African Americans with Substance Use Disorders carry more stigma than others while they represent 12% of the U.S. population, they represent 50% of the prison populations, their arrests are disproportionate for drug offences. The purpose of the Recovery Story of the Month has been to illustrate that African Americans can and do recover. We have accomplished that task and will no longer feature a new person each month. We are willing to add more if you make a recommendation. Scroll downward to be inspired by these stories.

May, 2020 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Little Richard (1932-2020). There are some music historians who consider Little Richard to be the originator of Rock-In-Roll Music. He influenced the careers of The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Prince. He overcame cocaine addiction in the 1970's and was inducted into the first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

April, 2020 Recovery Story of the Month

The April recovery story of the month is Vanity (real name Denise Mathews, 1959-2016). Vanity was a singer, songwriter, dancer, model and actress. She is best known for her work with Rock In Roll Hall of Fame entertainer Prince, who named her Vanity believing she was a female version of him. In the 1980's vanity was addicted to crack cocaine. She got into recovery, became a born again Christian and reclaimed her birth name Denise Matthews. In the 1990's when crack cocaine had a choke hold on African American Communities, Denise led large revivals in African American Communities supporting recovery as an Evangelist. She spoke of the active Addict being lost and one of her powerful sermons was that The Lord rejoices over the return of one lost soul.

March, 2020 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Mike Tyson the former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world. As a youth Tyson participated in a life of crime which landed him in juvenile detention. In detention Tyson met his boxing manager Cus D' Amato who became his legal guardian. As Amato predicted Tyson became the heavy weight champion of the world. Following Amato's death Tyson's young adult life took turns for the worse, including imprisonment, divorces, and active addiction. Some may have considered him an unlikely candidate for success. Now in recovery Tyson has resurrected his life and career and has emerged as an actor, author, tv and radio personality. Click on the link below and hear Tyson speak at a New Jersey Prison Reentry Conference.

February, 2020 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Sarah Gad. Sarah is a former medical student whose opioid addiction led to her incarceration at Cook County Jail. In recovery, Sarah is now a law student at The University of Chicago and is running for The U.S. Congress in the First Congressional District of Illinois. Click the video below to hear Sarah's story in her own words.

January, 2020 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Phil Barbour (posthumously). Phil died this month and was in long term recovery at the time of his death. Phil was a master trainer for TASC with specializations in Addictions recovery and criminal justice related issues. He was training coordinator for TASC. He did training's throughout the United States and in Durban South Africa. Rest in peace Phil!

December, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Peter Bradley, a person in long term recovery who has emerged as a leader in the Behavioral Health Profession. Peter is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and is certified as an addictions counselor, problem and compulsive gambling counselor and co-occurring disorders specialist. Peter has a masters degree in community counseling and he is CEO of Bradley Counseling & Consulting, LLC. He is an Ordained Minister and teaches at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is making a big difference is recovery!

November, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Jayson Williams a former NBA basketball All Star who hit rock bottom due to a number of things that happened during his active addiction. His limousine driver was killed when a gun Williams was handling accidentally discharged. Williams was sentenced to 5 years in prison. In 2009 he was tasered by New York City police in a hotel room after drinking and in 2010 he was charged with a DWI after crashing his car into a tree.

Williams is now in recovery. He is founder of REBOUND an outdoor adventure therapy that focuses on addictions and mental health recovery. Williams idea to found REBOUND was influenced by his experience in addictions treatment. He needed more to do besides being inside of a building attending groups all day. In treatment he asked for a volleyball, then a basketball and he started playing tennis and softball while in treatment. He felt that meaningful activities would help others seeking recovery. REBOUND has doctors, therapists and other clinical staff. They are perhaps the only program in the country that integrates scuba diving, snorkeling, fly boarding, hydro boarding, and deep sea fishing.

October, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

In 1986 Chris Washburn was the 3rd pick in the NBA Draft. In 1989 he received a lifetime NBA ban after failing 3 drug tests in 3 years. Eventually Washburn moved to Houston Texas where he lived in abandoned buildings and crack houses and ate food out of garbage containers. Today Washburn is in recovery. He now resides in Hickory, North Carolina and works for a home morgage company.

September, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Detroit rapper and songwriter Royce Da 5'9. Click on the link below to hear his inspirational recovery story and learn how Detroit Rapper Eminem, who is now in long term recovery supported his recovery. This story proves that The therapeutic value of one addict helping another is unparalleled.

August, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Ivan Neville a musician in long term recovery. He plays multiple musical instruments and is the son of famed singer Aaron Neville and nephew of members of the group The Neville Brothers. Ivan has released 4 solo albums and has had a top 30 billboard hit. He has played instruments on several Rolling stone albums and he grew up in an era where many entertainers died of drug related deaths. In his own words Aaron state, "There were some moments where I came to the point where I figured I wouldn't be around much longer if I continued living the way I had been living. I kinda got lucky. I had many attempts at trying to straighten out that didn't stick, and then one last chance in 1998, I turned a corner and went to one more rehabilitation center to get off drugs and alcohol. I had been in 5 previous times, but that time something happened and I'm still here to talk about it. Next month it will be 21 years of sobriety for me." (Source: Interview on the SCOTT SHOW).

July, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month features Tonier Cain a person in long term recovery from cocaine dependence. Tonier survived childhood sexual abuse and she was sexually assaulted so many times in adulthood that in her own words, "I lost count of the number of assaults." Tonier was homeless for 19 years, arrested 83 times and convicted 66 times. Tonier is one the greatest activists and speakers on Trauma Informed Care. She is one of the most inspirational speakers in America, “A guaranteed standing ovation." Her memoir, Healing Neen is also a documentary. She has written numerous books and a workbook on Trauma Informed Care and developing healthy relationships after trauma. She is founder of Purposeful Entertainment, a company that produces movies, documentaries and TV shows that change lives, uplifts, inspires and gives hope.

June, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery of the month is Academy Award winning actor, Grammy Award singer and comedian Jamie Foxx. Shortly after winning an Oscar for his betrayal of singer Ray Charles in the movie Ray, Foxx was approached by Oprah Winfrey who told him that his life was moving in the wrong direction and that he needed to turn things around or he would ruin his career. She invited him to a party which was really an intervention for his alcoholism. At the intervention were Quincy Jones (greatest Movie Producer of all time), Sidney Poitier (First African American Male Actor to win an Oscar) and several other actors. This intervention led to Jamie's recovery.

May, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Michael Johnson, MSW who celebrates 39 years of recovery. Michael is one of the nation’s most effective speakers on addictions treatment and recovery. For years he hosted an open forum in Detroit Michigan on relapse prevention for persons seeking recovery. This forum has been attended by thousands. Michael is also a prolific writer, focusing on a range of topics including, recovery, recovery oriented systems of care and recovery coaching. His videos on the 12 steps and working with clients in the criminal justice systems have achieved positive critical acclaim as tools which can help facilitate recovery. Michael most enjoys helping prepare persons in recovery to support the recovery of others as recovery coaches.

April, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Marion Barry (1936-2014). Barry was a 3 time Mayor of Washington DC who was arrested on drug related charges in an FBI sting operation which was broadcast nationwide. Barry went to drug treatment followed by a six month prison sentence in a federal prison. After leaving prison he ran for and won a 4th term as DC's Mayor with the slogan, "Who can better help our city recover than someone who himself has gone through recovery."

As Mayor of Washington DC, Mayor Barry was known as "the champion of the poor." He provided summer jobs for youth, home buying assistance for working class residents, food for seniors and increased the diversity of city government. His election to a fourth term as Mayor says a lot about his resilience and even more about the forgiving spirit and belief in redemption among the largely African American voters who elected him.

March, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Joe Powell. Joe stated, "I wasn't drafted into the Vietnam War because I failed the drug test. I was sent to addictions treatment instead and was honorably discharged! This year I celebrate 31 years of recovery! Joe is a leader in the addictions recovery and addictions advocacy movements. One of Joe's areas of specialization is providing recovery support for persons seeking recovery who have been impacted by a natural disaster (hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes etc.). He played a major role in assuring that Hurricane Katrina survivors who were relocated to Dallas, Texas received culturally congruent recovery support services. He is President/CEO of Association of Persons Affected by Addiction (APAA) in Dallas Texas. He consults with programs nationally on how to develop a recovery oriented system of care and is a frequent conference presenter. Joe coordinated the 2016 recovery rally held in Dallas Texas. In 2010 Joe was the recipient of the Vernon Johnson Award for his leadership and advocacy in promoting addictions recovery.

February, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Vance Johnson who played professional football for the Denver Broncos. Vance grew up in a household with an alcoholic father who physically abused his mother. Vance used sports as a coping mechanism and excelled in track and field and football. During his first NFL season Vance started drinking and using drugs. As his addiction increased Vance was divorced numerous times, attempted suicide and wound up in a coma. He reached out to the NFL for support and they referred him to treatment. Today, Vance is a certified sober coach, sober escort and interventionist.

January, 2019 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Carmelita Woods who celebrates 28 years of recovery. Carmelita has had a stellar career in behavioral health. She stated, "I have a gift for helping others. My recovery paved the way for me to utilize my gifts." Carmelita has a masters degree in Social Work. She is also certified as an addictions counselor and co-occurring disorders specialist. For 22 years Carmelita has worked in Addictions and mental health settings in direct practice and leadership roles. An entrepreneur, Carmelita is Founder and Executive Director of Where The Heart Is, Social Service Inc. an organization that provides additions recovery and mental Health Consultations.

December 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The December 2018 recovery story of the month is Grammy Award Winning Singer, actress and author Natalie Cole. Natalie died in 2015 and at the time of her death she was in long term recovery. While in recovery Natalie provided recovery support to entertainers who were seeking recovery. She did her best work in recovery, singing duets with her father, the late great singer Nat King Cole on her Unforgettable Album. Below is Natalie's book, Angels on my shoulder which tells her addiction and recovery story and a video of her singing a duet, Unforgettable with her father, Click on the book cover to purchase Natalie Cole’s book on Amazon.

November 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Grammy Award Winning Singer Mary J. Blige. Her story is living proof that there are multiple pathways of recovery. While many people go to addictions treatment, followed by 12 step programs, Mary went directly to God. She told Arlene Thomas, writer for USA Today, "I didn't want to go to rehab. I believe that anything man himself can do for me, God can do for me in a greater way." Mary also indicated that the drug related death of the late, great singer Whitney Houston was also a motivator for her to recover.

October 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

This month’s recovery story features Oscar and Emmy Award winning actor Lou Gossett Jr. Gossett indicated that after winning an Academy Award for best supporting actor in the film "An Officer and a Gentleman," offers for bigger movie roles never appeared. He coped with the pain this caused through substance use. His addiction led to divorce and conflict in the father-son relationship.

Today Gossett is in long term recovery and is founder of The Eracism Foundation, a program striving to eradicate racism.

September 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is comedian Michael Colyar who went from a 23 year crack cocaine addiction to successful stand up comedian. He indicated that his recovery was triggered by being sick and tired of being sick and tired and tired of breaking his mothers heart. He has a podcast where he interviews persons in recovery.

August 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Sherryl Hubbard. Sherryl is in long term recovery and in early recovery. She shifted careers from the television industry to addictions counselor. This enabled her to help others with their recovery for nearly two decades.

July 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

Wendy Williams Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction

Wendy Williams is known for her candor, and now the daytime talk show host is talking openly about her battle with cocaine addiction. Williams, who recently revealed that she has Graves' disease, talked to ET about how she managed to overcome her addiction.

She said she started abusing cocaine when she was working in radio, without specifying the time period. Williams said her colleagues knew about her problem.

"I was a functioning addict though," she said. "I report to work on time, and I'd walk in and all my co-workers, including my bosses, would know but since I would have my headphones on and walk in the studio and [they] wouldn't fire me because I was making ratings."

She said she needed to be highly organized in order to balance work with her wild lifestyle.

"[A] functioning addict has several alarm clocks, you're organized," she said. "It's a miracle I was able to stop."

