Denny Wilson | From Wanting To End His Life, Sobriety, Author And Being A Recovery Community Leader

Why did I want to talk with Denny Wilson on the Knockin' Doorz Down podcast? I am your host Jason LaChance, and I spoke with Denny because in 1999, five years after his last drink and drug use, Wilson received his Priesthood Ordination and was installed in the Office of Elder two years later in 2001. Denny is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of F I Community Housing, Inc., an Ohio Non-Profit Corporation that provided Mental Health, Alcohol & Other drugs, Reentry, and Recovery Support Services to individuals and families throughout Ohio from 1995-2019. His organization provided direct care to over 20,000 individuals and their family members and has been recognized as the #1 Provider of Recovery Housing six times in the state. F I Community Housing was recently recognized as The Best of Akron, (Non-Profit category) and awarded the Best Original Story by the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce in 2019. Denny developed and trains a nationally-recognized curriculum teaching the steps to successfully own and operate Recovery Housing, and designs programs for other providers and state agencies to operate from a peer-based model of recovery. Wilson has also been directly involved in creating over 900 new Recovery Coaches/Certified Ohio Peer Supporters throughout the State in 66 of Ohio’s 88 counties, as well as the development of the Ohio Peer Supporter Curriculum. Wilson spends much of his time volunteering around Akron and is actively involved in Jail & Prison Ministry writing and visiting with inmates incarcerated around the state of Ohio. He has been honored as Father of the Year, awarded several Spiritual Leadership awards, and recognized for his work in building a more prosperous and caring community. Wilson also serves on several committees and boards throughout his home State of Ohio. In October 2010, Denny was directly responsible for helping to define the roles and responsibilities of a Peer Supporter, and Ohio’s definition of Recovery. Wilson also lobbied to ensure this new evidence-based prac