Finding Hope Through Recovery
Marcus Lincoln, a Peer Support Specialist and Linkage and Navigation Specialist at Hope Town Ohio, has been with our organization for a little over a 
year. However, his journey with Hope Town began long before that, back when he was seeking help for his own substance use disorder. His recovery journey started at Hope Village, where he crossed paths with Adam Ciganik, who served as his peer support specialist at the time. Today, Adam is Hope Town Ohio’s Program Director, and Marcus works alongside him, helping others navigate the same path to recovery.
Reflecting on this full-circle moment, Marcus shares, “I found Hope Town Ohio through Hope Village, where I got sober. Adam modeled recovery for me, helped me change my behaviors, and later asked me to join the organization as a peer support specialist. It means a lot to me to give back to the community and help people who are struggling because I’ve been there.”
A Story of Redemption: From Prison to Purpose
Marcus’ path to sobriety wasn’t easy. At his lowest point, he was arrested for multiple warrants, put on probation, and continued to struggle with substance use. “I was busted for driving without a license while using, and they put me in jail for a week. My girlfriend at the time, whose dad had overdosed, told me she couldn’t watch me go down that path, so I decided to make a change.”
Marcus faced two and a half years in prison for felony methamphetamine possession. But Hope Village, specifically Adam, stepped in to advocate for him. “Adam came to court for me, explained that I was working on my sobriety, and I was allowed to enter a drug deterrent program. If I completed it, my felonies would be dropped.”
Marcus took that chance and never looked back. “Through Hope Town, I learned coping skills, worked through my childhood trauma with EMDR therapy, and found healing through the 12-step program. Making amends was a huge part of my recovery,” he says. “It allowed me to tell the people I hurt that I had a problem and ask, ‘What can I do to make this better?’”
Giving Back: The Power of Peer Support
Today, Marcus channels his lived experiences into his work at Hope Town Ohio. “I was 
homeless, eating out of dumpsters, and I’ve been through some dark places. When I connect with people, I know where they’re coming from. It gives me much purpose when I see them make it through.”
Marcus finds deep fulfillment in helping others find the light in their recovery journey. “Watching someone once hopeless receive the message of recovery and light up is the most meaningful part of this job. It means a lot to be able to do what I do. Hope Town Ohio has brought my life incredible purpose.”
Ted St. John, Chief Executive of Hope Town Ohio, praises Marcus’ dedication: “Marcus is a true embodiment of what we aim to achieve at Hope Town Ohio. His compassion, resilience, and dedication to helping others are remarkable, and we’re fortunate to have him on our team.”
Adam Ciganik, Program Director, also reflects on Marcus’ progress: “I’ve watched Marcus grow from someone struggling with addiction into a leader who inspires others daily. His story shows the power of recovery and the importance of peer support.”
Life Beyond Recovery: A Story of Compassion
Marcus’ life is a testament to resilience, not just in recovery but in other areas. Growing up as a foster child in an abusive household, Marcus faced many challenges. He has two handicapped brothers with autism and cerebral palsy, and today, he holds a DSP license, helping care for them and others with disabilities. “My foster mom has been one of my biggest supporters since I got sober. We even work together in animal rescue, placing dogs and occasionally cats into loving homes.”
For Marcus, the chance to help others, both through Hope Town Ohio and in his personal life, is a constant reminder of how far he’s come. His journey from addiction to helping others find sobriety is a beacon of hope for everyone he meets.
We are incredibly proud to have Marcus as part of our team at Hope Town Ohio. His story is an inspiring reminder that recovery is possible, and with support, anyone can find their way to a brighter future.
