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At Hope Town, Ohio, we are incredibly fortunate to have Adam Ciganik as our dedicated Program Director. Adam oversees all our initiatives with passion and empathy, which truly sets him apart. His journey from struggling with addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for others is inspiring.
A Journey of Transformation and Resilience
Adam’s lived experience as a certified Peer Recovery Supporter uniquely qualifies him to guide others on their recovery journeys. Having battled alcoholism and addiction for over 20 years, Adam knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with the path to recovery. He reflects on what recovery means to him:
“My recovery means freedom—freedom for me and freedom of choice. Before my recovery, I was trapped in self-centeredness, taking from everyone and everything. I was mentally, physically, and spiritually sick, caught in an endless cycle of misery. My thoughts deceived me into believing that I needed substances to survive as if they were as essential as air. I didn’t know any other way.
With a program of recovery, I found true freedom. It gave me a new perspective and heightened awareness of myself and my surroundings. I no longer see myself as a victim; instead, I realize that I created victims, and I must work to correct the harm I’ve done. Recovery freed me from the guilt and shame that haunted my existence. I’ve learned how to be present in each moment and how to be a friend, a partner, and a father. I’ve discovered that I can help others in need and offer hope to someone struggling with addiction. Not only do we get better, but we can also achieve remarkable things in our short time on Earth.
I want to give family members who suffer alongside the addict a glimpse of hope—that miracles do happen and that they should never let the darkness extinguish their light. I live in gratitude for my life today, knowing that if I continue to apply the principles of recovery to my daily life, my children will never have to meet the person I used to be. For me, it’s all about perspective.”
Rooted in Service and Compassion
Born and raised in Portage County, Adam grew up under the guidance of his single mother, a Sergeant Correctional Officer at the Portage County Jail, who instilled in him the importance of service to others. These early lessons in empathy and duty have become the cornerstone of his work, even as he faced his battles.
Answering the Call to Help Others
Adam’s journey to recovery began on June 6, 2019, when, driven by desperation and a desire for change, he admitted himself into residential treatment. Determined to build a better future, Adam initially continued working in the construction trade while focusing on his recovery. However, his true calling soon became apparent: to help others. From 2021 to 2023, Adam worked at Hope Village as a certified Peer Recovery Supporter. His dedication and leadership quickly led him to key roles such as Jail Reentry Supervisor and Linkage and Navigation Coordinator, where he and his team successfully bridged gaps and navigated obstacles for high-risk individuals.
Leading with Purpose at Hope Town Ohio
When Adam joined Hope Town in the spring of 2023, he brought experience and a deep commitment to our mission. His impact has been profound, as he’s developed our programs and provided invaluable support to our staff. Reflecting on his role, Adam says:
“When a person enters treatment, it’s often because they’ve hit rock bottom and have nowhere else to turn. I was one of those people facing the devastating consequences of my substance use. I didn’t know how to navigate even the basic tasks of daily life without relying on a mind-altering substance. I was broke, homeless, had lost my car, destroyed relationships with friends and family, and faced legal obligations with no idea where to start.
I had many questions and no answers: How do I get to court? How do I attend a 12-step meeting? Who can teach me how to conduct myself in a meeting? How do I overcome my anxiety to get a sponsor? How do I write a resume or prepare for a job interview while sober? What can I do for social activities without drinking? What is a recovery routine, and how do I participate positively in a community? Where do I find purpose? And most importantly, how do I not drink or use drugs for the rest of my life?
These are the kinds of thoughts that often flood the mind in early recovery. That’s why I love the services Hope Town provides. We aim to bridge the gaps in services, which sets us apart. We’re here to empower every resident and nonresident with the hope that they, in turn, will help the next person. Our goal is to inspire profound change.
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is seeing someone broken come back to life. I want to hear them share their excitement about reaching a milestone in their recovery, whether it’s getting a job, paying off debts, or getting their driver’s license back—and I know we played a part in helping them achieve those things. But it’s when they say, ‘My Dad is talking to me again,’ or ‘My Mom left her purse in the room with me without worry,’ or ‘The courts agreed to let me have custody of my kids back,’ that I realize how much these experiences help me as much as they help them.
Hope Town’s recovery houses are safe places where people can live among peers who share a common goal: improving their quality of life. Sometimes, that means having difficult conversations, whether peer-to-peer or staff-to-peer. But this is a matter of life and death for us, and we can never forget that. In recovery, we must be willing to step on toes before stepping over graves.”
A Mission That’s Personal
Outside of his professional life, Adam enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Lisa, and his children, Brynlee and Zaxton. He is also a Master Mason of the Ebenezer Lodge in Wooster, Ohio, and a recognized DeMolay International advisor of Ohio At Large.
Adam’s mission is deeply personal. Having experienced the pain addiction can cause families, he is dedicated to aiding individuals who are struggling with addiction. He firmly believes that recovery is a journey best undertaken with the support of loved ones, and his story is a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and the impact one person can have on a community.
A Message of Gratitude from Our Chief Executive
Ted St. John, Chief Executive of Hope Town Ohio, shares his thoughts on Adam’s contributions: “We are incredibly grateful to have Adam lead our team. His passion, dedication, and lived experience bring an invaluable understanding and empathy to our work. We couldn’t do what we do at the level we do it at without him.”
Adam Ciganik is more than just a Program Director; he is a true pillar of Hope Town Ohio, and we are proud to highlight his remarkable contributions to our community.
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