Stan Ballard

Front of House Manager at Healthy Living Market & Cafe

When asked why Healthy Living would choose to hire someone in recovery, the answer is very simple — Healthy Living at its core is a company that exists to serve the community in which we live.

At Healthy Living we employ a very diverse group of staff , people who come from different backgrounds, and situations. We employ staff that are passionate about creating a positive atmosphere for guests to shop and people to work — we are are constantly bridging the gap between the two.

We have learned that working with staff who might be facing challenges with either overcoming addictions or disabilities or simply looking to make a fresh start, is a win win for everyone.

The staff gets the opportunity to be in an inclusive environment that thrives on positivity and people working towards being their personal best, and Healthy Living wins because we are able to help those in our community be self supportive and productive members of society.

Does this this work for everyone that we employ? Not always, but the important part is that we hope the people can take away something valuable from their time with us. We look for those who we feel will add something special to our store and brand.

Melissa came to us several months ago and I knew the moment we talked that she was brimming with potential.

▶ Read Melissa Cohen's recovery story here

Melissa was clearly looking to make some positive changes in her life and she was like a sponge soaking in as much information as possible. From the moment we began working together, I noticed Melissa applying the knowledge and tools from being in recovery to her experience here at Healthy Living.

Melissa radiates positivity and is always taking staff under her wing and providing positive reinforcement to those who are facing different challenges. My job is to help her succeed with training and development, and lots of encouragement.

Recently Melissa was promoted to department lead, and I selected Melissa because of how hard she has worked to learn the skills required for this position. Here at Healthy Living we expect our staff to work hard to make the connection with our guests and to be their personal best.

Our staff find the most success when they are able to see how they play a vital role in the type of environment they work .

▶ OPIOID RECOVERY PROJECT:Explore our full coverage of opioid recovery in Vermont

Stan Ballard is front of house manager Healthy Living Market & Cafe.