By Karen Harkness
When people ask why I’m so committed to Apricity, I always pause. Not because I don’t know the answer, but because the story is deeply personal. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on Apricity’s Board of Directors, and for the last two, I’ve served as Secretary. I also support fund development and spend a lot of time connecting people, resources, and opportunities that strengthen our mission. But my involvement didn’t begin in the boardroom. It began at home.
Substance use disorder touched my family in ways I never expected. My son battled addiction, and the ripple effects were painful, complicated, and far-reaching. Watching someone you love fight for their life is something you never forget. And watching them find their way back—with the right support—is something you never stop being grateful for.
Apricity played a critical role in my son’s recovery. Their team helped him reclaim stability, rebuild relationships, and step back into his life and his daughter’s life with purpose and hope. His hard work made that possible, but Apricity gave him the environment and tools to succeed.
That experience is why Apricity’s mission resonates so deeply with me. This organization doesn’t just offer treatment; it offers a pathway forward. The model is holistic, addressing the emotional, physical, and practical needs of individuals working toward recovery. Treatment, peer support, job training, and sober living aren’t separate pieces here; they’re woven together to create a foundation for long-term success. It’s an approach that recognizes recovery as a journey, not a moment.
In Northeast Wisconsin, Apricity is already a cornerstone of support for individuals and families navigating substance use disorders. The organization continues to strengthen workforce development, increase access to peer recovery coaching, and, through education, remove the stigma attached to substance use disorders. I see its impact and its ability to reach further, helping more people find stability, healing more families, and assisting more employers in gaining dedicated, work-ready individuals who are rebuilding their lives.
If there’s one message I wish more people understood, it’s that recovery isn’t linear. It requires patience, compassion, and long-term support, just like any other chronic health condition. Relapses don’t erase progress; they simply mean someone needs continued care.
I’m grateful every day for the staff, peers, and board members who make this work possible. Being part of Apricity isn’t just service; it’s an honor. It’s hope in action.