Thank you for joining us at the 7th annual Roots of Recovery!
ETS welcomed nearly 300 members of our community to celebrate the 7th Annual Roots of Recovery luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Block 41 in Seattle’s historic Belltown neighborhood. We are so grateful to those who attended, donated, and supported Evergreen Treatment Services’ evidence-based substance use disorder and social services in Western Washington. Together, we raised $224,895!
This year’s theme, Many Paths to Healing, was a testament to the reality that recovery and healing are deeply personal and unique to each individual. To kick off the event, guests engaged with an interactive wall, sharing their thoughts on what healing means to them, and highlighting the diverse experiences.
Celebrating Advocacy and Service
A highlight of the luncheon was the 2024 Evergreen Community Champion Award, which was presented to Washington State Representative Emily Alvarado by ETS Board Chair Jessica Marquardt and Board Mission Advancement Committee Chair Kelli Larson. This award recognized Rep. Alvarado’s tireless efforts in advocating for policies and funding that directly benefit the work of ETS.
Jessica shared the significance of Rep. Alvarado’s contributions, particularly in securing $6 million in funding for the transformation of ETS’s property into a health and wellness center. Her leadership and advocacy were also critical in obtaining emergency funding following a devastating flood that disrupted services at ETS’s Seattle Clinic. We are grateful for Rep. Alvarado’s commitment to housing justice and support for marginalized communities, including the populations we serve.
Overcoming challenges with resilience
CEO Steve Woolworth took the stage to acknowledge and reflect on the extraordinary challenges ETS faced this past year and to celebrate the organization’s resilience in the face of adversity. Steve spoke about the strength and dedication of ETS’ staff, particularly in the wake of devastating floods that severely damaged four of ETS’ nine locations, including the temporary closure of our Seattle clinic.
Steve shared how ETS staff weathered the crisis and found innovative solutions to continue serving the community and how within eight months of the flood, the Seattle Treatment in Motion clinic had reopened and, in just six weeks, welcomed over 80 new patients, averaging about 13 new patients per week. He emphasized the importance of ETS’ mission, stating,
“We’ve overcome hell and high water to ensure that our doors remain open to those who need us most.”
These challenges were resolved with an “all-hands-on-deck” crisis response of ETS staff, patients, community partners, and the board of directors, whose guidance and support played a crucial role in navigating these crises.
Keynote by Sandeep Kaushik: A Personal Story of Recovery
This year’s keynote speaker, Sandeep Kaushik, shared his personal journey of recovery. Sandeep, who first began receiving methadone treatment at ETS over 22 years ago, reflected on the profound impact that the organization has had on his life.
“The day I got my first dose of methadone down on Airport Way is the last day I used heroin,” Sandeep recounted. “The work that ETS does providing treatment for opioid addiction is a godsend. It transforms countless lives. It helped to transform mine.”
Sandeep’s testimony highlighted the importance of breaking the stigma around methadone and other forms of treatment, while also showcasing the crucial role ETS plays in supporting individuals battling substance use disorders.
If you weren’t able to join, or you want to hear our keynote speaker Sandeep Kaushik again, we encourage you to watch the event recording. Please share with your family, friends, and networks—cultivating care for our neighbors requires all of us!
A Community United for Healing
The luncheon featured a special preview of ETS’ latest video, showcasing our Treatment in Motion (TIM) program, which brings healing directly to communities in need. Watch the video below!
Moving Forward Together
ETS’ 7th Annual Roots of Recovery event was a testament to the power of community, healing, and advocacy. The funds raised will help ETS continue our mission of supporting recovery through place-based individualized care and services. If you missed the event, there’s still time to contribute and support the many paths to healing.
Together, we can ensure that everyone in need has the opportunity to transform their lives. Thank you for walking alongside ETS on this journey.
Roots of Recovery At a Glance
There’s still time to give!
DONATE NOW
Help support ETS and the people they serve by donating online or sending checks to:
Evergreen Treatment Services, Attn: Development
4634 E Marginal Way S, Suite C110
Seattle, WA 98134
Together, we make healing possible.
