Tami Gentry is a native of Winchester, Kentucky. After breaking her shoulder in an accident, she developed an addiction to prescribed pain pills. For years, she was a functioning addict who managed to balance work and family in the throes of her addiction. But some self-reflection caused her to question the path she was on and, in that moment of clarity, Tami knew she had to get clean.
Through participation in Clark County Drug Court, her therapist introduced her to the NOSW residential program. Though Tami was skeptical at first, she was at a point in her recovery when she wanted to try new things and gain new experiences. While her husband Tom worried about her being away from home for such an extended period without his support, the district drug court judge thought it would benefit her recovery and ordered her to apply!
After her moment of clarity, Tami’s initial goal was to get clean and finish drug court. Attending NOSW helped to illuminate her future path more clearly.
After graduating from the two-week program, Tami set about returning to school to earn a degree in human services. She graduated from Bluegrass Community and Technical College with an associate’s degree in May 2023. She hopes her education will enable her to counsel Appalachian women who are trying to overcome trauma and addiction.
Tami’s dynamic personality and determination are already positively impacting her community in ways she never thought possible! She continues her connection to NOSW and the residential program by volunteering and recruiting new participants. We are grateful for the example she set and are inspired by her actions.
