Michael Tillem is the Founder and Executive Director of Journey House Recovery Center (and its affiliate companies Journey House Foundation, Journey House Behavioral Health, and Journey House Richmond), a Richmond-based recovery and behavioral health organization dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives after addiction or incarceration. In long-term recovery himself since 2002, Michael brings both personal experience and professional leadership to the work of recovery. His vision for Journey House combines safe, structured housing with clinical care, employment readiness, and community engagement—empowering residents to achieve lasting independence and purpose.
Under his direction, Journey House has expanded its continuum of care and strengthened partnerships across Virginia’s recovery network. In recognition of his contributions, Michael was appointed to the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, where he supports statewide initiatives that promote recovery and reduce the impact of addiction. “Recovery isn’t just about stopping use—it’s about rediscovering who you are and what you’re capable of,” says Michael. “At Journey House, we help people find that strength again.” Michael remains deeply committed to the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive beyond addiction.
Michael and his wife, Kimberly Braine-Tillem, founded Journey House in response to a critical gap they witnessed in the recovery community: individuals leaving incarceration or treatment with nowhere to go, no identification, and no support system. What began in 2016 as Journey House RVA Recovery Residences, one home with a few beds and a vision to provide dignity and direction, has grown into a comprehensive recovery network. In 2017, they established Journey House Foundation to formalize peer support and connections to essential services. And in 2024, recognizing the need for clinical care within the continuum, they launched Journey House Behavioral Health to offer clinical outpatient substance use disorder treatment. From the beginning, residents didn’t just live at Journey House, they helped shape it, building routines and community that proved lasting recovery is possible. Many alumni continue to thrive and give back, embodying the belief that with the right environment, structure, and support, people can reclaim their lives and discover their purpose.