The host is using her story to help others battle substance abuse problems. She's teaming up with The Hunter Foundation, a nonprofit she founded with her husband and son, to launch the "Be Here" national campaign designed to combat drug addiction and substance abuse in communities.

Source: cbsnews.com

June 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Jay Williams. Jay was a high school and college basketball All American, who won an NCAA championship at Duke University and was inducted in the College basketball Hall of Fame. Jay's NBA career was cut short following a motor cycle accident. His story of active addiction includes the use of Oxycotin and suicide attempts. In recovery he works as a basketball analyst for ESPN. To learn more about Jay's life and recovery story you can read his book, Impossible: The Jay Williams Story.

(Click on the cover of the book for link to purchase on Amazon).

May 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Shamsudinh Hakim. He has been in recovery for 20 years and for the past 16 years he has worked as a sober housing specialist for people seeking recovery. For Shamsudinh his work is a calling and he is admired by individuals seeking recovery because of his dedication to helping others.

Shamsudinh also facilitates Militti Islami groups at an Islamic Community Center. This program integrates Islamic Principles with the 12 steps. As an Imam (Leader and Teacher of Islam), his focus has been on prison reentry. He is a frontline hero for recovery in both his personal, spiritual and professional life.

One of his guiding principles is "Charity helps only if you do it for God."

April 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

It is with joy that we feature Nashonna Turner as the April 2018 Recovery Story of the Month. Nashonna is an entrepreneur in long term recovery (23 years). Her life philosophy is "Giving back what was so freely given to me." This is reflected in the path of her service work and entrepreneurship. Nashonna frequently speaks at recovery conventions. She is a therapist in private practice with a range of areas of expertise, including: Mood disorders; relationships; anger management and domestic violence. As a DUI evaluator she is interested in keeping highways safer while promoting recovery.

Nashonna has a masters degree in Community Counseling. Her educational accomplishments parallels her recovery. "When I first got sober 23 years ago I didn't even have a GED. I completed my GED, then I got an Associates degree in mental health counseling. This was followed by a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a masters degree." Nashonna is also certified as an addictions counselor, anger management specialist, domestic violence counselor and DUI Evaluator. She is an inspiration in recovery.

March 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The Recovery Story of The Month is Dr. Mary Roberson. Dr. Mary Roberson has celebrated long term recovery for over 25 years and has a proficient career in the Behavior Health Field. As the first African American Managing Director for Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (retired) in Lake County, Il., she had oversight on several evidenced based federal projects (SAMHSA Grants) and served on multiple state and local boards.

She is a U. S. Navy veteran and completed the Great Lakes ATTC Communities of Color: Training of Trainers (ToT) and Next Generation of Leaders, as well as the 2013 SAMHSA Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute (WASLI).

Dr. Roberson first published in the Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly (July 2012) with her article “Identity Development’s Impact on Peer Supported Recovery among African American Women.”

She advocates for recovery with several organizations and is active within the local and national 12 step communities. She strongly believes that recovery is possible for all who seeks it. Dr. Roberson continues to serve her country by working with veterans and family members seeking recovery.

February 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The Recovery Story Of The Month features Pam Frazier who celebrates several decades of recovery and has had a stellar career in the addictions field working in the capacity of Counselor, Supervisor and Director. She is the first and one of three African Americans to receive the prestigious Addictions Professional of The year award in Illinois.

Pam is the creator of Addictions Counselor Day, celebrated by thousands of counselors nationwide on September 20th (annually). She is Director of N' The Spirit Transformational Living, a Recovery Home for women which serves as a model for the nation. Through this program Pam continues to demonstrate a commitment to recovery.

January 2018 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Cris Carter. After achieving his childhood goal of becoming a professional football player Cris Carter was released by the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL after failing 3 drug tests. His drugs of choice were cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy. Carter decided that he did not want his career to end this way! The Minnesota Vikings signed him to a contract as he focused on addictions recovery. His pathway of recovery integrated exercise, spirituality and religion. Carter had his best years as a professional football player while in recovery. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

December 2017 Recovery Story of the Month

Wayne Williams celebrates 25 years of recovery this year. He is proof that life gets better in recovery. He increased his education in recovery, earning an associates degree in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. Wayne is a certified addictions counselor who has dedicated his life to helping others. His two decades of work in behavioral health has enabled him to serve numerous populations, including: recipients of public assistance; persons with mental illness and addictions.

