Who we are

Reaching Resiliency Incorporated is a Peer Recovery Community Organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming the landscape of recovery support services with a focus on expanding Recovery Oriented Systems of Care and Recovery Ecosystems. We are a collective of individuals with lived experience, passionate professionals, and community allies who believe that every person impacted by trauma, substance misuse, and or mental health challenges deserves dignity, connection, and the tools to build a thriving life in recovery.

Our work spans five interwoven pillars:

  • Peer Leadership


    We elevate the voices of those in recovery, empowering them to lead coaching, support groups, and advocacy efforts.

  • Consulting & Technical Assistance


    We partner with organizations and coalitions to embed recovery-oriented best practices, program planning and implementation, workforce development, and sustainable systems.

  • Recovery Coaching


    We match trained peer coaches with individuals seeking guidance, creating personalized pathways to resilience and reintegration.

  • Education & Advocacy


    We design interactive workshops, public forums, and outreach campaigns that dismantle stigma and drive policy change.

  • Research & Collaboration


    We team up with academic institutions and community agencies to pilot innovative models, measure impact, and scale what works.

At our core, we center lived experience, evidence-based practices, and a relentless commitment to equity. Together, we build bridges—between people and resources, between challenges and hope, and between recovery today and resilience tomorrow.

Reaching Resiliency Inc. Core Values:

  • Peer Leadership
    We elevate the insights and wisdom of lived experience, empowering peers to lead coaching, support groups, and advocacy efforts.

  • Empathy & Compassion
    We meet every individual with understanding and care, creating a safe space where vulnerability is welcomed and healing can begin.

  • Equity & Inclusion
    We ensure services are accessible and culturally responsive, honoring each person’s unique background, identity, and needs.

  • Resilience & Growth
    We celebrate progress, learn from setbacks, and foster enduring strength through mutual support and skill-building.

  • Collaboration & Partnership
    We build bridges with community agencies, justice partners, and funders to amplify impact and create integrated recovery ecosystems.

  • Integrity & Accountability
    We uphold transparency in our actions, honor our commitments, and measure our outcomes to consistently align with our mission.

  • Innovation & Continuous Learning
    We embrace evidence-based practices, pilot new approaches, and commit to ongoing professional development and research.

  • Advocacy
    We amplify the voices of individuals in recovery, championing their rights and dignity. Through strategic outreach, policy engagement, and community mobilization, we work to dismantle stigma, influence equitable legislation, and ensure that those affected by substance misuse, trauma, and or mental health challenges have access to the resources and support they deserve.

Ekoko Onema MSW, CHW, RCP, QP

Founder / Chief Executive Officer Reaching Resiliency Inc.

 

Ms. Onema MSW, NCPRSS, BHM, CHW, RCP, QP is a proud Alumna of "Thee Jackson State University". Ms. Onema is a Recovery Support Services and Human Services Consultant whose greatest passion is assisting individuals, families, organizations, and communities to expand the Recovery-Oriented System of Care.

Ms. Onema is A Person in Long-Term Recovery and Peer Supervisor who utilizes her heart, strengths, resources, expertise, and shared / lived experience to connect with, serve, and support others seeking and living in recovery.

Ms. Onema formally served as the 1st Special Projects Officer I / Recovery Support Liaison for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health in the Division in Recovery and Resiliency.  Ms.

Onema supported by conducting site visits and serving as part of the site review team with Mississippi Department of Mental Health and providing training to CPSS State-Wide.

Ms. Onema also contributed by Providing Peer Focused Technical Assistance at the Agency and State Level. Ms. Onema continues to actively engage in peer mentoring, coaching, advocacy, and program planning and implementation for peer recovery support services and programs.

In North Carolina Ms. Onema created, implemented, and served as Project Director for the 1st Registered Apprenticeship Program for Peer Support Specialist and Recovery Coaches that includes obtaining Local and National Certification.

Ms. Onema is a proud  member of the  International Association of Recovery Coach Professionals, Faces and Voices of Recovery, the National Association of Social Workers NC Chapter,  the National Organization of Human Services,  Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, The National Association of Addiction Professionals, The University of Phoenix Chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, The Jackson State University Chapter of the  National Society of Collegiate  Scholars, The National Association of Community Health Workers, The North Carolina Community Health Worker Association, The Jackson State University Chapter of the Society of Collegiate Leadership and Achievement, and  was inducted in to Who’s Who Among American University and Colleges representing Jackson State University College of Public Service.  Ms. Onema continues to serve on various councils, committees, and advisory boards to represent, promote and support recovery.

 Ms. Onema’s favorite quote is “I am not what happened to me. I am what I chose to become.” (Carl Jung).

Ms. Onema holds a Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and an Associate of Arts Degree with a Concentration in Human Services Management. Ms. Onema is a Recovery Support, Social Work, and Human Services Practitioner with a wealth of leadership and service provision who excels in Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Practice.

Ms. Onema has a wealth of leadership experience serving various populations and in various roles including but not limited to Trainer / Facilitator, Consultant, Consumer Advocate, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Peer Support Ambassador, Recovery Support Specialist, Peer Supervisor, Community Health Worker, Case Manager, Program Manager, Project Coordinator, Project Director, Director of Professional Development and Training and Operations Director.

Ms. Onema is a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Nationally Certified Recovery Coach Professional, Behavioral Health Mentor (TOT), and a Grant Writer with expertise in Administration, Grants Management, Professional Development, Program Planning and Implementation.

Ms. Onema additionally serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Reaching Resiliency Inc., a Peer Recovery Community Organization.

Ms. Onema is a Mental Health and Recovery Advocate at the State and National Level serving as a Member of SAMSHA’s (CARS) Center for Addiction and Recovery Support ‘s Peer Recovery Community Panel representing Peer Recovery Community Organizations and serves as Chair of One World Recovery Network’s National Peer Workforce Advisory Committee (NPWAC).

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