3rd Quarter Community Highlight: Andrew Baker Meets Community Needs Through All The Things Outreach Group
Andrew Baker, Outreach Specialist for Cardinal Treatment Center in Chillicothe, is a dedicated public servant who works daily to help provide hope, resources, and support to those in need. From a desire to reach as many residents in need as possible, Andrew founded All The Things Outreach, a group that provides as well as promotes community resources.
Andrew is a dependable and valued partner of the Ross County Health District (RCHD). A champion of public health particularly in the recovery realm, Andrew connects Ross County residents to treatment and serves as a naloxone lay distributer. Andrew also regularly helps with biweekly homeless outreach with Ross County Community Action, donates items to the unhoused, and assists individuals in finding shelter when needed.
RCHD Substance Use Disorder Program Coordinator, Ashley Mitchell, values her partnership with All The Things, especially when a client needs assistance with housing items or food. “When I need assistance in the community, Andrew is able to assist,” Ashley remarked, highlighting Andrew’s reliability in times of need. “Andrew’s partnership allows me to reach out for assistance in a multitude of areas within my role here at RCHD,” she added. Ashley conveys that no task has been too big or too small for Andrew to offer his assistance. “Andrew has given insight to individuals in the community needing refrigerators and where to get them,” Ashley explained. Ashley added that Andrew has partnered with RCHD in various efforts ranging but not limited to collecting baby food donations for RCHD’s Child and Family Health Division to helping assemble Hope Fest flag displays downtown.
RCHD Health Promotion and Quality Improvement Director, Liberty Merriman, affirms Ashley’s appreciation of Andrew and his unwavering willingness to help. “Andrew and All The Things have been great partners for the Ross County Health District,” Liberty acknowledged, “He is always willing to help when we ask.”
The organization’s name itself – All The Things – captures the spirit of Andrew’s goal: to provide inclusive and all-encompassing help to those in our community who need it most. All The Things Outreach exists not only to serve the public, but also to unite efforts of serving the public by fostering agency partnerships. All The Things regularly attends and hosts community events to help provide resources and hosts an annual resource event and cornhole tournament in August to bring together local agencies, service providers, and community members for a day of networking, resources, and fun for the whole family. This year’s event featured resource tables, speakers, and free haircuts along with activities for kids such as bounce houses and games.
Andrew promotes events, programs, and services of his partner organizations with the same fervor with which he promotes his own. Andrew keeps himself in the loop of upcoming community events and available programs and services that can be of help to community members. Anyone is welcome to request to join the All The Things public Facebook group to share information about any upcoming community events, programs, and resources.
Originally from South End, Columbus, Andrew came to Chillicothe over five years ago seeking treatment. “What was supposed to be a new beginning became home because of the incredible recovery community, support, and relationships I found here,” states Andrew. “Recovery completely changed my life, and I chose to stay because I wanted to give back to the same community that helped save mine,” he says.
After walking through his own journey of addiction and finding lasting recovery through faith, support, and community, Andrew felt called to help others find the same hope that was freely given to him. Today, his passion is building relationships throughout Ross County, connecting individuals and families with resources, and bringing organizations together to better serve our community. Whether visiting local agencies, partnering with churches, organizing outreach events, or simply having conversations with people where they are, Andrew’s goal is to make sure no one feels like they have to face addiction or life challenges alone.
Andrew’s faith and recovery fuel his drive to serve his community. “I know what it feels like to believe there’s no hope, and I know what it feels like when someone reaches out and changes your life,” he says. “I’ve been given a second chance, and I believe I’m called to help others find theirs. If I can make life a little better for one person, it’s worth it.”
All The Things Outreach Group started from a simple idea: to bring people together regardless of their background to meet practical needs and build relationships. Andrew wanted to create something where recovery organizations, churches, businesses, nonprofits, and community members could work together under the banner of compassion and unity.
Andrew has a vibrant vision to connect community members to needed resources through All The Things. “Our goal is to continue growing partnerships throughout the community, expand our outreach events, connect more people to resources, and create opportunities for people to experience hope,” he says. “We also want to develop transportation options that help individuals get to treatment, appointments, meetings, and other essential resources when transportation is a barrier,” Andrew adds. “Looking ahead, one of my biggest dreams is for All The Things Outreach to eventually open sober living homes that provide safe, supportive environments where people can continue building a strong foundation in recovery. We want people to know that they matter and that there is always someone willing to help,” Andrew expresses.
Andrew and his team are persistent in overcoming the challenges they face in their community outreach efforts. “There are never enough resources to meet every need, and sometimes people aren’t ready to accept help,” Andrew states. “It can also be challenging coordinating services across different organizations. Another major challenge is tearing down the stigma surrounding addiction and homelessness. Too many people are judged by their worst day instead of being seen for who they are and who they can become. Every person deserves dignity, compassion, and an opportunity to rebuild their life. Even with those challenges, we continue showing up because every conversation plants a seed of hope,” he continues.
When it comes to community outreach, Andrew enjoys the relationships most. “I love bringing people together, seeing organizations, churches, businesses, and community members work side by side for a common purpose, and watching lives change because of those partnerships,” he says. “Some of the most meaningful moments aren’t the big events—they’re the conversations where someone realizes they aren’t alone. Seeing hope restored and watching people begin to believe in themselves again is what makes this work so rewarding,” Andrew states.
Andrew is hopeful that recovery is attainable for everyone. “Recovery is real, and it is possible for anyone. My life is proof of that,” Andrew says. “I came to Chillicothe over five years ago looking for treatment, and today I have a life filled with purpose, faith, family, and the opportunity to serve the same community that helped me,” he adds.
Andrew asserts that your past does not define your future. “No matter how hopeless life may seem today, there are people who care, resources that can help, and a God who never gives up on you. Recovery isn’t just about stopping the use of drugs or alcohol—it’s about rebuilding your life, restoring relationships, finding purpose, and becoming the person God created you to be. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Hope is real, and recovery is possible,” he says.
For more information about All The Things Outreach, join the “All The Things Outreach Chillicothe Oh” group on Facebook.
Do you know someone who is going above and beyond to make a difference for public health in our communities?
Nominate them for Ross County Health District’s Community Highlight! To submit a nomination, visit www.rosscountyhealth.org/community-highlight