Letter From The Executive Director Stephanie Mendenhall
As the end of the year is fast approaching, I thought I would share some highlights from 2024. First off, we had the wonderful opportunity to enter into a partnership with Jackson County Community Justice and the Sheriff’s Department to provide peer support to those in the jail and the Transition Center. What an honor it’s been to stand alongside this group of people as they navigate one of the most challenging times in their lives. We’ve built relationships with people who haven’t felt seen or heard in years. Provided opportunities to begin their recovery journey and referred many to needed resources to help them move forward from where they find themselves.
Several months back we pushed past our enrollment goal at Recovery Café by 27% over last year and welcomed over 660 people. Every one of them left an imprint on our lives. Whether they were able to commit to a recovery circle or just briefly passed through, each person who sat with us in newcomers circle or joined us for dinner was cared for and loved on. That’s what we do, we love people, all people. It doesn’t matter what they come through the door carrying or what’s in their past, we welcome them in and make a space for them. It’s not difficult for us, it’s what we do. To love people well, we set aside judgement, turn a listening ear and provide a safe space for healing and growth. You’d be surprised how resilient people are when given the chance. What a beautiful opportunity we have been given to love and care about others.
I hope in this season of giving you find time and space in your life to see the people right in front of you who need a little something extra. Something money can’t buy, something more valuable than gold or silver, the chance to rise out of their circumstances and move forward, the chance to be seen and heard, the chance to share their story and lift someone else up. Afterall, this is what we all need and want. If you’re driving downtown or you run into us in the community, please say hi, we’d love to meet you! Thank you for all you do to support what we do; we are so grateful for people like you!
-Stephanie