UTCSW Dean Lori Messinger and Dean Ellen McIntyre from the College of Education, Health, And Human Sciences (CEHHS) recently presented the United Way Change Leader Award to Reico Hopewell, founder and CEO at Hopewell Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Mend House Sober Living Community, and Hopewell Helping Hands, Inc.

Hopewell is a pioneer in our community who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service. He is seen not only as a spokesperson for those who have lived experience with substance abuse, but also as an advocate for the betterment of those seeking recovery. As the Executive Director for The Mend House, Hopewell is a model of professionalism for those he serves. As a licensed therapist, he can tailor and construct road maps to recovery for the men staying at The Mend House.

He is the heart of his organization, dedicating nearly all of his time to ensure its mission is carried out to the fullest. He works tirelessly to ensure the men receiving care from his organization have their basic needs met, including food, hygiene products, and recovery-related literature. Through his efforts, he has helped lower the number of overdoses in the community and has helped fight the stigma of those who are in recovery. 

Hopewell is well known and beloved in the professional sector of the community, and his unique perspective allows him to migrate effortlessly between being a therapist, a recovering addict, a partner, and a friend. 

Click here to read more about the awards and winners
https://www.uwgk.org/2022-change-awards/#:~:text=The%20Change%20Awards%20is%20an,nonprofit%20community%20has%20created%2C%20together