Northwood Health Systems
Northwood Health Systems strives to meet West Virginians where they are to help them with their mental health needs . With an administrative office in Wheeling , the system runs a multitude of group homes , crisis centers and counseling centers and one homeless shelter scattered throughout the Ohio Valley .
Staffed with professionals who are dedicated to achieving the Northwood mission of helping people achieve their highest possible quality of life , the nonprofit reaches out to people with emotional issues , intellectual disabilities , mental illness and substance use disorders . Its services are somewhat fluid ; Northwood periodically conducts a community health
needs assessment to determine the programs that will best serve its clients .
Northwood was founded in 1967 and serves the people of Hancock , Brooke , Ohio , Marshall and Wetzel counties . Nearly 30 years later , the nonprofit , which lacked a solid managerial infrastructure and strategic planning process , faced a financial and managerial crisis that nearly destroyed it . Pete Radakovich , a 27- year executive with experience in three different industries , took the reins of the ailing nonprofit and turned it around . Today , with a clear vision , state-of-the art communication systems and a strong corporate culture based on values , principles and standards , Northwood delivers competent , compassionate and cost-effective care .
to people with severe mental disabilities , and , as a result , the state annually allocates millions of dollars in residential and community-based services . He believes with data driven advocacy and compassionate leadership , behavioral health services can thrive .
“ State government always has more needs than dollars ,” he says . “ Many people served by the behavioral health system are not equipped or positioned to speak out on their own behalf . It is incumbent upon advocates to speak for them .”
Games , a lifelong West Virginian , says his greatest successes are his 25-year marriage with his best friend and raising his two sons as young Christian men . He also serves as an elder at Hillview Terrace Church of Christ . In the past , he has served as a missionary to Russia and a big brother in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program . Games says he tries to achieve work-life balance by keeping God first and family next , followed by Northwood . His connection to the Mountain State is heartfelt and strong .
“ West Virginia , and in particular the beautiful woods and hills of Marshall County , has always been my home . I have never considered living anywhere else ,” he says . “ I have often thanked God for the blessing of being rooted here in our hills and will feel honored if I can give back to this community just a fraction of what it has given me .”
Games never underestimates the impact of his work at Northwood , where he nurtures his compassion for the population he serves and his respect for those who carry out the Northwood mission .
“ Northwood ’ s clinicians talk daily with people whose struggles are so real and overwhelming they are ready to quit life ,” he says . “ Decisions made at all levels at Northwood have dramatic implications for these individuals and their families . To play a role in such important community service is humbling , intimidating and exhilarating . It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life .” •
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