Meet Kelly Richmond: Open Doors Advisory Group Member

Kelly Richmond brings insight, advocacy, and a deep-rooted commitment to equity in her role on the Open Doors Advisory Group. With a focus on historically underserved populations, Kelly is driven by the belief that all youth deserve to be seen, heard, and supported with compassion and respect.

She brings a sharp awareness of how traditional systems have failed many communities and a fierce dedication to changing that through culturally responsive training, inclusive practices, and intentional youth engagement.

Why do you think it is important to focus on historically underserved populations, and how do you hope this training will address their specific needs?

I believe it’s not only important but imperative to focus on underserved populations with this training and other specific needs because, historically, their needs have been negated, ignored, denied, and suppressed. The diversity of communities that experience substance use is growing, and we cannot continue to try a one-size-fits-all approach, just like we cannot deny the differing identities and intersectionality of our communities when we think about service. Service is truly meant to be of use to folx and we must recognize how we’ve marginalized and oppressed others before we can understand our current processes may not work or be relevant to everyone.

What do you think are the most critical messages we need to communicate to adults interacting with youth about substance use?

I think it’s critical to acknowledge that substance use has changed over time, and the knowledge we (Adults) hold may be outdated. We cannot use the same approach with youth without our own understanding of their identities, needs, reasons, and desires. It’s important that we (Adults) recognize how we can be a support to youth, while also authentically believing that youth have voice, choice, and knowledge. Our approach cannot create a power difference between us and youth, where they feel like we’re “just another adult,” telling them what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Youth are worthy of respect, even those who use substances.

Can you share a personal story or anecdote that illustrates the importance of this training initiative?

I was once in a meeting with a high school youth who was surrounded by 8-9 adults in the room, all providing school-based and community-based services to the youth; however, only 1 person in the room actually had a relationship with the youth. When questions were asked, people responded, yet rarely did anyone ask the youth what they felt was needed. This is the time when I adopted the phrase I had heard all my life, “nothing about me, without me.” This was a perfect example that we could want what’s best for youth and their well-being, but we cannot continue to make decisions without talking to youth about their wants, goals, and desires for change (or otherwise). Youth-centered means we must focus on youth by including youth in every aspect of this program.

Finish this sentence: "Recovery is . . ."

Recovery is a journey— a journey you can be on for life. It acknowledges your needs, paths, and the experiences that led you to today. Recovery is choosing to love yourself with your history and experiences, and your future.