For Ray, recovery didn’t begin as a personal choice—it began as a court requirement. But what started as obligation quickly turned into something that changed his life.
Ray began attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Celebrate Recovery, and a Veterans Affairs (V.A.) recovery group, unsure of what to expect. What he found was a room full of people who understood him completely.
“Sharing life experience with others helped me realize I was never alone.”
From hearing familiar stories to seeing old drinking buddies—“fellow bar flys”—also finding freedom, Ray began to understand the power of recovery in community. One of the most defining parts of his journey was committing to 90 meetings in 90 days, a milestone that gave him structure, accountability, and a rhythm of hope.
His advice for anyone thinking about showing up for the first time?
“Keep coming back. It works.”
Support groups aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence. They remind us that healing doesn’t happen in isolation, and change is possible when we show up again and again.
Learn more: aa.org | celebraterecovery.com
Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy and honor the individual’s story.
#FindYourPeople | June SUD Awareness Campaign
- Learn More: senttopeka.com/empower-to-heal-a-year-of-support-awareness
- Join The Road to Recovery Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theroadtorecoverytopeka
#FindYourPeople | June SUD Awareness Campaign
At SENT, recovery is supported through community.
Our wraparound services help individuals and families build stability, healing, and long-term success:
- Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services – Trauma-informed counseling and recovery care
- Neighbor Advocacy – One-on-one case management connecting neighbors to the resources they need to thrive
- Housing Programs – Affordable housing, the Curb Appeal Program, and more.
- Southside Filling Station – Access to fresh, healthy groceries through our client-choice food pantry
- Southside Wellness Clinic – Express health care and wellness services
- Avondale East Care Center Partners – Chiropractic, massage therapy, occupational therapy, pet care, and more