At Axiom Care, we believe that those who’ve faced life’s toughest challenges often make the most dedicated and compassionate team members. Steven Greathouse, Support Staff Manager at Axiom Care’s Reentry Program, really proves this every day. His personal journey from hardship to recovery allows him to connect deeply with clients, giving them the kind of guidance that can only come from someone who’s walked in similar shoes.
Finding Purpose at Axiom Care
Steven’s journey at Axiom Care has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s been in all kinds of roles since he started here, each one helping him grow as a leader. Now, as a Support Staff Manager at the RCBM program, he’s using that experience to guide both staff and clients with the wisdom he’s gained from his own life.
“We are a second-chance employer with room to grow, and I want people who have been incarcerated to know this,” Steven says. It’s clear his personal story plays a huge part in why he cares so deeply. His transformation from a troubled past to a leadership role shows just how committed Axiom is to helping people rebuild their lives. “What I most enjoy is being able to work with the clients, in-reach in the prisons, and working with wonderful staff members that I truly feel are family. More prison is not the answer, but treatment is how we reduce the recidivism rate.”
A Life-Changing Client Connection
There’s one story that sticks with Steven and shows why he does what he does. One of his clients had been incarcerated for over 30 years, and when he got out and came to RCBM, the world had completely changed. “It was a shell shock for him,” Steven recalls. “He was scared to leave the facility, and even something like using a smartphone was overwhelming.”
Steven and others worked with him step by step, helping him re-enter the world bit by bit. Today, that same client works for the City of Phoenix and even runs a sober living home. “To see him thriving in the world is amazing,” Steven says with a smile. “When he first got here, he didn’t even want to leave his room. Now he’s out there, working and helping others.”
From Trauma to Recovery
Steven’s own background is deeply tied to his work at Axiom Care. His story of addiction, loss, and recovery shapes how he approaches his role today. He’s candid about his past, sharing the heart-wrenching trauma of losing two of his young children in an accident in 2002.
“That loss put me into a downward spiral,” he says. “I bottled everything up—my emotions, my nightmares, the PTSD—and I fell deep into addiction. Meth became my drug of choice because I didn’t want to sleep and deal with the nightmares.”
Steven’s addiction led him through several prison stints. But it wasn’t until his third time in prison that he began to work through his trauma. He started group therapy and, slowly, began to open up. “I didn’t talk for the first 8 or 9 months,” he says. “But I realized that my situation wasn’t unique, and I started to open up about my grief and struggles.”
In 2019, after completing Axiom Care’s RCBM/Reentry program, Steven further cemented his passion for helping others. He began working part-time at Axiom as a Behavioral Health Technician, which allowed him to apply his life experiences to support clients in their recovery journey. Over time, Steven advanced within the organization, eventually becoming the Support Staff Manager. “When I graduated from RCBM, I had the money to get an apartment and start my life,” he reflects. “Axiom Care gave me opportunities I never had before.”
Self-Care and the Importance of Support
As someone who has faced and overcome immense challenges, Steven is a big advocate for self-care—both for himself and the staff he manages. “It’s taxing to work with high-need cases, and I worry about them all the time,” he admits. But he’s learned the value of having an outlet to discuss his thoughts and struggles.
Steven also emphasizes the family-like atmosphere at Axiom Care. “We help each other and use each other as an outlet and support,” he explains. “I check on our staff even on their days off because we’re a family here.”
Looking to the Future
Steven’s looking forward to a bright future—both personally and professionally. He is now looking forward to getting married in March 2025. “I never thought I’d be in a position to secure a home, remodel a bathroom, or plan for retirement,” he says with a laugh. “But here I am.”
While he remains humble about his achievements, Steven is deeply committed to continuing his work at Axiom Care. “This job isn’t about the money,” he says. “It’s about the changes we make in someone’s life, about being able to mentor people through their recovery journey.”
A Final Message of Hope
For Steven, his message to those struggling with addiction or re-entry is clear: “Relapse is part of recovery, but learning from that relapse is the key. Axiom Care doesn’t judge—we just help.”
Steven’s incredible journey, both personal and professional, is a testament to the transformative power of treatment, support, and second chances. He is living proof that no matter how far someone falls, with the right guidance, they can rise again.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Axiom Care is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our detox, rehab, and re-entry services, and take the first step toward a brighter future.