Stories

Reverend Dr. Clay is passionate about how faith brings people together and supports the most vulnerable within our community.

Johnnie’s recovery journey has been shaped by his faith.

Andrew’s faith has played a big role in his recovery from substance use disorder.

April says her daughter, Alaina, helped her grow closer to God. Alaina was bold, loving, and full of faith. 💛 She passed away in 2022 due to her substance use disorder (SUD). April says her daughter, Alaina, helped her grow closer to God. Alaina was bold, loving, and full of faith. 💛 She passed away in 2022 due to her substance use disorder (SUD). Since her passing, April has become even more committed to fighting the shame and stigma around SUD. April knows that sharing th

We were honored to attend the Recovering Hope Conference at Campbell University 🖤🧡. We got to talk attendees with Laura and Hannah about how much community matters in recovery. We were honored to attend the Recovering Hope Conference at Campbell University 🖤🧡. We got to talk attendees with Laura and Hannah about how much community matters in recovery, ask them what it means to them to "Unshame." Both of them are strong community advocates who want to reduce stigma around

Peter's family supported him through his SUD and made him feel safe and loved. Peter hopes to share his story and spark real conversations that bring people together and feel more accepted. Peter’s family helped him feel safe asking for help while dealing with his substance use disorder (SUD), and he’s so grateful for their love and support. He calls recovery a “team sport,” because we all need each other, and things feel more possible when we lift one another up. Leaning on

Through Melody's recovery journey, she has learned the power of loving herself. Melody has also found community through Arise Collective and the women there. Through her recovery, Melody has learned the power of loving herself. Now she wants to share that love with others. In her words, she wants people to know it's okay "...to turn their mess into a message." 💜 Melody has found an amazing community at Arise Collective, a nonprofit that helps connect women with recovery serv

Lexie’s faith has guided his recovery and inspired him to help others begin their own healing journeys. Through love and understanding, he shows that faith is stronger than stigma. Lexie’s relationship with God has helped to keep him strong and motivated in his recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). His faith is also what led him to start working in the recovery field. Today, Lexie supports other people with substance use disorders (SUDs) as they begin their own recovery

Reverend Philip shares how his journey through substance use disorder and incarceration led to a powerful transformation rooted in faith. Once burdened by shame and fear, he now advocates for Recovery Friendly Churches as spaces of grace, healing, and second chances. Reverend Philip shares a powerful testimony of his journey through substance use disorder (SUD) and the deep, evolving connection between that experience and his faith. For years, he grappled with overwhelming sh