Grateful for his recovery, Wayne volunteers his time for a number of causes. As a volunteer for The Orrington Institute he mentors youth. Wayne is also a Board Member for The National Alliance for The Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated and a volunteer rites of passages facilitator.

November 2017 Recovery Story of the Month

Award winning actress/comedian Whoppi Goldberg describes rock bottom. "I ended up sitting on a bed for 3 or 4 days. Scared there was something under the bed. I wet the bed, I pooped the bed. I was scared. I hit bottom.

Whoopi achieved a great deal of success in recovery. She is one of a few entertainers who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award.

October 2017 Recovery Story of the Month

When one looks at the history of 12 step groups you quickly discover that Lois Wilson, the wife of the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous Bill Wilson was not in addictions recovery (although she founded ALANON), nor was the wife of Jimmy K, the founder of Narcotics Anonymous. Thus, in the early history of recovery mutual aide groups there is no blueprint as to how a married couple, both of whom are in recovery, maintain their marriage and recovery simultaneously.

The recovery story of the month features Benneth and Walonza Lee. They have been in recovery and married for over 30 years. Over the years they have helped thousands of people in recovery maintain their recovery and develop healthy relationships in recovery. They have accomplished this work in their professional lives as addictions counselors, trainers, consultants administrators and University educators and in their personal lives as individuals so grateful for their recovery that they have spent decades helping others. Their recovery journey has taken them all over the world. In a trip to Ghana West Africa, they held hands as a married couple and walked together through The Door of No Return To Africa. This was significant in that the mental aspect of Slavery was geared to teach Africans enslaved in America to hate their African Roots to the point that they would never want to return to Africa and those enslaved were never allowed to marry.

Benneth and Walonza were also the featured speakers for the newly formed Married Couples in Recovery. Thanks to both of you for helping to create a blueprint for how to stay married and in recovery in the modern history of addictions recovery.

September 2017 Recovery Story of the Month

Growing up in New Orleans under the care of his grandmother, Henry Abraham was attracted to what he ruefully calls, “the hustler’s lifestyle.” By age eight, he was drinking alcohol and using drugs; started selling drugs on the street by the age of 12; and by age 18 was a millionaire, a high-profile drug dealer and a cocaine addict. “It’s amazing I wasn’t shot or arrested by the police,” he says today, having just celebrated 36 years of continuous sobriety. All of that came to an explosive end on the South Side of Chicago where he was arrested by the D.E.A. and local law enforcement. “Somehow, I got the break of a lifetime. In court, the Judge ordered me into residential treatment, where I came to understand how much I had hurt myself and those who loved me. During this time I was also witnessing the lengthy incarceration and premature deaths of several acquaintances in the drug game. I began to understand that if I would transform my thinking I could ultimately transform my life and become drug and alcohol free.” Upon his release from treatment, Abraham became a certified member of the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, a best-selling author and sought-after speaker, helping thousands of individuals overcome their addictions. As the chapter lead for YPR-Chicago, IL, he will be spearheading a program funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services to represent YPR at the Illinois Association of Behavioral Health conference in Naperville on September 7-8 during Recovery Month; organizing pro-social activities and a leadership training for the Chicago chapter.

Noting that substance use disorder affects individuals “from Park Avenue to park benches; from Yale to jail,” Abraham says his way of giving back is to bring awareness and education to the millions of people and their families who are suffering from what has become a global epidemic. YPR is proud of the personal and professional accomplishments of Henry Abraham and delighted to welcome him to the program team!

August 2017 Recovery Story of the Month

The Recovery Story of the Month is Richard Black who is in long term recovery (over 30 years). A former Black Panther, according to Richard, "The Black Panthers actually did a lot of good in Black neighborhoods. We fought against police brutality, we created the free breakfast club to make sure no kid in the community went to school hungry and we made sure that every black child was able to get their immunization shots. In many of the neighborhoods where we operated gang activity, drug use, prostitution and crime decreased." With tears in his eyes, Richard went on to state, "As soon as the Panthers were infiltrated and destroyed, all these problems in the community increased."

