Meet Melissa Miles, a champion for change

June 13, 2025

Melissa knows firsthand how poverty and addiction can fuel food insecurity and increase crime. Now sober, she is a certified recovery coach and volunteer for the Hillsdale County court as an advocate and sponsor for those facing legal challenges and incarceration for addiction-related offenses.

Her advocacy is an important part of her sober journey, reinforcing how far she has come. Currently on the Dean’s List at Eastern Michigan University, Melissa is studying social work and women and gender studies. She credits her determination to her belief that you cannot stop trying until the miracle happens.

She illustrates what it means to be a champion for change.