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Welcome to the first edition of Recovery & YOU!


Recovery & YOU is our brand-new monthly newsletter designed to keep you informed, inspired, and engaged in Washington's recovery movement. Each month, we'll bring you event highlights, advocacy updates, inspiring stories, and essential resources to support our shared mission. We’re excited to embark on this journey with you and strengthen our vibrant community together!



 

Celebrating a Decade of Progress

Voices of Recovery Summit & 10th Anniversary Recap


What an unforgettable celebration! The Voices of Recovery Summit, 10th Anniversary Celebration and Leadership Retreat brought together the heart and soul of the recovery community for a truly inspiring event. From powerful keynote speakers to incredible performances and meaningful connections, we reflected on a decade of progress while looking ahead to an even brighter future.

 

Relive the highlights, check out our exclusive photos and videos, and celebrate the honorees who are making a difference — on our website. Click here to relive the event.

 

WRA Wants to Hear from YOU!

Where should we host our next big event?


Cast your vote and help us decide the location for the Voices of Recovery Summit & Leadership Retreat!


Click here to tell us your choice.

 

Introducing our New Team Member!


Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Jaymes Joyner has been in active recovery since 2022 and is deeply committed to advancing state-pro-recovery initiatives. As a dedicated advocate and leader within the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA), Jaymes takes great pride in contributing to a cause that extends far beyond individual impact, helping to shape recovery awareness and accessibility for communities statewide. 


With a Bachelor’s degree in Family & Human Services from the University of Oregon, Jaymes has been a professional in the Human Services field since 2016, gaining extensive experience across diverse populations and roles, including: 


  • Peer Mentoring & Peer Support Counseling 

  • Education & Special Education (Middle & High School) 

  • Juvenile Detention & Drug Court Support 

  • Foster Care Advocacy 

  • Case Management 


In 2025, Jaymes joined the Washington Recovery Alliance as Program & Events Manager, bringing a strong passion for community engagement, recovery advocacy, and systemic change. In this role, Jaymes leads the coordination of impactful initiatives, fosters collaboration, and advances WRA’s mission to strengthen recovery communities throughout Washington.

 



Art has long been a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and connection. In celebration of this, we’re launching Recovery Through Art, a monthly feature showcasing creative works that explore themes of recovery, resilience, and personal growth.


Cougs for Recovery Art Exhibition: By Light & By Darkness This series is inspired by By Light & By Darkness: Cougs for Recovery Art Exhibition, a collection of visual and written works curated by Washington State University’s Cougs for Recovery program.




Jennifer Madison’s Ghosts reflects on her recovery journey, exploring resilience, connection, and hope.

"My inspiration for these works comes from my passion for the recovery movement. I found my voice in the written word. Through projects like this, I get to share the joy I have found along my recovery journey. I want my readers to walk away with feelings of connection and hope."— Jennifer Madison

This is only part one of Jennifer’s five-part series. Stay tuned for part two of next month’s newsletter!

 


Recovery Advocacy Day 2025 is Next Week!!!

On February 6, 2025, we’ll gather at the State Capitol in Olympia to meet with legislators, share our stories, and advocate for policies that support recovery and wellness. Recovery Advocacy Day (RAD) is a powerful day of action where your voice can help drive meaningful change.


 

Join WRA in Supporting Recovery in the Tri-Cities & Southwestern Washington!


We’re excited to show love for our incredible recovery communities in Southwestern Washington and the Tri-Cities! WRA will be at these upcoming fundraisers, and we’d love to see you there. These events are not free, but they are a great way to support local recovery efforts and make an impact.



Unite for Recovery Breakfast

February 27, 20257:30 AM – 9:00 AMHAPO Center, 6600 Burden Blvd, Pasco, WA


Join the Benton County Recovery Coalition for an inspiring morning of connection, learning, and impact! Over a delicious breakfast, you’ll hear about the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery, currently under construction, and discover ways to support recovery efforts in the Tri-Cities.