"Contrary to what the media said we stood for something! We had purpose. Many panthers became drug addicts when the organization was dismantled. Including me. " In recovery, Richard continued to give back to the community. He worked in the Mental Health field for a decade, became a certified addictions counselor and helped African Americans recover for nearly two decades. Throughout his 3 decades of recovery he has also done volunteer service work to support the recovery of others. I am proud to call Richard Black my brother in law.

July 2017 Recovery Story of the Month

The precursors of heroin addiction for legendary Rock-in -Roll Hall of Fame entertainer Ray Charles (September 23, 1930-June 10, 2004) was childhood poverty, the accidental drowning death of his younger brother whom Ray blamed on himself, the death of his father when Ray was 10 years old and the death of his mother when he was 15 years old.

Charles used heroin for several decades. His recovery was initiated in 1966 after a drug related arrest. If he had not survived his addiction, the world would have been cheated out of the opportunity to hear one of the greatest entertainers in American history Perform. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Charles the 10th greatest entertainer of all time. In 2008 they selected Charles as the second greatest singer of all time. Click on the link below and hear Ray sing Georgia On My Mind, the official song of the state of Georgia. In 1979, in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement, as a form of reconciliation, Charles performed the song before the Georgia General Assembly. After the performance The Assembly adopted it as the Official State Song.

In June of 2016, Sheila Raye Charles, the daughter of Ray Charles died of Cancer. She is featured as the Recovery Story of the Month August 2016 in this exhibit. Scroll down to read her recovery story and hear her sing one of her fathers ballets. At the time of her death she was in long term recovery. This father-daughter recovery story represents hope that the multi-generational cycle of addiction can be broken.

June 2017 Recovery Story of the Month

The recovery story of the month is Grammy Hall of Fame singer Johnny Mathis. He is grateful to First Lady Nancy Reagan for his recovery. " I was talking to Nancy Reagan at a wedding reception. She asked if I always drank so much? I said yes and she said, well don't you think it's bad for you? I said yes, but I don't know how to stop. The next thing I knew she's talking to the Chief of Staff and I'm on a plane to a rehab center. That was 30 years ago. I haven't had a drink since. "

Listen to Johnny Mathis sing a duet with Denise Williams.

May 2017 Recovery Story of the Month

Our recovery story of the month for May 2017 is William Christopher. He is an inspiration in recovery! As an entrepreneur he has developed successful businesses in the fashion, music and restaurant industries. William is the co-founder of Married Couples in Recovery.

April 2017
Recovery Story of the Month

Our April 2017 recovery story of the month is John Coltrane (September 23, 1926, to July 17, 1967). Jazz Saxophonist John Coltrane is known as one of the innovators of Jazz music. In the 1950's he became addicted to heroin and alcohol. His substance use quickly impacted his work performance and decreased his opportunities. His recovery was initiated in 1957 due to a "spiritual awaking." "I asked God to let me make people happy through music."

March 2017
Recovery Story of the Month

Along with actor Robert Downey Jr., Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry was the " poster child for addiction ." In 1999 Darryl was suspended from baseball due to cocaine use, the media chronicled his addiction, relapses, incarceration, probation violations, etc. Darryl has been in recovery for 17 years. He is the founder of the Darryl Strawberry Foundation, an organization that helps children living with autism and the Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center which helps individuals with addictions recovery.

Febuary 2017
Recovery Story of the Month

Thomas " Hollywood" Henderson is a retired NFL Football Player who became addicted to cocaine, painkillers, and alcohol during his football career. He was traded several times because of his addiction. Following a prison stint, he has been in recovery since 1983. In 2000 he won 28 million dollars in the Texas State Lottery. He used the money to open a youth center in East Austin, Texas where he grew up and to support philanthropic causes. He does presentations on addictions recovery nationwide.

