On April 28, Serenity Place in Greenville County celebrated the journeys of eight women who have graduated from its recovery program. These graduates, whose experiences date back to the early 2000s, shared their deeply personal stories of overcoming substance use disorders, underscoring the significant role played by The Phoenix Center, a local provider of substance use disorder services.

A Community of Support and Transformation

The event, formerly known as The Transformation Breakfast, took a year to plan and was marked by a record number of testimonials. Belinda Speaks, a graduate and former employee who now serves as a certified Peer Support Specialist and Addictions Counselor, emceed the event. Described as the ‘matriarch of our program’ by Community Engagement and Fundraising Liaison Sophie Finnell, Speaks set the tone for the gathering.

The luncheon was held at The 405, with every detail reflecting the mission and reach of the local nonprofit. From the new lotus flower logo, symbolizing rebirth, to the food catered by Jasmine Kitchen, an extension of Jasmine Road, the event was a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting women in recovery.

Families and Community at the Heart

With 330 attendees, the presence of the graduates’ families was particularly significant. ‘Some of the people who had poured so much into them were hearing things they’d never heard,’ Finnell noted. The graduates, standing as family anchors, working professionals, and community builders, spoke of lives rebuilt with purpose, stability, and strength, inspiring everyone present.

One graduate candidly shared their experience of a recurrence in substance use following treatment, highlighting the importance of honesty and resilience in the recovery journey. The event not only celebrated personal transformation but also reinforced the vital role of community and family support in the process.

Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.