PLR Athens

Join us today for the Recovery Bus Tour Stop at the Al Huda Islamic Center at 2022 S. Milledge Avenue from 10:00a.m til 12:00pm. An informational policy stop that welcomes the community.

94 PEOPLE. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE MESSAGE OF HOPE! 💜

What an incredible celebration!

94 allies, supporters, service providers, people in recovery, and family members came together for People Living in Recovery’s Recovery Month Celebration—and what a beautiful reminder it was that recovery thrives in community.

Mayor-elect Dexter Fisher , despite experiencing some vocal challenges, pushed through to offer us a warm and heartfelt welcome.

Georgia Association of Recovery Residences Executive Director, Candice Whittaker, delivered a riveting keynote that challenged, encouraged, and inspired us.

And our four amazing panelists gave us something that statistics alone never can—the human story of recovery. Through their honesty and vulnerability, they brought us laughter, tears, reflection, and hope as they shared both the challenges they have faced and the successes they have achieved along their individual paths to recovery.

We also want to extend some very special thanks:

To our musician, Mr. Lynn Stowers,thank you for serenading us with that magical saxophone! 

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Andre Holmes, owner of Hometown Furniture Athens , 2215 Lexington Rd., for generously donating the beautiful furniture used on our stage for the panel.

Thank you to Piccadilly for providing an excellent catered meal, and thank you to Hope Haven Event Hall for providing the space that allowed our community to come together and celebrate. And another huge thank you to our decorators, Sisters Make Magic ( Sharon Martin Clark Sc) for making the space look magical! Shout out to the Women of Mother to Mother Recovery Center for serving the meal with dignity, grace, and beautiful smile!

And a HUGE THANK YOU to every sponsor, partner, supporter, volunteer, and friend of PLR who helped make this celebration possible. We truly could not have done it without you!

Recovery Month may give us a special opportunity to celebrate, but the work of recovery, connection, and community continues every day.

Until next year, let’s continue working together to…

BUILD COMMUNITIES OF HOPE! 💜

With gratitude,
The Team at People Living in Recovery
Athens, Georgia

There is still time…

See you next week on International Overdose Awareness Day, Monday, August 31st , 6 PM - 9 PM for Hall Recovers. Midland Greenway | 682 Grove Street | Gainesville. Visit HallRecovers.org to submit the name and/or image of a loved one lost to substance use disorder. We remember. We celebrate the hope of recovery.

Healing happens in community…

We are SO excited for this year’s Hall Recovers Speakers!! They are gonna bring some serious hope and we can’t wait to see you all there.

Recovery Events!!!!

This award could not have come at a better time.

The nonprofit world, like most other industries, does not operate outside the world of politics. I’m sure that is saying enough.

Separately, in this work, it can sometimes feel as though showmanship gets applauded while truly showing up gets overlooked.

But since 2019, People Living in Recovery (PLR) has simply kept showing up.

We have shown up consistently for Athens and the surrounding communities of Region 2. More importantly, we have remained consistent in the lives of people impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, homelessness, and the justice system—often meeting people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

So being selected to receive the 2026 DBHDD Region 2 Award means more to us than I can adequately express.

Thank you to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) for this distinguished honor and for recognizing the work being done on the ground.

And to my staff: we are a small but mighty team. You continue to show up, serve, advocate, transport, encourage, problem-solve, listen, and stand beside people when they need someone most. This recognition belongs to you.

As I always say:

“Just focus on doing the next right thing, and everything else will take care of itself.”

We didn’t do the work for the recognition.

But it feels good to know that the work was seen.

Thank you, DBHDD Region 2. We are deeply honored.

You don’t know unless you know, and what you don’t know could kill you.

Great opportunity to cast your vote! We love our coaches.

CAST YOUR NOMINATION: https://form.jotform.com/252053200731138

Calling all recovery champions and allies. We need your help! Please Vote for the George Braucht Peer Recovery Coach of the Year. This award will be presented at the annual GA Recovers luncheon at Truist Park on September 1, 2026.

Last year, we started the George Braucht Peer Recovery Coach of the Year award in honor of our friend and deeply respected leader of George’s peer recovery movement. This award is given every year at the annual GA Recovers luncheon and is intended to recognize a CARES that has shown exemplary competence and confidence in delivering one on one peer recovery support services. A CARES that embodies meeting peers on the other side of silence.

This award is specifically for Peer Recovery Coaches, not supervisors or managers. This award is for the peer coach that promotes CARES values in their encounters with peers, embracing positivity and consistently uplifting the ways of the PINK OARSI. The one doing the behind the scenes work that is changing lives.

Nominee must be a Certified Peer Specialist – Addictive Disease (CPS-AD)
Must be currently working in the field providing direct peer support services.
Nominee must not hold a supervisory, executive, or administrative leadership position (e.g., Supervisor, Program Director, Executive Director).
Must demonstrate a strong commitment to the recovery community, peer values, and ethical practice.

CAST YOUR NOMINATION: https://form.jotform.com/252053200731138