Blog - Heartland Recovery

National Recovery Month

Each September, Heartland Recovery recognizes National Recovery Month, a time to increase awareness and celebrate the successes of those who battle addiction.

Here are some ways you can get involved to show your support to the recovery community and make a difference!

Addiction & The Church Seminar.
Join Heartland Recovery for this 1-day informational seminar designed to equip church leaders with the knowledge and tools to help their congregation effectively identify, support, and welcome individuals with substance abuse disorders and those coming out of incarceration. When the church puts faith into action to embrace these individuals, it makes a significant impact. Session speakers have many years of experience working in various aspects of addiction recovery and incarceration. DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER

To be held at Heartland Community Church, 6434 Shelby Co. Rd. 150, Bethel, MO 63434.

SCHEDULE
8:30am – Sign In & Coffee Bar
9am – Welcome / Addiction Awareness Intro
9:45am – Sessions: Recognition & Right Response, and Being a Welcoming & Loving Church
12pm – Lunch (Provided On Site)
1pm – Sessions: Discipling through Addiction, and Pursuing Addicts Outside the Church
2:45pm – Q&A Panel

REGISTER BY 9/6/24
The event is free, but your donation to help offset costs is welcome. To register, call 573-633-5603 or click here to register online by Sept. 6th.

Essentials Drive Fundraiser.
For our September fundraiser, we’ll be holding an essentials drive to collect personal care hygiene products, clothing, and school supplies for Recovery residents who struggle to afford these basic necessities. Many coming into the Program have just the clothes they are wearing or a handful of belongings. CLICK FOR DETAILS

DONATE NOW

*Please note that your donation is for the “Essentials Drive”

Chili Cook-Off
Think you’ve got the best chili recipe? Enter and find out at Heartland Recovery’s annual Chili Cook-Off at the Bethel Colony Fall Market on Saturday, September 28th. For details, click here for our Facebook event page. There is no entry fee; winners in each category (Judged and People’s Choice) receive a trophy and $50 cash…plus bragging rights!

Rally Walk
Save the date and join us for our 5th Annual Rally Walk, an in-person run/bike/walk event on September 29th. We’ll meet at Heartland Community Church at 4pm and walk to the Men’s Recovery building, have refreshments, then walk back (about 2 miles total). Whether you’re walking to create awareness, to honor a loved one, or to celebrate your own victory, join us! Make a difference in the fight, one step at a time. No fee; open to all; click here for details on our Facebook event page.

Heartland Recovery Chili Cook-Off 2024

Recovery

Think you’ve got the best chili recipe? Enter and find out at Heartland Recovery’s annual Chili Cook-Off at the Bethel Colony Fall Market, Saturday, September 28th.

Entries can be made with any kind of meat or a combination of meats and/or vegetables. Using beans is not required. Preference is not given to either cut meat, ground meat, shredded meat, or cubed meat. Seafood is allowed.

What to bring: You’ll find our tent at 127 North Main St., Bethel, MO 63434. The contestant will bring their chili, already prepared and heated in an electric pot that can keep food hot while serving. Heartland Recovery will provide cups, spoons, a table, and jars.

There is no entry fee. Winners in each category (Judged and People’s Choice) receive a trophy and $50 cash…plus bragging rights! Winners announced at 12:30pm.

There are two ways to win:
1) Judges will score entries on taste.
2) People’s choice award. Those sampling will vote into a jar in front of the chili they prefer; the chili receiving the most votes wins.

Proceeds benefit Heartland Recovery Programs, an outreach of CNS International Ministries, Inc.

Entry to the Bethel Fall Market is $2 for adults; free for children.

Walking Through Recovery | Eric’s Story

Exit Interview, Recovery Stories

Eric’s struggles began in his early teens when he started using alcohol and marijuana. He realized that his addiction had taken over when he was staring at his drugs anxiously planning on “trying to get more” because it was never enough. As his addiction escalated, he found himself in a cycle of legal trouble and homelessness.

Sitting in prison, Eric heard about Heartland Recovery and decided to apply. During his time in the Men’s Recovery Program, the most significant change he experienced was building a relationship with God. “I needed to trust in Him and turn my whole life and everything over to Him,” Eric reflected. Today he has hope, faith, and a support system that will continue to guide him as he reintegrates into society. Eric encourages anyone who is struggling and doesn’t know where to turn to consider Heartland.

Rally For Recovery Walk

News, Recovery

September is National Recovery Month, a time to increase awareness and celebrate the successes of those who battle addiction.

Heartland is holding several events to make a difference in the recovery community, culminating in our 5th Annual Rally Walk on campus. Save the date and join us for the in-person run/bike/walk event on September 29th. We’ll meet at Heartland Community Church at 4pm and walk to the Men’s Recovery building, have refreshments, then walk back (about 2 miles total).

Whether you’re walking to create awareness, to honor a loved one, or to celebrate your own victory, join us! Make a difference in the fight, one step at a time.

Walking Through Recovery | Tye’s Story

Exit Interview, News, Recovery Stories

Tye grew up with an absent father and a mother struggling with addiction, which led to his experimenting with drugs from a young age. After losing a father figure at 13, Tye went deeper into drug use seeking comfort. Full blown addiction followed, causing him to lose jobs, relationships, and even custody of his daughter.

Despite cycles of getting clean and relapsing, addiction and anger issues persisted. After years of ups and downs his marriage deteriorated to the point of a restraining order and jail time. Feeling hopeless, Tye considered suicide, but knew it wasn’t the answer. A friend encouraged him to seek help at Heartland Recovery’s 12 month program, where Tye quickly learned he needed to fully submit to God. Through faith he found purpose, peace, and the strength to forgive his parents and improve relationships. His marriage is now thriving, and he lives to show Christ’s love through his actions.

Walking Through Recovery | James’ Story

Exit Interview, News, Recovery Stories

James grew up in a family struggling with addiction. During high school, James began experimenting with substances himself, leading to a lifestyle of drinking, smoking, and partying. His addiction escalated to the point where he prioritized alcohol and drugs over his family. “I was choosing going out with friends rather than taking care of my son,” he recalls, “and to me that just didn’t sit right.”

The turning point came after his marriage failed. James realized he wanted to provide his son with the stable home he never had growing up. He enrolled in Heartland Recovery, the same program his biological father came to which helped turn his life around.

Change came slowly as James found God, but the biggest change was witnessing his father’s Christ-like behavior and for that relationship to begin to heal. Over the next 12 months James mended relationships with his family, gained their respect, and most importantly is now able to be there for his son. “I’ll tell you from experience, 12 months means nothing to the rest of your life, so take the time put in the work to know God and become a new creation.”