Episode 7, More Than a Paycheck, explores the vital role employment plays in recovery and long-term stability. Host Juliana speaks with Carla Kostek from IRCO and Louis Reyes, a former CCC client who now works as an employment specialist. Together, they reflect on the power of mentorship, accessible job training, and community partnerships that help people rebuild their lives. Their conversation highlights not just the value of employment services, but the hope they bring for a stronger, more connected Portland.

Episode 6, “More Than Clean Streets,” highlights the partnership between Downtown Portland Clean and Safe and CCC's Clean Start program, focusing on community resilience, recovery from addiction, and the importance of public safety. Mark Wells, executive director of Clean and Safe, discusses the organization's role in maintaining a clean and safe environment in Portland while supporting individuals in recovery. Mike Forney, a Clean Start team member, shares his personal journey from homelessness to recovery, emphasizing the power of community support and the impact of the Clean Start program.

This episode of 'They Are Us' focuses on the Letty-Owing Center, a residential treatment program for women who are pregnant or have young children. The conversation highlights the challenges these women face, the structure of the program, and personal stories of transformation. Tina Biales, the director, shares insights into the importance of a supportive environment and the impact of stigma and guilt on recovery. The episode emphasizes the significance of time in the recovery process and the hope that comes from success stories.

In this episode of They Are Us, host Juliana speaks with Lance Orton, the executive director of City Team Portland, and Max Kinsella, a former client turned advocate. They share their personal journeys through addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of community support, employment, and the role of nonprofits in helping individuals regain their lives. The conversation emphasizes resilience, hope, and the transformative power of helping others.

In Episode 3, host Juliana speaks with Amalie, a Community Health Outreach Worker at Central City Concern. They discuss Amalie’s journey from restaurant owner to outreach worker. Amalie shares inspiring success stories of homeless individuals she has assisted and emphasizes the importance of empathy and building trust over time. The conversation highlights the significance of community collaboration and the need for basic resources in addressing homelessness.

In Episode 2, host Juliana speaks with Bryce, who shares his decades-long journey through addiction—from casual use to a devastating cycle that nearly consumed his life. He opens up about what it took to break free and how he’s now using his experience to support others in recovery. Juliana also sits down with Dr. Amanda Risser, Senior Medical Director at Central City Concern’s Hooper Detox Center, to explore the role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in recovery. Together, they discuss how medical professionals are adapting their approaches to care in response to an increasingly unpredictable and dangerous street drug supply.

In the first episode of the They Are Us podcast, host Juliana Lukasik explores the root causes of homelessness and addiction through the stories of individuals in recovery and insights from experts. The episode features Bryant, who shares his journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery and employment, highlighting the importance of community support and personal determination. Dr. Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO of Central City Concern, discusses the broader implications of homelessness and addiction, emphasizing the need for affordable housing, mental health support, and a dedicated workforce to address these challenges.