interfaith Initiative.
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Staff Updates
Welcome, Jonathan!
Jonathan Akindipe is one of the ADAMHS Board's newest staff members, joining the finance department as our new Accountant.
With more than eight years of accounting experience in nonprofit and multi-entity environments, Jonathan brings a strong background in full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, cash management and month-end close to the ADAMHS Board. He most recently served as a Finance Accountant at the Cleveland Museum of Art. He is excited to continue his career in Cleveland and apply his accounting expertise in a nonprofit setting where his work can directly support programs and services that positively impact people throughout Cuyahoga County.
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Welcome, La'Vette!
La'Vette Edgerson, LPCC-S, ATR, joined the clinical department as our new Director of Youth Behavioral Health Programs.
La'Vette brings extensive experience supporting children, adolescents and families, along with a strong background in developing and overseeing behavioral health programs. Throughout their career, she's worked across the behavioral health continuum, including youth and family services, trauma-informed care, substance use and co-occurring disorders, recovery-oriented services and program development. Her experience leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with courts, child-serving systems and community partners will support the Board’s continued efforts to strengthen behavioral health services and resources for young people and families across Cuyahoga County. We’re excited to welcome La'Vette to the team!
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Renowned Hoarding Disorder Expert Michael Tompkins to Speak at Annual Hoarding Connection Conference
Join Benjamin Rose and the ADAMHS Board on Nov. 5 for When Safe Is Good Enough: Practical Strategies to Manage Severe Hoarding, a day-long workshop that focuses on a harm reduction approach that includes skills training to assist clients, family members, and concerned others in managing severe hoarding situations.
Renowned hoarding disorder expert and Co-Director of the San Francisco Bay Area for Cognitive Therapy Dr. Michael A. Tompkins (above) is the keynote speaker. Additionally, ADAMHS Board CEO Jason Joyce will briefly speak in the morning.
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Education and Training Department Discusses Mental Health and Suicide Awareness With Assisted Living Residents
Training Officers Regina Spicer and Carmen Gandarilla met with residents at Vitalia Assisted Living in Strongsville to share information about suicide prevention and mental health.
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National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Oct. 24, providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Click here to view local drop-off locations.
The ADAMHS Board will have Deterra bags available for the community. Deterra bags are at-home drug disposal pouches that use activated carbon to permanently destroy and deactivate unused, expired, or unwanted medications. Email sizemore@adamhscc.org for more information.
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September 2026 Art Display Showcases Work by Jewish Family Services Association and Salvation Army
September's Art Display was provided by the Jewish Family Services Association and Salvation Army Harbor Light. Click here to view our website and view their featured art.
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Culture & Community Spotlight
Choosing life: Seneca Bankston’s story of suicide, faith and hope
The Land recently published an article about Seneca Bankston, a local hip-hop artist, owner of Royal Media Music Group, videographer, photographer and accomplished creative who died by suicide in 2025. Bankston’s widow, Iteisha, along with her creative collaborators, produced a documentary about Seneca’s life. The film shares a message of hope, faith and love for people experiencing mental health challenges, as well as their friends and family.
ADAMHS Board Director of Special Projects Starlette Sizemore was quoted in the article and discussed the Board’s partnerships with faith-based communities across Cuyahoga County. These partnerships help create additional spaces where people can feel comfortable talking about their mental health and connecting with support.
Click here to read this relevant and impactful story. Click here to learn about Seneca, upcoming showings of his documentary and more.
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