Chasing the storm Mengesha has never struggled with addiction himself, but like most of Baltimore’s population, he has seen its impact on society. He says he wanted to find a way to help his community the best he can, and having a background in leadership(he holds PhD in Management) prompted him to start up the treatment center he runs today. “Seeing so many people out of jobs, helpless, they couldn’t come out of their addiction problems,” he says. “I wanted to be able to help them, although I never had the experience myself.” But with an experienced clinical staff and a genuine desire to lend a hand, Mengesha is making headway in the Baltimore treatment industry, and is determined to provide services to the areas that need it the most. “There is an immediate need here,” he says. “The state identifies counties that need similar services,” and Mengesha is prepared to follow the need. He has opened a new facility in Howard County.
“Seeing so many people out of jobs, helpless, they couldn’t come out of their addiction problems. I wanted to be able to help them.” -Addisu Mengesha, founder, Fresh Start Comprehensive Center
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