On this episode of Airing Addiction,

Associate Pastor James McGowan of New Life Community Church in Concord, MA, is driven by a passion to help people say “Yes!” to Jesus. With over 15 years of ministry experience, James has earned a reputation for providing compassionate care and biblically grounded guidance. As the founder and director of True Treasure Ministries, he leads a biblical counseling and training center dedicated to equipping individuals and churches to make disciples for Christ.

James’ journey was not without struggle. Growing up, he faced confusion and pain from his parents’ divorce and sexual abuse, which led him to become a “relational escape artist” and battle an addiction to prescription painkillers. Despite repeated attempts to change, it wasn’t until 2007, when a friend asked him if he understood his relationship with Jesus, that James embraced God’s gift of life, finding true freedom.

Before his current roles, James served as a Chaplain at the Springfield Rescue Mission in Massachusetts for eight years. In 2016, he earned certification from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), with a specialty in addiction counseling, further deepening his ability to minister to those in need.

In his free time, James enjoys tinkering with new and vintage wristwatches, learning the piano, and cheering for Boston sports teams. He lives in Marlborough with his wife, Amy, and their three young daughters.

Connect with James at www.awakendiscipleship.com to learn more about his ministry and how he can help you grow in Christ.

Join Lisa and Jesse to hear James's story and triumph over substance use, only on Airing Addiction.

On this episode of Airing Addiction:

Kirsten Puccio and Keri McCallum founded M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Mamas lead and empower mothers in recovery, to advocate for systematic change with support through a peer-led initiative in order to promote family reunification.

Their passion was to help other mothers who are struggling with substance use disorder as they once did. As they once suffered in isolation out of fear from the judgement and stigma people with SUD often face especially being a mother, they knew they wanted to help another mother never to have to feel that way. When they looked around their community, they saw there was a lack of spaces for mothers to go comfortably to discuss issues they were experiencing such as substance use during pregnancy, involvement with the department of children & families, losing custody of their children, etc. They decided then and there to create that space, which they did at Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Support Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

You can visit their website at https://miracle-mamas.com/

Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction.

Brittany Alene Jimenez started her sobriety journey on July 15, 2020.

She is a mother, friend, and outdoor enthusiast who finds solace in exercise and mountain therapy. An aspiring pilot with a passion for nursing, currently pursuing a fast-tracked DNP program. With three years of experience as a pulmonary triage nurse and Med-Surg bedside medicine at UMass, she's committed to developing skills that will shape her future in healthcare. She takes pride in the relationships she's built through recovery, showing up with compassion and authenticity in both personal and professional life.

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” -Sophocles

Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Brittany's story. Only on Airing Addiction!

On this episode of Airing Addiction, John Marhefka and Matt Gear share details on their nonprofit GAAP Recovery:

G.A.A.P Recovery is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with individuals and families who suffer from mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. They provide individuals with financial resources for the barriers they may face in paying for sober living.

G.A.A.P Recovery has given out 10 scholarships in 2024 and we are seeking to expand that with your help...

All proceeds will benefit GAAP recovery's mission to create a community where men and fathers impacted by opioid use disorder, and the criminal justice system, are empowered to rebuild their lives, achieve lasting recovery, and reconnect with their families, through compassionate support, innovative programs, and a commitment to equity and inclusivity.

Visit https://gaaprecovery.org/ to learn more.

Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction to hear more of the amazing work John and Matt are doing in the recovery community.

My name is John Marhefka and I am a grateful father in recovery. I have dedicated my life to opening doors, advocating and supporting those who are recovering. I wholeheartedly feel that my success in overcoming barriers was from the support of the peers that have paved the road before me. Peer recovery service centers have played a monumental role in my recovery and continue to do so. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the Town of Marlboro as the Program Director here at The Recovery Connection. I will continue to be the voice for those who have not found it, and the advocate for the change that is needed in our community.

Join Jesse and Lisa to hear John's story on this episode of Airing Addiction.

Matt Gear shares about the recovery coaching process and its impact on individuals with substance use disorder in our communities.

Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!

On this episode of Airing Addiction:

Ralph was a patient at New England Recovery Center December 2021 and was openminded to suggestions and motivated to change his life. He is a powerful testament of putting in the work and getting the positive results. He now works at NERC as a Recovery Specialist helping others just like he was helped. Ralph has a powerful story of experience, strength and hope to share.

Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Ralph's story, only on Airing Addiction!

On this episode of Airing Addiction:

This week we highlight how feeling a sense of belonging can help people on their recovery journey. Program directors Kim Patterson and Ladonne Rogers will share how Peer Recovery Support Centers create community.

Building social supports and a caring community is essential for recovery.

• We do not recover alone. Recovery can be easier with the support of others.

• Community can include people who accept us and encourage us to grow.

• Family, friends, peers, and others play an important role in someone’s recovery.

• Recovery is supported through meaningful relationships.

• Social inclusion, not isolation, is important for recovery.

Guest bios:

Kim Patterson has been with Spectrum Health Systems as the Program Director of Recovery Exchange since March of 2023. Kim has worked in the city of Lynn serving the homeless and people with substance use disorder for 25 years. Kim has worked with homeless adults, families, and teen mothers. Kim has also worked as a case manager with women in recovery in the city of Lynn. Kim is a woman in long term recovery and has the compassion, empathy, and understanding necessary to assist others on their road to recovery. Kim has a passion for helping others to achieve independence and self–sufficiency. Kim has completed recovery coach training and recovery coach supervisor training to gain the tools necessary to better assist both those seeking recovery and staff seeking to provide services.

Ladonne Rogers has been a Peer Coordinator at Spectrum Health Systems, Recovery Exchange since July 26, 2023. Ladonne has 8 years in his personal recovery and 20+ years of lived experience. Ladonne Coordinates the members in the center to a safe and supportive environment, for participants who might want to volunteer or work on their personal recovery. Ladonne is very passionate about his recovery and empowering new members to work their recovery and set goals to help them build a foundation for bettering their lives.

Join Jesse and Lisa on this Recovery Month episode of Airing Addiction!