Riverside director shares experience with Tapestry program

The director of a Lawrence County addiction treatment program was recently asked to share her story with a meeting of state leaders.

Last week, Amy Smart, executive director of Riverside Recovery Services in Chesapeake spoke at an event at the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

“I had the opportunity to (…) share my Tapestry experiences in front of some pretty influential folks — directors of state agencies such as Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Medicaid, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services among other directors of state programs,” Smart said.

The Tapestry program is a treatment center, focusing on substance abuse services.
Smart, who is a recovering addict, founded Riverside, based in South Point, and works to help those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.

“This was part of the governor’s State of the State address and was featuring the Tapestry program,” Smart said of last Monday’s event. “This was such a humbling experience to be in the company of so many state officials and sharing, without worry of judgment of the road I traveled. That road led me to where I am today. No matter how the road was to get to where I am, it’s been well worth the journey!”

Smart, who served time in incarceration due to her addiction, said the warden of ORW hugged her at the end of the event.

“I never thought that would have happened,” she said.