Meet George Petty

We recently connected with George Petty and have shared our conversation below.

Hi George , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

After years of struggling with substance misuse—including heroin, alcohol, and other substances—along with homelessness, I felt like I had let down my family and everyone who ever cared about me. Through these trials and tribulations, I finally found my purpose. With the help and support I received from the Shine A Light Foundation, I was able to rebuild my life. Now, it has become my life’s mission to help others who are facing the same challenges I once did, offering hope and support to those in need.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the Program Director for the Shine A Light Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. Our foundation operates in two key areas.

The first is our outreach efforts, for which we are best known—venturing into the tunnels to connect with individuals and offer them a way out. Our approach focuses on building relationships and establishing trust through consistent, compassionate engagement week after week.

The second part, and the one I’m most proud of, is our IPATH Program. This comprehensive 18-month journey supports individuals from treatment to self-sufficiency. Along the way, participants achieve key milestones designed to equip them with the tools to maintain sobriety and become productive members of society.

Under the IPATH Program, we’ve developed specialized “pillars” to address specific needs, such as trauma-informed care for women and tailored support for individuals navigating the criminal justice system. Together, these efforts embody our mission to help people rebuild their lives and create a brighter future.

I also work with Crossroads of Southern Nevada, where I handle community outreach efforts. Crossroads is the largest indigent medical detox facility in Nevada, providing a wide range of services to support individuals on their recovery journey.

Our offerings include comprehensive treatment options, from residential treatment to outpatient care, ensuring each individual receives the level of support they need. Additionally, we provide a transitional housing program that allows individuals to stay for up to 90 days. During this time, they benefit from treatment, case management, and recovery support services designed to help them rebuild their lives and achieve lasting stability.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Throughout my journey, I’ve developed a few qualities that have had a impact on my life. First and foremost is the ability to be honest—especially about my substance use—and to embrace the willingness to make meaningful changes.

Integrity is another piece of who I am. It’s super important to me to be a good person, set a positive example for my son and daughter, and be a reliable employee, friend, husband and mentor. I try to uphold my integrity in everything I do, no matter what the circumstances are.

Lastly, I lead with love. I believe it’s essential to approach every situation with compassion because I can never truly know what someone else is going through. If I can lead with love, I know I’m bringing kindness and understanding to every interaction. For me, these three things are essential.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

A couple people have been instrumental in helping me gain knowledge and develop skills throughout my recovery journey and professional career. Among them, and probably the most important is Robert Banghart. He consistently challenges me to push my limits and examine areas where I can improve. Although we have very different leadership styles, his guidance inspires me to strive for growth and be the best version of myself.

Another person who has profoundly influenced me is Paul Vautrinot. Paul always provides me with a fresh perspective on challenges and creates a supportive space where I can make mistakes, learn from them, and grow.

These two men have been pivotal in helping me overcome obstacles, shaping both my recovery and professional development. Their mentorship has paved the way for me, opening countless doors and encouraging me to do better.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: george_petty_sal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.petty.773981
• Linkedin: George Petty