The Hebrew term Hakarat HaTov translates to “recognizing the good,” which closely resembles what we mean by gratitude. But gratitude is more than just appreciation; it calls for a response to the good we see around us. In a world often marked by challenges, if we take a moment to look closely, we’ll also see that it’s filled with beauty and kindness. Many in recovery come to realize that out of their darkest experiences, profound and beautiful transformations were born.
Gratitude reminds us that we haven’t done it all on our own. We are deeply connected and supported by others (especially God), and this realization strengthens our appreciation for the help we’ve received along the way. Simply put, gratitude is about saying “thank you” and acknowledging the kindness that has been extended to us, often without us having done anything to earn or deserve it. And it’s this undeserved kindness and grace that inspires us to give kindness and grace back to others.
This November, we pause to reflect on the profound good and support that has surrounded Rise Up Recovery over these past four years. Let me take you on a brief journey down memory lane:
We began as a small, grassroots effort to meet a pressing need in our community. At the time, there were minimal recovery support services, and our community was trapped between denial and stigma around substance use disorder (SUD). We had a major challenge and no safe space to openly address, educate, and advocate for individuals and families affected by SUD. We started by meeting with people in local coffee shops. And then, we experienced incredible kindness from local faith communities and individuals who believed in our mission, allowing us to hire our first peer recovery specialists. Thanks to the generosity of the Markuson family, and with Dean’s leadership, we received what is now our Semper Fidelis Community Center—a gift that enabled us to provide a safe, welcoming space for people to receive love, acceptance, and support as they walk their path of recovery.
Today, we are honored to serve over eighty participants through one-on-one peer recovery support services, reaching individuals both locally and statewide—and that number continues to grow every day. In our community center, support groups and recovery navigation services provide encouragement and resources to more than one hundred people each month. What began as a small team of two has now grown to a dedicated staff of seventeen full- and part-time team members, including two AmeriCorps members. All of this work is fueled by gratitude. Our staff and volunteers are inspired to share the same grace and kindness we have been shown, extending it to those on their recovery journey. The generosity, grace, and support you have given Rise Up Recovery over these past four years have been recognized, celebrated, and paid forward to impact individuals, families, generations, and communities. From the depths of our hearts, we at Rise Up Recovery recognize this profound good and say, simply, thank you.
With Gratitude,
Tiffany and the entire Rise Up Recovery family
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