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She explained, calling this partnership approach Capacity Building, “Looking at the whole person: Because of addiction people spend their money [on drugs] and can’t make it to work. We not only help them with their addiction, but also to stabilize their life. We help them be gainfully employed and [to receive] adequate housing.” The team has learned that some of the most comprehensive aids come through these partnerships. DeAsa’s focus for growing relationships was voiced in another way that seemed to pique her enthusiasm. She explained her infatuation for participating in Umadaop conferences, “It is a family reunion… to celebrate the successes of those who have come out of these addictions to say that this is something people can beat!” She recounted examples of teenagers and young adults who were for years under the hold of drugs until, now that they are free, have become teachers who spread awareness and practical, testimony-driven advice to young people still under some form of addiction. “Those conventions are very educational and as long as I am associated with UMADAOP I will try to not miss any.” At the UMADAOP in Cincinnati, there are testimonies equally inspiring. Because DeAsa is a member of the board, she is kept at a slight distance from those receiving treatment in the programs, but she still hears word of successes that go on within the organization. “One young lady who was pregnant and had an addiction was helped through her addiction so that it would minimize the impact of her unborn child. We have people who were on the verge of losing their jobs because they spent all of their money on drugs and couldn’t afford transportation to their jobs. [UMADAOP helped these people to] retain their jobs. We help those who are in prison and we’ve worked with them upon getting out… so that they can come back into society.” UMADAOP offers many strong programs. Among them, DeAsa noted intensive outpatient operations and services through which women can receive special help and forms of protection from a drug-using spouse. Early intervention services, aftercare, and various youth prevention education also help to alleviate drug usage by providing information on substance abuse, community drug awareness, and warnings about drug-related diseases such as aids. DeAsa’s pride in UMADAOP’s work is impossible to miss, and her ambition for helping others is evidenced by her actions. Beyond all that she performs at UMADAOP, she is also a board member at the local WYCA branch in Cincinnati. She is the founder of Life Launch 101, a business focused on helping high school juniors and seniors effectively prepare for their next step in life: Employment, college, enlistment, or otherwise. Among the many goals that forge the direction of DeAsa’s professional life, she is also soon to fulfill a dream that has been on her mind since her early twenties. As a young adult, she made a goal to one day set foot on every continent, and DeAsa now says that before the end of 2017 she will have accomplished her seventh and final region. Antarctica awaits.

“We have people who were on the verge of losing their jobs because they spent all of their money on drugs and couldn’t afford transportation to their jobs. [UMADAOP helped these people to] retain their jobs. We help those who are in prison and we’ve worked with them upon getting out… so that they can come back into society.” -DeAsa Nichols, Board & Chair UMADAOP in Cincinnati 22