Frankie Hicks, a seasoned Substance Use Counselor/At-Risk Youth Worker, brings a wealth of experience from his seventeen-year tenure at Project Right. His role has been multifaceted, involving work with both youth and adults with substance use issues, facilitation of a 12-step alcohol and drug support group, and the provision of in-take assessments and client referrals. His extensive experience, including collaborating with courts to place clients in inpatient and follow-up programs and providing outreach to gang-affiliated youth in the Roxbury area, instills confidence in his abilities and assures you of his competence.
Frankie’s unique approach to life and work is encapsulated in his motto, “I have a bachelor’s degree from UMass and a master’s degree from the street.” This motto, born from his Bachelor of Arts and CPCS Certificate from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and his rich life experience, is a testament to his unique perspective and guides his work in many capacities throughout the Boston Area.
Frankie has worked in the field of Human Services, particularly as it applies to substance use and related family problems, for well over thirty years. Some of his experience includes advocacy, counseling, and educational groups on substance use. He has worked to facilitate groups for high-risk individuals and peer support groups. He has also worked with dual-diagnosed clients, developing mentor programming, case management, and oversight of volunteers. He’s also been instrumental in providing crisis intervention, family assessments, and service planning for protective placement and court-involved cases. His work has led to significant improvements in the lives of many families and children throughout the city, providing many referrals for detox and related clinical needs and helping to provide resources and opportunities for the benefit and betterment of many lives. In a nutshell, Frankie has worked and served the community impactfully, aiming to make a difference, even when many thought there was no hope.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Frankie is a man of strong personal values. His love and support for the community where he lives and works are mirrored in his roles as a loving husband, a proud father, and a doting grandfather. He finds joy in spending time with his family, maintaining his home, particularly through landscaping, and seizing every opportunity to travel. These personal values, deeply rooted in his character, enrich his life and shape his professional approach, making him a compassionate and empathetic counselor and community advocate.