Meet Nathan Writer

2023 Philanthropist of the Year Finalist

Nathan Writer is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region. He obtained his education at LaSalle Institute before graduating from Hudson Valley Community College, SUNY Albany, and ultimately Albany Law School. While at Albany Law, Nathan was one of the first students to be selected for the Pro Bono Scholars program, an initiative in which students devote their last semester to performing pro bono service to the poor.

His legal career began as the Records Access Officer for the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities before moving into criminal law as an Assistant Public Defender, first in Albany County and currently with the Schenectady County Public Defender’s Office.

Nathan’s greatest accomplishment has been his ability to overcome his addiction to alcohol and other drugs. At the age of 35, Nathan hit rock bottom after being terminated from his position as an Albany Public Defender due to his substance use. He was physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually bankrupt. It was at this point that Nathan began a journey that would prove life-altering, a journey of recovery.

Through the guidance of a 12-step program, Nathan built a recovery network, began a new way of living that was centered on serving others, and ultimately found his purpose. That purpose was to help the next sick and suffering individual battling the disease of addiction.

In 2021, Nathan founded HIVE Of HOPE, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help those battling addiction replace the need to use drugs with a desire to contribute to society.

In December of 2022, HIVE Of HOPE opened the doors to a state-of-the-art sober community center in the inner city of Albany, equipped with a gym, café, and recreation space that is free to anyone with 48 hours of continuous sobriety. In less than four months, The Hive has grown to over 200 members and has performed over 600 hours of volunteer service work.

Nathan is honored to serve as HIVE Of HOPE’s Director and hopes to expand the organization to other communities in need.

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