Recovery Month 2026: Celebrating Recovery, Connection, and Community
Every September, National Recovery Month brings communities together to celebrate recovery, raise awareness, and recognize the individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by addiction.
At Herren Project, Recovery Month is a time to reflect on the strength of the recovery community and the importance of connection, compassion, and support. Throughout September, our staff, alumni, ambassadors, supporters, and community partners came together in meaningful ways to celebrate recovery, promote wellness, and inspire hope.
Promoting Prevention, Recovery, and Resilience
Our third free virtual Prevention Wellness Series kicked off on September 1 with a special focus on recovery, offering educational and wellness-focused opportunities every Tuesday throughout the month.
At Herren Project, prevention extends beyond youth education. It also means equipping individuals and families of all ages with the knowledge, tools, and connections to support their mental health, navigate life’s challenges, and build resilience.
The series brought together members of our recovery team, ambassadors, and guest presenters to share their expertise and experiences through meaningful conversations and practical learning opportunities.
September’s offerings included:
Through Their Eyes: What Loved Ones Need to Know — Hosted by Herren Project Clinical Director Kristin Young, LICSW, alongside a panel featuring Recovery Care Coordinator Erica Boudreault and Recovery Coaches Miranda Berkley and Aubrey Wilsey. The discussion explored the experiences and perspectives of loved ones affected by addiction and recovery.
The Compass: Ethical Decision-Making & Wellness in Recovery — Hosted by Herren Project Recovery Services Manager Rich Walsh, RCP, RCPF, this session explored the role of ethical decision-making, personal values, and wellness in recovery.
Strengthening Recovery: Coaching Core Values, Not Just Avoidance — Hosted by Herren Project Recovery Coach Tara Estevez, ICF, ACC, this session highlighted how identifying and living by core values can support personal growth and sustained recovery.
Adult Mental Health First Aid — Led by Herren Project’s Sr. Director of Prevention & Strategic Partnerships, Tricia Mansfield, this training provided participants with tools to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
We extend our gratitude to the incredible presenters and participants who made this series possible, especially our recovery team and Herren Project Ambassador Abby for sharing their knowledge, experiences, and commitment to helping others.
By creating accessible spaces for education and connection, Herren Project continues to reinforce the important role prevention plays in building healthier individuals, families, and communities.
Coming Together to Celebrate Recovery
Community is at the heart of recovery, and September provided opportunities to connect with others who share our commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.
Herren Project’s Sr. Director of Prevention and Strategic Partnerships, Tricia Mansfield, and Director of Advancement, Caitlyn Burke, attended the Falmouth Recovery Center’s Recovery Month Celebration in support of Herren Project Recovery Coach Aubrey Wilsey, who leads the center and is a Herren Project alumnus celebrating eight years in recovery.
Longtime Herren Project WAVEMAKER Pam West also hosted the 9th Annual Lights of Hope event in Monson, Massachusetts, bringing the community together to raise awareness about addiction, mental health, and suicide prevention. For years, Pam has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and making a difference in her community.
Gatherings like these remind us of the importance of building relationships, celebrating milestones, and creating communities where individuals and families feel supported.
Celebrating Recovery Milestones
Recovery Month is also an opportunity to recognize the individuals whose journeys remind us why this work matters.
This September, we celebrated two Herren Project alumni reaching meaningful recovery milestones.
Marissa M., Herren Project’s very first recovery scholarship recipient, celebrated 12 years in recovery. Her milestone holds special significance as we reflect on the individuals who have been part of Herren Project’s journey from its earliest years.
We also celebrated Herren Project alumna Kim C., who marked seven years in recovery, another meaningful milestone representing perseverance, growth, and the ongoing journey of recovery.
Each milestone represents more than the passage of time. It reflects the strength, connection, and continued commitment that make recovery worth celebrating.
On September 27, we also celebrated the birthday of Herren Project founder Chris Herren, whose personal recovery journey and dedication to helping others continue to inspire our mission.
Running With Purpose and Inspiring Hope
Movement, determination, and community support were also powerful themes throughout Recovery Month.
Collin Chartier helped kick off Recovery Month in an extraordinary way, completing his incredible 2,000-mile Running Home journey on August 31, with Herren Project serving as his charity partner. Through his dedication and perseverance, Collin brought awareness to addiction and recovery while inspiring others with every mile.
His journey also raised funds in support of Herren Project’s no-cost programs and services, demonstrating how one individual’s determination can bring people together around a shared purpose.
Inspired by Collin’s journey? You can continue supporting his efforts by making a donation to Running Home.
Herren Project Ambassador Jenn DeVore proudly represented our organization at the 11th Annual Running Over Addiction event in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Her participation helped carry our mission into another community, connecting with others committed to raising awareness and celebrating recovery.
The Bright Star 5K brought another opportunity to run with purpose, with two Herren Project runners raising an incredible $2,450 in support of our mission. Their dedication demonstrates how individuals can turn their passion into meaningful support for prevention, recovery, and resilience.
Herren Project Recovery Coach Tara Estevez, ICF, ACC, also took her commitment to the international stage, participating in the Berlin Marathon through her Own Your Own fundraising effort and achieving the incredible milestone of earning all six Abbott World Marathon Majors stars. In addition to sharing her expertise during our Prevention Wellness Series, Tara demonstrated how her passion for running can inspire others and support Herren Project’s mission.
Whether through an extraordinary cross-country journey, a local community race, or an international marathon, these efforts demonstrate how movement can bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire hope.
Making a Difference Through Service
Recovery Month is about more than events and celebrations. It is also about showing up for others.
Herren Project proudly sponsored a community food distribution event with Angels Anonymous, helping provide food to individuals and families in need.
Despite a September nor’easter, Herren Project’s Clinical Director, Kristin Young, LICSW, and a Herren Wellness Recovery Home Manager volunteered their time to help serve the community.
Through both financial support and hands-on involvement, Herren Project was proud to help make this community effort possible. Their dedication reflects an important part of building resilient communities: recognizing the needs of others, extending compassion, and making meaningful connections.
Strengthening Our Ambassador Community
September also marked the official kickoff of Herren Project’s 2026–2027 Adult Ambassador Program, bringing together ambassadors for their first meeting of the new term.
Our ambassadors play an important role in extending Herren Project’s reach, sharing our mission, raising awareness, and creating meaningful connections within their communities.
We were also excited to welcome Marc, Erica, and Jason to the program, expanding our network of individuals committed to advancing prevention, recovery, and resilience.
Their passion, experiences, and willingness to get involved help carry Herren Project’s mission into communities across the country.
Carrying the Spirit of Recovery Month Forward
As we look back on September, we are grateful for the individuals, families, staff, alumni, ambassadors, volunteers, and community partners who helped make Recovery Month meaningful.
From wellness education and community celebrations to recovery milestones, running challenges, and acts of service, each moment reflected a shared commitment to supporting recovery and strengthening communities.
Recovery is not limited to one month. It is a journey supported by connection, compassion, and community every day of the year.
At Herren Project, our work continues beyond September. Through prevention, recovery, and resilience, we remain committed to helping individuals and families live healthy, fulfilling lives and building stronger, more connected communities.
Recovery Month may be over, but the opportunity to make a difference continues. Whether you’re seeking support, looking to get involved, or inspired to give back, there is a place for you in our community. Explore our no-cost programs and services, share our mission, or make a gift to help ensure individuals and families have access to the support they need.
Together, we can build a future where more individuals and families thrive, and no one has to face the challenges of addiction alone.
Learn more, get involved, or support our mission at herrenproject.org.
