By Lora Bunch
I had the pleasure of getting to know one of the founders and board members of a local recovery group and I truly admire not only the work they are doing but the heart and purpose behind what they do. A group of friends with their own history and paths who came together to develop and offer help to others through their own knowledge and experiences of what helped them and what didn’t work.
Board members and founders are Cary Hawkins (President), Jason Savage (Board Member), Pamela Savage (Treasurer), Craig Burnes (Vice President), Jim Young (Board Member), and Jeff Holland (Board Member). I had several conversations with Jason, and he was clear that they were not seeking credit and didn’t even care if they were named in this article, but I feel that the work they are doing is a wonderful and caring humanitarian effort to improve the lives of so many that they are all worthy of acknowledgement.
Any Path to Recovery is an all-encompassing recovery option that is all inclusive regardless of what type of addiction one is battling or what religion or lack of religion they believe in. They are an unconditional inclusive group from many belief systems and creeds and think of themselves as a family that has grown closer through both their differences and the things they share in common. They are non-secular and invite all walks of life to join their family.
Some examples of their services are, if a person is recovering from addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, food, sex, or anything else they feel is unhealthy for them or holding them back in life then they are welcome in their “house.”
Their founders are vetted in the recovery arts and have years of field experience as well as personal recovery experiences. They also welcome people who are recovering from mental health issues. They feel that the fact that they have been on both sides of the fence gives them a deeper perspective and makes them more relatable to their fellowship. I can see how this would be very true. People like to know that someone truly gets what they are going through, healing from, and battling. It makes a world of difference to see someone on the other side who has gotten to the place they are working hard to reach.
They have several ties and partnerships with more groups and agencies than any other group and leverage those relationships to reach as many people as possible. Some examples of these partnerships are: NWGA DRC (Northwest Georgia Daily Report Center), Pro Family Services, Highland Rivers, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Counsel of Substance Abuse, and Drug Court (Conasaga Court District).
Mental health issues and many kinds of addictions are underrated in the world. Although it is starting to be more recognized than it once was, we still have a long way to go for it to meet the needs of our communities and citizens. These are very challenging issues, but as this group says there is always light even in the darkest hours. When people come together and share their knowledge and experience great things can be achieved and positive changes are made.
Any Path to Recovery is in the process of opening their first sober living facility in February 2022 and are on track to open a second location in the next 12 months. They have gotten national attention and are being mentioned in a documentary, and they are currently conducting satellite meetings in Greenville, S.C. They are planning to open another facility at that location within five years. They are going strong and have only plans to continue to grow and help more people. There is no way to go but up for them.
If you or someone you know are struggling with addiction, Any Path to Recovery can help. They will work to find the right path for you to get your life back on track and continue to offer the support, encouragement, and the tools needed for on-going needs to stay on the path. They know that personal individual history and circumstances make each person’s addiction unique to them, and they work with that knowledge to find the right path for individuals to find the strength-in-mind to be well. They hold weekly meetings and other methods of support and encouragement.
They rely on support from others to continue the important work that they do for so many people. Their main sources of support are from grants and supporters just like you! Your help would be genuinely appreciated and make a major difference in the lives of so many. If you would like to donate or if you are interested in reaching out for recovery for your self or someone you love you can go to their website anypathtorecovery.org and follow the links to make those connections.
I believe that when you make the decision for the life, recovery, or change you want to make for yourself and/or others in life, you will either find a way to make it happen or find an excuse not to.
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right. I hope you all go to their website and read more about them. If you want the support to make this change for yourself, these wonderful people will work with you to make sure you arrive at your destination for your life. If you can, please consider becoming a supporter of this wonderful recovery group who are helping to change lives, families and communities.