Our Story

Years ago, Jonny wrote a book called "Something to Read." It’s a 30-day, inside-the-mind guide created specifically for someone walking into treatment for the very first time. That moment, entering treatment, is often filled with fear, shame, and isolation. Many people feel like no one truly understands what they’re experiencing or how they got there.

Jonny wanted to change that.

He wrote the book to meet people exactly where they were, to help them feel seen, understood, and less alone during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. It wasn’t written to fix anyone or tell them what to do, but to sit with them, day by day, and remind them that their story mattered. Eventually, the book made its way into the hands of someone in a recovery group. After reading it, she asked a simple but powerful question: “How can I give to this?” That question stopped us in our tracks. There was no cause attached to the book. Just a genuine offering meant to help one person feel less alone. But that question, “How can I give to this?", sparked something deeper.

As Jonny and I began to talk and dream, we realized the book was pointing to a much larger issue. Over and over again, we were seeing people who desperately wanted help, who were ready for treatment, but simply couldn’t afford it. Financial barriers were standing between them and the chance to heal, recover, and rebuild their lives. We started to see the gap clearly. Treatment shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those with the right insurance, resources, or financial support. It should be available to anyone who is willing to take that brave first step toward recovery.

That realization became our cause.

Lost Black Sheep was born out of the belief that no one should be turned away from treatment because of money. We believe that if someone wants help, they should have access to it, regardless of their financial situation, background, or past. The name Lost Black Sheep reflects the people we serve: those who often feel forgotten, misunderstood, or pushed to the side. The ones who feel like they don’t belong anywhere, yet are still worthy of compassion, dignity, and a second chance.

Today, Lost Black Sheep exists to help remove financial barriers to treatment by providing scholarships and support to individuals seeking recovery. What started as a single book meant to comfort someone walking into treatment has grown into a mission to make sure no one has to walk that path alone. This is more than a nonprofit to us, it’s deeply personal. It’s about meeting people in their darkest moments and reminding them that they are seen, valued, and not beyond hope.