A Life Reclaimed
In November, we hosted our much anticipated Reclaim One fundraising dinner, bringing community together where guests were inspired by heartfelt stories from members, including James, whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of connection and hope.
Once a star student and athlete, James’ life was drastically changed at age 17, when a dirt bike accident shattered his leg and ended his athletic career. Prescribed painkillers during recovery, he quickly became dependent, and after his prescription abruptly ended, he turned to heroin to ease both physical pain and withdrawal symptoms. This led to decades of addiction and criminality.
James recalls sitting in jail with two friends, talking about the need for a place that could transform lives for people like themselves —a safe haven where they could feel heard, share their stories without shame, and experience unconditional love free from the judgment they often faced in their lives. After his release, he desperately sought recovery through several avenues, but says he felt unheard and broken down, rather than supported and built up. Then one day, one of his former cellmates who had found that safe place they had thought about brought him through the doors of Recovery Café. That person was Brandon Orr, who has been with Reclaiming Lives since its inception, and now serves as the Peer Support Manager. There, James says he finally discovered the missing piece he had longed for: a community that truly listened and walked alongside him with love and encouragement.
Today, James is thriving. As a member of Recovery Café, he volunteers, actively participates in his recovery circle, and embraces the classes and events offered. His love for others fills the room, and he finds himself greeted by hugs and high-fives when he arrives. His mantra is “Don’t let your yesterday take up too much of your today,” and his “today” is brighter than ever. Now working for Rogue Retreat, James helps connect homeless individuals to housing and resources. He’s on track to earn his peer support certification in January 2025 and hopes to join Rogue Retreat’s outreach team, helping people on the streets—just as someone once helped him.
We are incredibly proud to see the dream James and his friends shared years ago come to life. Recovery Café has become a place where James and countless others find the connection, hope, and love they need to reclaim their lives and build brighter futures.