Recovery - Heartland Recovery

Walking Through Recovery | Gregory’s Story

Exit Interview, Recovery, Recovery Stories

Gregory’s story is one of redemption. A preacher’s son who drifted into trouble at a young age, he spiraled through gang fights, addiction, and hardship. He tried to get it together for his family, but an accident left him broken, unable to provide so he returned to what he knew. “I was down and out, feeling low. I was arrested. I didn’t feel that I had nowhere to turn, but I knew God could make a way.”

His journey to Heartland began from a county jail cell, where against the odds he was transferred to Missouri and accepted into the program. There, he experienced a profound change of heart — from anger and hopelessness to gratitude and faith. Through prayer, discipline, and community, Gregory allowed God to replace “a heart of stone with a heart of flesh,” learning to see himself as a new creation and a restored father.

Gregory is now rebuilding his life with his wife and young daughter, giving back to his family, church, and community. His story reminds us that no one is too far gone for God to reach. “He has changed my heart. He has changed my life. And I’m so ever grateful.” If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or hopelessness, take that first step — reach out, ask for help, and let God begin the work of transformation. Visit us at hlandrecovery.org to learn more about how lives like Gregory’s are being changed every day.

Walking Through Recovery | Devin’s Story

Exit Interview, Recovery, Recovery Stories

Devin grew up in a drug-filled environment in Kansas City, Missouri, where addiction felt inevitable. Trapped in a cycle of substance abuse, jail time, and broken relationships, he reached a breaking point. “Drugs had taken me to a deep dark place,” he recalls. While in county jail, a fellow inmate introduced him to Heartland Recovery, offering a glimpse of hope Devin hadn’t seen before. Desperate for change, he applied—and that decision marked a turning point.

At Heartland, Devin encountered something he’d never experienced: genuine love and community through life groups. “Being welcomed into somebody’s home and shown nothing but love and compassion for no other reason but to fellowship and share life is an experience that’s changed my life,” he shares. That kind of unconditional support shifted how he views relationships—not as means to get something, but as opportunities to reflect the Gospel. Today, Devin is living with renewed purpose and clarity, anchored in his faith.

If you or someone you love is battling addiction, know that there is a way out. Devin’s story is proof that change is possible when you surrender to Jesus and surround yourself with a community that cares. Visit hlandrecovery.org to take the first step toward freedom.

Walking Through Recovery | Justin’s Story

Exit Interview, Recovery

Justin from Novinger, Missouri, began his descent into addiction during high school when he started hanging out with older kids. What began as innocent partying to fit in eventually spiraled into destructive behavior—hurting his family, losing jobs, and disappearing for weeks at a time. “One day I woke up and I had been sitting in jail for several months, and that’s when I knew it had gone too far,” Justin shares. After 10 months in jail, watching his mom cry during visits and realizing his so-called friends had vanished, he knew it was time for change. That’s when the opportunity to come to Heartland appeared.

At Heartland, Justin found hope and guidance through his relationship with God and a mentor named JC Morgan. “He was a great spiritual leader and he was just there for me to talk to anytime I was having a bad day,” Justin recalls. That consistent support helped him break the cycle of hopelessness and begin rebuilding his life. Today, his family is proud of the man he’s become, and for the first time in a long time, he has real direction. “I have hope and just plans to go somewhere in life,” he says.

Walking Through Recovery | Kevin’s Story

Exit Interview, Recovery

Kevin from Kirksville, Missouri, reached a point where addiction had drained all joy from his life. “I was broken… there was a lot of roads that led to nowhere, and I didn’t want that,” he shares. Though he had been in contact with Heartland Recovery for a year, he couldn’t enter the program until he dealt with outstanding warrants. Eventually, jail became the wake-up call he couldn’t ignore. Tired of living a life with no future, Kevin finally surrendered and took the step toward real change.

At Heartland, Kevin’s transformation began with trust—specifically from his group leader. “Once he began to trust me, that led me to kind of restore the integrity that I once had,” Kevin recalls. That restored integrity opened the door to a renewed relationship with the Lord and helped him find a sense of identity again. Life groups became healing spaces for him: “The cordiality of the life group… was the medicine that my heart needed to help me to just feel like I could be normal again.” Today, Kevin is rebuilding relationships with his family and especially cherishes the restored connection with his kids.

You don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of addiction. As Kevin says, “Jesus is truly the answer… there is hope.” If you’re ready to take that first step toward healing, visit hlandrecovery.org and discover the path to restoration.

Addiction and The Church Resources

News, Recovery

Heartland Recovery hosted its second annual Addiction and the Church event, which brought together church leaders, recovery professionals, educators, and community members who are committed to walking alongside those affected by addiction. Presentations throughout the day offered practical tools and biblical insight on issues such as family recovery, trauma and addiction, forgiveness, burnout, and supporting long-term change.

“It was fantastic to see so many people come together with a heart to help those who have an addiction and bring hope to the hurting. Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28). That’s the kind of rest and restoration we want every person struggling with addiction to find — healing that not only transforms individuals, but also restores families and strengthens entire communities through the power of Jesus,” said Scott Miller, one of the event’s organizers.

Archived videos of the presentations are available on the HlandTV YouTube channel, and PowerPoint presentations are available for download using the links below.

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO DOWNLOAD POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS:
Session #1 | Family Recovery & the Power of Forgiveness | Scott Breedlove

Session #2 | Creating a Church Culture that Supports Long Term Recovery | Brett Scharnhorst

Session #4 | Burnout in Ministry and Recovery Work | Scott Miller

Session #6 | Confronting Modern Addictions in the Church | Dave Barton

Session#7 | Addiction & Trauma Connecting the Dots | Dave Evans

National Recovery Awareness Month

News, Recovery

September is National Recovery Awareness Month—a time to celebrate the millions of Americans in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. Recovery is possible, and every story of healing matters.

This month, we honor the courage of those who’ve chosen the path of recovery, the families who’ve stood by them, and the communities that support healing. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working in the field, your efforts make a difference.

Let’s break the stigma, share hope, and remind everyone: recovery is real, recovery is possible, and recovery is worth celebrating.

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