We are excited to announce this year’s Samuel C. Wheeler Freedom Award Winner: Meredith Olson-Goldsby, Assistant Administrator of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services for the Oregon Department of Corrections. In her nearly three decades of recovery, she has devoted the majority of her professional career to dismantling stigma and bringing hope to thousands of Oregonians!
“Recovery gave me a desire to live, a sense of hope, and the belief that I was capable of something.”
Meredith’s journey into recovery began as a young person facing significant challenges. After experiencing trauma as a teenager, she struggled with mental health challenges and substance use, spending years searching for a way forward. Through different mediums such as spirituality and therapy, Meredith committed to building a different life full of freedom away from the shame that once defined her life.
It also helped to start her chapter in helping others around her, with a large focus on systems change.
Throughout her professional career as a social worker and leader within the Department of Corrections, she has helped transform substance use disorder treatment throughout Oregon’s correctional system. Her work has contributed to expanding treatment opportunities for people in custody and has helped to reshape policies that govern addiction treatment in correctional settings.
What sets Meredith apart is her unwavering belief that recovery is possible for everyone. She advocates for individualized care, encourages people to find the recovery pathway that works best for them, and challenges systems to move away from shame-based approaches.
Meredith also notably speaks about the importance of patience when pursuing change. Working within large systems requires persistence, relationship-building, and a long-term commitment to progress. Her work will continue to benefit communities for years to come.
Join us on Friday, Oct 23rd at the Hope & Freedom Gala, where we will honor Meredith! You will hear her inspiring story of resilience and how she used her life experience to expand access to care and shape treatment in Oregon’s correctional system. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!
Get your tickets today: CLICK HERE