KRTV’s Shannon Newth created the Five Under 35 initiative as a way to recognize young adults in Great Falls whose attitudes and actions are making our community an even better place to live. Shannon hopes the initiative will boost morale and encourage others to take an active role in the community.
Five Under 35 was born with the intention of recognizing those who are already in the community, not only doing amazing things, but who also have an attitude that combats the negativity that is often more contagious. It’s more than a good deeds award. It’s about addressing community concerns through positivity and passion.
“I am in recovery myself, and struggled, and recover everyday with alcoholism.”
34-year-old Thomas Risberg traveled a winding path to get to Great Falls. The St. Louis native spent time with Teach for America in Memphis, and attended law school in Washington, D.C. It was during his clerkship with the Missouri Supreme Court that he says alcohol took control his life.
“It took me to places I never thought I would go. The mental shame, the loneliness is really unexplainable,” explains Risberg.
Years later, Risberg says he couldn’t keep the facade, and made the difficult decision to get help.
“I typed in reputable treatment centers in the Rocky Mountains, and Rocky Mountain Treatment Center was one of the places that came up. So, I had never been to Montana, that’s why I came out here.”
Now he’s the Director of Outreach and Marketing at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center. He recently launched “The Sober Life,” a group recovery program focusing on events, fitness, and service.
Risberg explains his passion now is helping folks get into recovery and treatment. His passion is fueled by more than his own personal struggles.
“My brother did end up passing away. He struggled with heroin addiction for 10 years. That certainly drives me. We all know, in Montana, and nationally, the numbers are staggering. The 72,000 drug overdoses last year, it boggles the mind. If you look in Cascade County, the number of children in foster care and of that how many are related to drugs, particularly meth. I consider it a privilege to be out here in Great Falls and be part of this community.”
Risberg says Great Falls exemplifies community, and he’s fallen in love with what he calls a “can do spirit.”
“People matter here to each other on a personal level, and I’ve just never experienced anything like it,” says Risberg.
As far as how Great Falls can improve? Risberg says the community should work to attract outside businesses to the family lifestyle and cost of living our community offers, and continuing to build a hub of activity.
“If we had a real centralized place that is the go-to, and you know you can go downtown any Friday or Saturday night, walk around and find something going on.”
Risberg moved to Great Falls in July of 2017.
You can learn more about the Rocky Mountain Treatment Center by visiting its website.
-Reported by Shannon Newth/MTN News
