Ben Wells
What is
your Job Title / Role at RHS?
I am the Program Coordinator for our SUD Treatment, and work in Program Development.
How did
you come into the Mental Health Field?
After I finished college, I became a teacher and observed firsthand the struggles those students with mental health issues and substance abuse within the home experience. I felt called to support and advocate for these individuals, but knew in my role as an educator I could not make the impact necessary to create change. I decided to transition into social work and began working with teens and adults effected by mental health and substance use issues and have felt fulfilled ever since.
Who
inspired you to pursue this career choice?
The individuals, who lacked positive connections, support and resources that I have seen suffer in our community my entire life.
How
important is it for you to work with our Southeast Idaho Community?
I grew up here. I love this community. I love the people in
our community. I love the beauty and the outdoor opportunities that are so
unique to Southeast Idaho. Through my professional experience, I have witnessed
so many tragedies within families and homes, recidivism and relapses of
individuals I have worked with, and countless overdoses and deaths. I understand
there are so many factors that play into these negative experiences, but truly
believe that a lack of positive connection and support from compassionate and
empathetic individuals are areas that I can address through my role both at RHS
and in the community.
I feel my purpose is to serve those that have felt forgotten, looked over or given up on, and help them find strength and hope in their experiences, both negative and positive. I believe that through positive and meaningful connections people can recover and help others recover. Southeast Idaho is a wonderful place to live and call home, and I feel it is so important to continue to try to make it even better for every member of our community.
What is
something someone might not know about you?
I have 7 amazing children.
What are
some of your interests / hobbies?
Anything outdoors, coaching and watching my children play sports and being as physically active as possible.
What is
the best advice you would give to someone just coming into this field?
Find the small wins in day to day work.
