About 

I have known Bill since 2009 when I had the pleasure of being a part of hiring Bill as a Peer Navigator in Opening Doors to Recovery. As CEO of Pineland CSB we were an active partner in an innovative research grant funded by Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF) to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), entitled Opening Doors to Recovery (ODR). The goal was to reduce recidivism back into hospitals and jails of 100 of our most severely psychiatrically disabled individuals in Region S. The two million grant funding was to hire 4 Teams of Navigators (Professional, Family and Peer) to provide intensive case management while linking individuals with resources to ensure adequate treatment, meaningful day and safe housing. A major part of the ODR Grant was strengthening of community partnerships so that all stakeholders were onboard. Some of the major partners were law enforcement, judges, legal community, DFCS, Department of Labor, and housing authorities and they all loved working with Bill.

In fact Mr. Bill Carruthers was the PERFECT PEER for our ODR project having been in jails and hospitals and had the needed lived experience. At that time we had to get special approval to hire Bill since he did admittedly have a criminal record. Thank goodness that was the beginning of our current criminal justice reform in Georgia which supported second chances for those who before had been previously excluded from government employment. The selection team made an extremely wise choice in hiring Bill Carruthers and one we have never regretted and in fact have been forever proud of. Mr. Bill Carruthers is a standout gentleman and because he has so much to offer and so willing to share was meant to be working in the field of behavioral health.

Hiring of Mr. Bill Camithers was the BEST thing we ever did in the ODR program as he did an outstanding job and gave exemplary service and was loved and admired by individuals we served, families, other staff and community- at- large. Because of Bill’s high energy and commitment to his work in ODR the project was extremely successful as evidenced by the positive research results that have been written up in many national articles. Bill is one of those one in a million people that leave an indelible mark wherever he goes. Because of his far reaching influence on the Peer Movement in Georgia, Bill was invited to speak all across Georgia, in other states and even invited to the White House. Bill Carruthers in known nationwide as “Bill The Man On Fire”! He is on fire for recovery and when you hear him speak and tell his life story you are forever changed.

Bill has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. He is definitely a leader rather than a follower. In addition to his excellent abilities to relate to those we serve, Bill has proven his leadership ability by overseeing all of the recovery services to peers in Chatham Peer Program. Bill truly cares for those individuals with mental illness and addictive diseases that we serve and affords them every opportunity to learn and grow. Bill is very creative and fun to be around with a great sense of humor. He has been an “above and beyond” employee and worked far more hours than he was ever paid for as he lived and breathed our mission of service to others. Bill and I have worked on many cases that cut across our entire service area and it is nothing for Bill to call/text nights and weekends while he is working to help support these individuals in need. Bill was an extremely dedicated and loyal employee of formerly ODR and now Gateway and both in my opinion have greatly benefited from his employment as I know we all have in the CSB world.

His good judgment and mature outlook ensures a logical and practical approach to his work endeavors and his community service activities. I could write pages on Bill’s many attributes as a valued advocate and employee and more on his wonderful personality and dynamic character. He is also a most dependable team player, a sought after speaker, a motivator and an enthusiastic recovery champion. In my sincere opinion having worked in behavioral health for over 40 years, Bill would be a tremendous asset to any organization, and I am happy to give him my wholehearted endorsement. Please feel free to call upon me if you need additional information.

Our motto is “Making a Difference” and with Bill’s awesome service to our field of work in behavioral health we are better able to make that difference in the lives of individuals with mental illness and addictive diseases.

Sincerely, 

June A. DiPolito

June A. DiPolito
Pineland BHDD, Executive Director