Hollywood has written two books, the first, "Out of Control: Confessions of an NFL Casualty " tells the story of his extravagant life. On and off the football field and active addiction. The second book, " In control: The Rebirth of An NFL Legend " describes his resurrection, recovery, and life as a community activist and philanthropist. (Click on the cover of the book to be directed to amazon for book purchase)

January 2017
Recovery Story of the Month

John Lucas, a former NBA player and Coach has been in recovery for over 30 years. He is founder of John Lucas Enterprises, an organization that helps develop emerging athletes and provides aftercare services for NBA and NFL athletes seeking addictions recovery.

Website: http://johnlucasenterprises.com/

Winning a Day at a Time by John Lucas

The book tells the story of his being asked to leave the NBA after years of active addiction, his recovery journey and success as coach of the NBA San Antonio Spurs.

December 2016
Recovery Story of the Month

Rock- in- roll Hall of Fame Radio DJ Herb Kent died October 22, 2016. At the time of his death he was in long term recovery. Herb is in the Guinness Book of World records as the longest working DJ in U.S. radio history. He is credited with coining the term "dusties " to refer to old soul and rhythm and blues music. In the 1980's and 90's Herb used his gift as a DJ to play music for dance parties at Martha Washington Addictions Treatment Center in Chicago where clients and Alumni learned to party drug free. Herb will be missed!

November 2016
Recovery Story of the Month

For the month of November we will be featuring the story of Benneth Lee. Benneth is a former gang leader who went from death row to addictions professional of the year in the state of Illinois. Benneth is in long term recovery and he has spent the last thirty years traveling internationally to help service providers understand how to work effectively with gang affiliated clients in the criminal justice system with substance use disorders. He is the executive director of The National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formally Incarcerated. Click on the link below to view his organizations website.

Website: http://www.naefi.com/

October 2016
Recovery Story of the Month

For the month of October we will be featuring the story of Jolinda Wade, mother of NBA Basketball star Dwayne Wade, is in long term recovery after years of drug use and drug selling. She served as a minister while completing a prison sentence. She is currently an Ordained Baptist Minister.

Jolinda Wade: 'He Can Bring You Through' by The 700 Club

Jolinda Wade shares her life story of addiction, incarceration, and deliverance. (YouTube video by The 700 Club)

September 2016
Recovery Story of the Month

This month we will be featuring the life story of Denise Stokes. Denise is a motivational speaker, spoken word artist, and author whose life story has touched thousands. Today Denise uses story of homelessness and her sudden diagnosis of HIV at a young age to empower and motivate others.

Website: http://www.denisestokes.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/denisestokes

From the Crack House to the White House: Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities by Denise Stokes

From the Crack House to the White House: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities is the story of Denise Stokes and the long journey she has had to overcome. To look at Denise's amazing stride you would not think she outran death for over 30 years.The beginning of Denise's life was filled with pain and sorrow however Denise found a way to take the very pain and use that energy to encourage others. This book is her journey. (click on the cover of the book for link to purchase on amazon)

Denise Stokes on 106 & Park

Author and motivational speaker Denise Stokes makes a special World AIDS Day appearance on BET's hit show, 106 & Park. (YouTube video by Denise Stokes)

August 2016
Recovery Story of the Month

For the month of August, 2016 we will be featuring the story of Sheila Raye Charles. Sheila is an American singer-songwriter and daughter of Ray Charles and Sandra Jean Betts. Although Sheila was surrounded by peolpe she was overwhelmed by loneliness. Those who she thought she could trust ended up failing her leading her to substance use. Now sober, Sheila has published a book about her life and struggles and today motivates others to live a sober life.

Website: http://www.sheilarayecharles.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SheilaRayeCharles1

Behind the Shades: Hope Beyond the Darkness by Sheila Raye Charles

Although Sheila Raye Charles was surrounded by people, she was overwhelmed with loneliness. Those she should have been able to trust had failed her; life itself seemed to mock her attempts to overcome not only her own past but also the choices of those who had lived before her. Sometimes it seemed there was no hope beyond these shadows she could never seem to escape...(click on the cover of the book for link to purchase on amazon)

Sheila Raye Charles and Forever Ray- Unchain my Heart
(YouTube video by Bobby Deitch)