Emerging Leader: ‘Walking the Same Path’

Editor’s note: In closing the book on 2023, we asked readers to nominate emerging leaders in conjunction with our story about initiatives underway in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys to cultivate leadership.

Adam Lonardo, Executive Director, Broadway Recovery Services

In walking the walk, Adam Lonardo, in recovery himself, wanted to help others fighting addiction. He started Broadway Recovery Services (a nonprofit) years ago with the first of several sober-living homes.

In the last seven years, he has grown this organization to include sober-living homes for men and now women in Mahoning County. At the behest of the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Board, whose members saw the success of his organization in Mahoning County, Adam recently added a sober-living home in Columbiana County.

Adam has personally sponsored individuals in recovery. He also leads his team with best practices and empathy. His heart and soul are dedicated to the success of those who are served by Broadway, both from a recovery standpoint and that of their mental health.

Again, at the behest of a local board, he and his team started a newer type of mental health model  called Clubhouse. He has put up his personal funds to drive both organizations’ launches. Adam also started the Helping Hands Tree for the holidays to help residents of the sober-living homes and their children.

Adam and his family regularly volunteer at local events, such as the Recovery Walk in Wick Park this summer, feeding those who attended and helping them to get connected to services in their road to recovery.

Broadway Recovery Services adheres to the abstinence model in recovery and recommends faith to aid in maintaining recovery. Adam started a coffee group for those in recovery and clients served in the sober-living homes. Here, they can come together and find a “tribe” where they can share stories of their struggles in life. This is not another AA meeting. Adam and his team use this time to help individuals figure out what is working for them and what is not.

He shares his own struggles in life and sobriety to help them develop effective tools to deal with challenges they are facing. He lets them know they are not alone and he is walking the same path they are set upon.

Nominated by Barbara Hierro.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.