Faces of Recovery

Sync Recovery’s impact is best understood through the experiences of the people who make up our community — participants, volunteers, and partners who come together to support recovery through connection, compassion, and shared experience.

These stories reflect the real-life moments of growth, belonging, and hope that happen every day at Sync.

Stories of Connection

Michelle

Michelle shares how Sync has provided her with a joyful, judgment-free community where she can explore new interests, connect with others in recovery, and give back by leading activities she loves.

Mary

Mary shares how Sync has expanded her world beyond isolation, helping her build meaningful connections, discover joy in recovery, and embrace new experiences—especially through fun, outdoor activities with others.

Bobby

Bobby shares how Sync has transformed his recovery into a creative and service-driven experience, allowing him to build meaningful connections, step outside his comfort zone, and help others discover joy in recovery.

Patty

Patty shares how Sync has become a cornerstone of her recovery, providing a safe, supportive community where she can give back through meaningful service and explore new ways to enjoy life.

Betty Jo

Betty Jo shares how Sync has expanded her recovery beyond meetings by creating an inclusive, family-friendly community where connection and joy help break stigma and redefine what recovery can look like.

Val

Val shares how Sync has strengthened her recovery through connection, service, and a supportive community where she feels understood, inspired to grow, and empowered to thrive in sobriety.

Tara

Tara shares how Sync has enriched every aspect of her life, offering a dynamic, service-driven community where she continues to grow, connect, and live out her recovery in meaningful and expansive ways.

Scott

Scott shares how Sync has given new purpose to his recovery in retirement, allowing him to use his lifelong skills to give back, stay engaged, and continue growing within a genuine and uplifting community.

Our Impact in Numbers

Behind every story of recovery is a growing community of connection, service, and support. The numbers that follow reflect the shared efforts of participants, volunteers, and partners—and they tell the story of a recovery community that continued to grow from 2024 to 2025 as more people found connection, engaged in supportive activities, and gave back through service.

Program Highlights: Our Four Core Components

Sync Recovery’s programs are designed to support long-term recovery through connection, purpose, and personal growth. Organized around four core components — Social, Spiritual, Service, and Health — our events and activities create meaningful opportunities for individuals to build community, strengthen resilience, and support one another in recovery.

Social — Building Community Through Shared Experiences

Connection is a cornerstone of long-term recovery. Social programming creates welcoming spaces where individuals can form friendships, reduce isolation, and experience joy in recovery through shared activities and community events.

Spiritual — Supporting Inner Growth

Spiritual wellness encourages reflection, gratitude, and a deeper sense of purpose. Through practices that support mindfulness and personal growth, participants can develop resilience and meaning in their recovery journey.

Service — Helping Others Helps Us Heal

Service strengthens recovery by fostering purpose, responsibility, and connection. Volunteer opportunities and leadership development allow participants to give back while growing in confidence and community engagement.

Health — Strengthening Body & Mind

Physical and emotional wellness are essential to sustainable recovery. Health-focused programming supports participants in building strength, reducing stress, and developing healthy routines that support long-term well-being.

Events That Bring Us Together

Sync Recovery’s events create opportunities for connection, growth, and community across the region. From retreats and outdoor adventures to educational workshops and family-friendly gatherings, these experiences bring people together in recovery and strengthen the supportive network that makes long-term recovery possible.

Hiking

Yoga

Bicycling

Rock Climbing

Arts & Crafts

Camping

Canoeing

Kayaking

Drum Circles

Service

Disc Golf

Rafting

Horse Riding

Paddleboard

Bird Watching

Snowshoes

The progress we see today lays the foundation for the work still to come.

The impact we see today is only the beginning. Sync Recovery is continuing to grow in response to the needs of our community, expanding programs, partnerships, and opportunities for connection in recovery.

Continue reading to explore Looking Ahead and what’s next for Sync Recovery.

Michelle

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my recovery in such a positive way. It’s given me a place to go and things to do with people who are working on their sobriety and recovery, just like me.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

I think it’s important to focus on the things you can do, instead of the things you can no longer do. Sync gives you the opportunity to explore what you like and don’t like, which is really meaningful.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

Sync offers such a wide variety of activities. I’ve taught line dancing and vision board workshops, and there are also outdoor events and so much more. There are so many options—there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy with others in recovery.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

Other Sync members, especially Danielle, motivated me to get involved. I just wanted to be a part of something so positive. I like to joke that I’m like Julie, the cruise director from The Love Boat—I get to do things I love, share them with others, and I don’t have to be a certified instructor. They let me do it anyway—and I can’t even get fired! It’s really amazing.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

What I find most rewarding is the people who show up and the genuine commitment Sync has to supporting those in recovery. I never feel shame or guilt here—ever—and that means everything to me.

Mary

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my recovery by opening doors and exposing me to experiences I never would have had otherwise. It’s pushed me beyond my comfort zone in the best way. I’ve met incredible people, made a lot of new friends, and had so many meaningful experiences. Being part of a community of people in recovery—sharing those experiences and good times together—has truly enhanced my recovery.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

Being part of this community is essential for me because it keeps me out of isolation. The antidote to isolation is connection, and Sync provides that. It connects me with really good people, and I don’t feel alone anymore. Isolation can be dangerous for people in recovery, so having this kind of connection is incredibly important.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

What makes Sync unique is the fun. A lot of people come into recovery thinking it’s the end of their life—that there’s no more fun ahead. But Sync shows you that’s not true. It’s not just meetings and diners—it’s getting out, doing things, being with people, and genuinely enjoying life. That was unexpected for me. Now, I’m having more fun than ever.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I was inspired by the people who came before me in Sync. When I met Laura and saw how passionate she was about the community, I was hooked. Her enthusiasm and belief in what Sync offers really drew me in.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

For me, the most rewarding and enjoyable activities are the ones outdoors—hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping. Being in nature with others in recovery is something I truly value.

