Addictions Studies graduate now lending a Hand to Counseling students
Governors State University (GovState) Alumna Jamelia Hand turned her pain into triumph to help others when she created the Gregory J. Hand Addiction Recovery Scholarship to honor her father while helping support students earning their master’s degrees in Addiction Studies.
In recognition of Recovery Month this September, Hand ('02. '04) says GovState has been critical to her success as both a caretaker and now a counselor turned CEO of Vantage Clinical Consulting, which specializes in tailoring business strategies for treatment services.
“I established this scholarship 10 years ago to ensure that future addiction counselors are well-equipped to provide the care and support like my father needed. It’s my way of giving back to the field,'' said Hand, whose August fundraiser helped support GovState Students.
Hand was a student at another university when her father's struggle with an addiction to opioids due to chronic pain forced her to drop out.
For years, she'd been his caretaker, escorting him to medical appointments and seeking care for his addiction. She became so involved in his care that she was unable to finish her undergraduate degree as planned. She eventually enrolled in GovState to finish her bachelor's degree and then earn her master’s degree in Addiction Counseling.
She said the degree helped answer gnawing questions about addiction and care - even medical language. “I was curious and the program helped me learn how to talk to people in healthcare and become an advocate for him. My father’s illness and lack of appropriate treatment options were the driving force that motivated me to enter the field of addiction and mental health.”
Prior to her career as a counselor, Hand operated a catering business for 10 years and found herself dealing with employees who were struggling with substance abuse—which is common in the hospitality field, Hand said.
Governors State was an answer to prayers not only for her family, but others as well.
“Governors State University was close to home and offered an addiction counselor degree program, which was a perfect fit for what I needed at the time. My father was struggling with addiction, and I was determined to learn as much as I could to help him and others,” she said. “What kept me at GovState were the professors—passionate, caring individuals who were genuinely invested in our field and in their students. They mentored me, provided support, and became invaluable resources.”
The Hand scholarship is her way of helping to ensure that future addiction counselors are equipped to provide care and support. “I aim to raise awareness about the critical role that education plays in preparing professionals to address the complex needs of individuals struggling with addiction,” she said. “I also hope to inspire others to contribute to this cause, whether through donations, advocacy, or by pursuing careers in this vital field.”
Visit Gregory J. Hand Addiction Recovery Scholarship to learn more about how to support the scholarship.