Transformative leadership can turn lives around

For the past three decades, Mike Barnhart has built a career serving others in Eastern Iowa. Around here, that’s how most people met him — shaking hands at a United Way event, speaking to a Rotary club, or delivering a fundraiser lunch to an office building on the northeast side of town. Since 2019, Mike has held the title of President and CEO of Horizons, a nonprofit social services agency in Cedar Rapids.

Last month, Mike announced his intention to retire toward the end of this calendar year. Before he concludes his time, he agreed to talk with me about his unusual path to leadership and how community-building became so central to his identity.

Mike came to Cedar Rapids in the throes of severe heroin addiction and following several years of incarceration to live with his father and pursue sobriety in earnest.

“I had no idea that life could be different for me. I arrived here on parole and went into treatment at Oakdale. I didn’t know what it would look like to not be high, to have fun without being high. That was daily life — wake up, figure out how you’re going to get drugs or get money to get drugs and you’re doing it every day until you’re incarcerated.

This was the first time I was willingly trying to change my life. My dad came to see me on visitation days in treatment. I never had that in prison, it was lonely and yearning for love. He showed up for me. I learned how little things like going bowling or playing basketball can be fun. You don’t do that in the midst of addiction, you’re just chasing the next fix.”

How has stigma impacted you?

“I have no regrets, I'm very very happy with how my life has gone — but I would say I have lived in fear of the shame of explaining my past addiction and incarceration.”

Mike describes experiencing rejection early in recovery while pursuing a practicum opportunity during the process of achieving a Human Services degree at Kirkwood.

“I was accepted to do my practicum at a chemical dependency center — I wanted to be a substance abuse counselor. When I shared that I was on parole, they changed their mind. That taught me a lesson not to share my experience with addiction. Twenty-three years after my last conviction, I applied for a job as the Director of Paratransit for North Shore Boston. They hired me, then pulled their offer based on the background check. I’m reluctant to talk about it even now. Will there be repercussions for the project I’m working on if I talk about this stuff?”

What was the first leadership position you ever held?

“Leadership of Metro High School students at Metro Area Housing Program. I was in AmeriCorps, and ran the program in 1995. We salvaged things out of old houses and sold them in our warehouse before there was ReStore. It gave them a chance to lead projects, to do things on their own, and gave them a say in what went on in their community.”

What did they teach you?

“I saw myself in them. They didn’t know what they could do in the world, given the chance. They needed guidance, patience, and love.”

Why is building community important for you?

“I caused damage in the world when I was younger, using drugs and taking advantage of anybody that was around me. It is very important to me to give back as much as I can. I’m known in my family as the person who takes in the strays. I mean that as positively as I can — I have my nephew living with me right now who was unhoused and on meth, and went to Safe Place. My wife and I let him come live with us. He’s working a job, doing better, and hopefully will be able to have a positive influence on his kids. Maybe my calling was to make a difference in the little piece of the world where I am. I think those quiet acts can sometimes be the most important.”

What makes you nervous about leaving?

“Will I still be able to have an impact in this world? It’s a privilege to serve as a leader and have the ability to create impact in areas where I see a need. During COVID-19, we filled in for CR Transit providing rides to essential workers, provided grocery shuttles and vaccine appointments. Jumping in to help after the Geneva Tower fire … I drove a bus that night. I remember transporting a woman — her foot was infected, and she was in a wheelchair with her foot propped up. Every movement she was so afraid that her foot would hit something. I drove her to Higley Mansion. I have been privileged to be in a position where I can jump in with my team.”

Who inspires you now?

“All people in recovery who come from different walks of life and understand this issue, and are willing to do whatever they can to help other people struggling with addiction without any fanfare. That’s inspiring.”

Why do you think it’s important to tell your story?

“To understand there are other people like me that can make a difference in the world, do good things, and contribute to society if given the opportunity. It's in the best interest of the universe for people to reach their potential. They should know that anybody can do this. Your son, your daughter, your cousin, your father struggling with substance abuse — things can turn around and get better. Don't give up. I've never thought about myself as unique but my story is unique. Not many people who have been to prison have recovered and ended up in a leadership position, but that’s not a testament to me.

“I have just been so very fortunate.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction in Linn County, please visit this resource page: https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/1682/Addiction-Treatment-Programs

Sofia DeMartino is a Gazette editorial fellow. sofia.demartino@thegazette.com