Raise the Bottom began with a simple but powerful mission: to offer hope, healing, and a way forward for those battling addiction. Founded in 2010 by Don Tennison—known to many in the recovery community as Chicano Don—our story starts with personal passion and deep community ties. Don had firsthand experience working in an Opiate Treatment Program back in 2005 in a small Oregon town. When that program shut down due to low participation, he saw an even greater need back home in Idaho, where opiate abuse was on the rise.

Though Don didn’t have the resources at the time to start his own treatment center, fate stepped in. After the passing of his mother, Don used the inheritance she left him to turn his vision into reality—opening the very first Raise the Bottom location. His heart was always in helping others find recovery, not in the day-to-day of running a business. So, in 2013, Don passed the torch—selling the remaining shares of the business to two employees who had been there since the beginning, sharing in the mission and the work from day one. Joining Don on this journey early on was his good friend, Dr. John Stohne, a respected figure in the recovery world. Together, they laid the foundation for a program built on respect, community, and real, long-term support.

Today, Raise the Bottom continues to grow while staying true to its roots—providing accessible, compassionate treatment for those struggling with substance use disorder. We believe in meeting people where they are, without judgment, and walking beside them every step of the way. Because recovery is possible. And everyone deserves the chance to rise.