As I sit down to write this year’s Christmas letter, I find myself reflecting on a deeply personal milestone: my sobriety anniversary. Thirteen years ago, I walked through the doors of Jericho Road straight from the psychiatric emergency unit of the General Hospital. I was utterly lost and broken, a shadow of myself. In those first few weeks, I was so far gone that I barely remember them—but I’ve been told I was a drooling mess. And yet, in the midst of my despair, I was met with God’s grace.

The Jericho Road staff and recovery community members stood by me in my most vulnerable moments. Their compassion, patience, and understanding saved my life. Today, I can say with certainty that my story could have ended much differently—tragically—if it weren’t for the lifeline they extended to me.

For over 30 years, Jericho Road has been that lifeline for many like me. We offer more than a place to heal; we provide a home, a community rooted in compassion, and a pathway to recovery for those struggling with addiction. Our faith-based, long-term recovery model is designed to address the whole person, offering affordable, abstinence-based care grounded in the belief that addiction is a spiritual disease requiring a spiritual solution.

Recovery, however, isn’t a solitary journey. Addiction affects families, friends, and entire communities—and so does healing. That’s why at Jericho Road, we strive to create collective transformation. From workshops and presentations to recovery programs, we work tirelessly to dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction, fostering understanding and building a more compassionate community. As author Ann Voskamp so beautifully puts it:

“Shame dies when our stories are told in safe places.”

~ Ann Voskamp

Yet, we can’t do this work alone. Rising costs—of insurance, food, and day-to-day operations—threaten our ability to sustain the life-changing programs we provide. Christmas donations are more than a seasonal boost; they are a critical lifeline. They ensure we can meet the demands of winter, a time when we are stretched to full capacity and beyond.

We need your help this holiday season to continue offering hope and healing to those who need it most. Your generosity directly impacts lives, dismantling stigma and creating safe spaces where transformation is possible. Together, we can spark a ripple effect of hope and connection, touching countless lives and strengthening our community.

Will you join us this Christmas? A gift to Jericho Road isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in people, recovery, and the kind of world we all want to live in. Your support can change a life—and a community.