Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - In 2021, Shannon Higbee became CEO of Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME) and has been leading the human service organization in helping people in crisis.
ROME has been around since 1990. It was formed when psychiatric centers were closing around the state. It's now providing support across 10 Western New York counties.
What sets the organization apart is that it is a peer-run agency.
"The majority of our leadership, board and staff identify with their own substance abuse or mental health struggle," said Higbee. "They've walked this road and understand what recovery is and what recovery means in a personal way."
Recovery support and mental health support go hand in hand. Higbee explained that ROME offers crisis services. They look to fill gaps in the community.
The organization helped in a big way earlier this year when there was a housing need in Chautauqua County. There were not enough shelters to support those living on the streets. ROME helped the county set up a Code Blue warming shelter and provided mental health and substance abuse support for 1,400 individuals.
"This made a real difference in people's lives," noted Higbee.
ROME primarily serves Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Erie, Niagara, and Monroe counties with some services offered in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
On Sept. 26, the organization is hosting an Art & Recovery Showcase. They've curated 62 original pieces if artwork from individuals who have used art in their own recovery.
Higbee said being recognized as 'Selfless Among Us' came out of the blue for her.
"It's really an honor. We don't do anything here for recognition. We're just looking for the best way to support individuals each and every day. This is really a reflection on my team and the work that they do," she said. "It's really nice when hard work is noticed."