Learn more & get involved: [www.509recovery.org]www.509recovery.org





Every Day is a Miracle Gala


The Recovery Café Clark County invites you to their Every Day is a Miracle Gala (March 15, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 PM at The Heathman Lodge), a powerful evening dedicated to Youth & Resiliency. This event will highlight the incredible work of Teen Space Café and how it provides safe spaces and resources for young people on their recovery journey.


Get your tickets & learn more: Recovery Café Clark County


 

What's Next?



Lived Experiences With Civil Commitment

Tuesday, February 4, 202512:00–1:00 PM

Peer and family advocates will detail their experiences with civil commitment and the broader mental health care continuum. This free webinar will be recorded for later viewing.

Speakers:

  • Karen Schilde

  • Carolynn Ponzoha

  • Laura Van Tosh


 

Meth Talk

Sunday, February 9, 202512:00–1:30 PMLocation: Peer Seattle, 1520 Bellevue Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122


Join Mike Barry, MPH, as he discusses his research on meth use in the community. He will share results from his population survey and invite input and interpretation from attendees.


 

ARHE/ARS Conference

📅 Date: June 25-29, 2025📍 Location: New Orleans, LA


The ARHE/ARS Conference is a joint event for collegiate recovery, recovery high schools, and alternative peer groups.

Find details on registration, lodging, vendor & sponsorship opportunities on the Conference Website.





New Recovery Resources from C4 Experts

We are excited to share two new resources developed with support from SAMHSA’s Homeless and Housing Resource Center:

  • Recovery Housing: Expanding Access and Supporting Choice

    • A guide on how recovery residences fit into a Continuum of Care.

  • Harm Reduction in Rural Areas: A Workbook for Homeless Response System Staff

    • Practical strategies for implementing harm reduction in rural communities.


 

Tobacco Recovery in Behavioral Health – $100 Gift Card for Participants

In partnership with the WA Department of Health, the Rede Group is conducting interviews with behavioral health professionals to understand perspectives on tobacco recovery.

Compensation:

  • $100 Visa gift card for a 45-60 minute Zoom interview.

Interested?

Contact Sarina Reilly at sarina.reilly@redegroup.co or Audra Baca at audra.baca@redegroup.co to participate.


 

Highline College's Substance Use Disorder Professional AAS Program

Are you passionate about helping others? Interested in supporting individuals on their recovery path? Want to develop chemical dependency case management skills?


If so, Highline College's SUDP AAS program could be perfect for YOU! This rewarding and challenging career field allows you to support diverse individuals, assess their needs, and connect them with appropriate services.


For more information on Highline College's Substance Use Disorder Professional Program,  please visit Highline College's SUDP website. Download the Highline College's Substance Use Disorder Professional Program Flyer  and General Information Flyer for more information.


 


Protect SNAP from Harmful Cuts!

Congress is proposing cuts to SNAP, making it harder for families to buy food. These cuts would disproportionately harm people with SUDs, mental health conditions, and arrest records.

  • SNAP improves health, reduces costs, and boosts local economies.

  • Cutting SNAP increases food insecurity and burdens local governments and charities.

  • These cuts would be especially damaging during the ongoing drug overdose crisis.


📞 Call (202) 224-3121 to urge your representatives to oppose SNAP cuts.📩 Contact Legal Action Center at (202) 544-5478 for more information.




 



Remembering Our Recovery Community

We honor the cherished lives of those who are no longer with us:

  • Anne Artman

  • Ricky Klausmeyer-Garcia

  • Shane Richter

  • Jennifer Bliss

Their presence and contributions will never be forgotten. We carry their spirit forward in our ongoing work and support for one another. Together, we hold space for their memory and reaffirm our commitment to building a future that honors their legacy.


 



Support Recovery—Make a Difference Today!

Your donation helps us expand recovery advocacy, provide vital resources, and strengthen communities across Washington.

Every contribution—big or small—fuels our mission to ensure that recovery is visible, accessible, and supported statewide.



 


Thank YOU for being part of this vibrant and resilient community. Together, we’ve accomplished so much, and with your continued support, the future is full of possibility!




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