Robert White

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my recovery in so many ways—and it still does. It’s shown me that recovery can be fun, not just meetings, even though meetings are part of Sync too. I’ve been able to build deeper connections with people more quickly through the events.

Now, I both attend and facilitate meetings and activities, and I really enjoy being creative in the events I help bring to life for others.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

Being part of this community is essential to my recovery because it gives me a way to give back. It’s a form of service. Through events and activities, you can reach people in a meaningful way—sometimes without even needing to say anything. Just being together, doing something positive, brings joy into people’s lives and shows them what recovery can look like.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

What makes Sync unique is the versatility of the events. Volunteers are empowered to create experiences based on their own interests and passions, which makes it really special. It’s also very inclusive—my friends, sober allies, and even my kids can participate. That sense of inclusion really sets Sync apart.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I was first introduced to Sync through a suggestion from another volunteer early in my recovery, shortly after leaving rehab. I went to a rock climbing event and immediately connected with the mission. I loved being around the people and the volunteers, and I knew right away this was something I wanted to be part of and continue doing.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

For me, a big part of it is stepping outside my comfort zone. I’ve been able to try things I’ve always wanted to do, with people there to guide and support me.

As a facilitator, it’s incredibly rewarding to see others do the same—to watch someone push past their fears, accomplish something new, and see the smile on their face afterward. It also gives me something to look forward to—time spent with others in recovery, doing meaningful things together.

Patty

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has become a vital part of my recovery. It surrounds me with like-minded people, where I feel safe, supported, and understood.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

Sync gives people in recovery the opportunity to engage in activities they may have never tried before, helping them discover new interests and ways to enjoy life.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I fell in love with everything Sync stands for, and I knew I could fully stand behind its vision.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

For me, it’s the service work. Being able to give back what was so freely given to me is incredibly important and deeply meaningful.

Betty Jo

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has given me a place outside of the rooms to engage in recovery-related activities. It’s expanded what recovery looks like for me.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

I think it’s important that Sync includes not only people in recovery, but also allies—people who have been affected by substance use in their lives. That broader sense of community makes a real difference.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

Sync offers activities beyond the typical “meeting and diner” routine. It provides opportunities to do meaningful, healthy things—often with family included. That’s really important to me, because I want to spend time with my family while also supporting my recovery.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

A friend introduced me to Sync, and I was immediately drawn to the variety of activities. It felt like a great way to connect with others while doing things I enjoy.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

I really appreciate the variety—there’s something for everyone. For me, Sync also helps remove the stigma around recovery. It shows that there’s nothing “wrong” with us—we’re people who have faced challenges, like so many others.

What Sync puts out into the world is that we can still have fun, come together, and be part of a healthy, supportive community—and that’s incredibly meaningful.

Tara Calderbank

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my life in a very positive way—not just my recovery, but my whole life. Even after decades in recovery, Sync introduced me to new experiences and opportunities I never would have explored otherwise.

Through Sync, I discovered things about myself—like my love for running and being in nature. I’ve developed new skills and found new passions. It’s truly expanded my world in a meaningful way.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

For me, this community is essential because it allows me to both receive and give back. I’m involved as a participant, volunteer, and board member, and each role gives me a different way to contribute.

Whether it’s facilitating events, supporting programming and advocacy efforts, or helping with overdose prevention initiatives, I’m able to be of service while also growing personally.

At the same time, being part of this community connects me with incredible people who enhance my quality of life. There’s a real sense of reciprocity here—we support one another, learn from one another, and grow together.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

I see Sync as a recovery pathway in itself. While many recovery community organizations exist, Sync is unique in the way it integrates activities, inclusive recovery meetings, and resources into a full lifestyle.

What we offer goes beyond a traditional model—it’s not just something you attend occasionally, it’s something you can truly live. For some people, Sync can be a complementary part of their recovery, but for others, it can serve as their primary pathway.

You don’t have to be part of a specific program to belong here. Sync provides a complete, inclusive approach to recovery, and I think that’s something really important for more people to understand.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

A snow tubing event first introduced me to Sync, something I’ve always wanted to try but never had the opportunity—and from there, I was hooked.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

The connection with the people. The participants, volunteers, and my fellow directors on the board. I have a better quality of life because of the Sync Community.

Scott Fritzinger

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has given me the opportunity to contribute to an organization using a lifetime of skills I’ve built. Now that I’m in retirement, it’s incredibly meaningful to be able to give back in a way that has the potential to improve countless lives.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

For me, it’s essential because I can become complacent when things are going well—settling into routines with meetings, step work, and staying within a familiar circle. Sync gives me the opportunity to keep growing, to branch out, and to stay connected in new and meaningful ways.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

What Sync offers, that I haven’t seen elsewhere, is the ability to explore a wide range of activities alongside others in recovery who are all trying to live their best lives. It creates space to try new things in a supportive and understanding environment.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

It started with Laura Waits reaching out and asking if I could help with the website. One thing led to another, and it’s given me the opportunity to continue my work in communications and graphic design in a way that’s far more meaningful and enjoyable than anything I experienced in my previous career.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

For me, it’s the people. The passion and joy are infectious. When I’m around the Sync community, I can let my guard down and just be myself. I tend to want everything to appear “just fine” on the outside, but being part of Sync allows me to relax, be authentic, and continue to grow—and that’s truly priceless.