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Years into recovery from heroin, Frankie Ward’s life had fallen back into place.  

It was all behind her. She graduated from Recovery Court, a program that offers individuals facing drug-related charges a chance to complete treatment and rehabilitation instead of serving traditional jail time. She had overcome many obstacles and there were a lot of reasons to be grateful.

“But there was something missing,” said Ward. With a record of felonies, Ward accepted that a career would not be possible.

That all changed at an event called Harvest Fest in Gibson City, IL. She stopped at a table providing training on administering NARCAN®, an opioid overdose reversal nasal spray.  

“Someone asked me if I knew about NARCAN® and if I wanted to do the training. In my head I’m thinking, that’s gonna bring up a whole conversation.”  

Ward finally agreed to the training, and it did, in fact, bring up a whole conversation – one that would change her life.  

It was through this conversation that she learned there were jobs where her personal (lived) experience was an asset.

After being encouraged to apply at Harvest Fest, Ward landed a role coordinating the local Ford County ROSC council through Chestnut Health Systems™. ROSC, Recovery Oriented System of Care, is a network of community-based services and supports to help improve the lives of those with or at risk of alcohol or drug problems, which includes organizing sober recreational events.

She is one of an army of recovery specialists leveraging her personal experience to help others who are struggling with substance use or mental health challenges. Research is showing this approach to behavioral health works for the clients, as well as giving purpose to the coaches.  

“(The field) is making space for individuals like me to keep growing and to keep dreaming, because (I thought) that dream was gone for me,” she said. 

“It’s about collective transformation” 

A big part of her job is connecting individuals and organizations, and she has made an impression on a lot of people. She was recognized at the Annual Dinner and Business Meeting for the East Central Illinois Community Action Agency (ECICAA) in Danville, IL, April 25, 2025. The ECICAA combats poverty in east central Illinois’ Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties.

“I have attended the Ford County ROSC meetings, and each time, I am so impressed with Frankie’s dedication to building awareness, reducing society’s stigma in addiction recovery, and creating a system in our communities that addresses the needs of youth and families,” said Odette Hyatt-Watson, ECICAA CEO.

Ward never expected to be honored in this way.

“That’s the beauty of recovery. It changes things,” she said in her remarks to the attendees. “Recovery is so powerful. It creates a ripple. It creates ripples of healing, connection, and growth.”

“It strengthens families. It reduces stigma. It builds healthier communities… Recovery isn't just about one person's journey. It's about collective transformation.”

“I needed help across the board” 

Growing up, her immediate family struggled with substances. Ward didn’t understand why they just wouldn’t quit. Ward was determined not to start. 

“I was the one in the friend group always lecturing,” she said.  

Then her father died. She was in her mid-20s, had kids, and cleaned houses for a living. She started taking prescription pain medicine to take the edge off and eventually started using heroin.  

“It was maybe six months before I lost everything after trying heroin for the first time,” she said. She was unhoused and miserable, and because she lived in a rural area, it was tough to hide. 

“Everyone knew I was struggling. I was so scared to say out loud that I needed help.” Her recovery began with her involvement in the justice system. A probation officer told her about Recovery Court. 

Recovery Court addressed many facets of her life, from budgeting money to her mental health. 

“I think that was one reason why for me it was so successful because I needed more help than just with my substance use. I needed help across the board.” 

Now, Ward’s recovery serves as inspiration to many. She proves recovery is possible.  

“Our insight doesn't just come from a textbook. That is important insight, but that's not what ours is.”  

Ward, and other recovery specialists with lived experience offer insight that brings authenticity, hope, and true connection. 

Do you think you have the personal experience to help others in need of inspiration and guidance? Learn more about careers for those with lived experience at chestnut.org/careers. 

About the Author

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Chestnut Health Systems

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Chestnut offers a comprehensive scope of behavioral health and human services in Illinois and Missouri. Our professional and experienced staff is committed to providing high-quality care and services to the communities we serve. From drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities (residential and outpatient) to primary care medical homes, to a research institute, Chestnut continuously works to achieve its mission to make a difference and improve quality of life through excellence in service.

If you or someone you love needs help, we can help. It all starts with a phone call. In central Illinois call 888.924.3786 and in southern Illinois/Meto East area call 618.877.4420.