Mockingbird Hill Aspire

12/31/2025

The gift of recovery is continuous. Every day presents a new opportunity to experience gratitude, joy and pride in one’s recovery. 💗🥰💝

“To anyone who struggles with addiction, please know you are not your mistakes,” says Team Lead - Peer Recovery Specialist Sara Grady. “Tomorrow is a new day, and there is so much life ahead of you not defined by addiction but instead by your resilience. Protect your space, count the small wins, and lean on the people who want to see you succeed.”

12/29/2025

“The holidays are truly a time to be grateful,” says Community Health Worker and Macy Driver Michael Burke. 🥰🎄💖

“The realization that others want me present today and to be involved in their lives brings a sense of peace and joy that used to be unimaginable. The ability to forgive and be forgiven, to let go, would not be possible without being active in my recovery. Accepting help is the first step; we all deserve better.”

12/26/2025

The intersection of recovery and the holidays can be filled with difficult moments and choices, but it can also be filled with a deep sense of gratitude. ❤️🫶🎁💝

“I know, for many, the holidays can lead to isolation and suffering,” says Aspire Senior Vice President of Addiction Recovery Services Darrell Mitchell. “Early in my recovery, when I was hopeless and in pain, I experienced love and kindness from strangers. They didn’t expect anything from me in return — other than paying it forward. I had no idea they were showing me how to live a peaceful, purposeful life. For that I will be forever grateful. Today, gratitude and service to others are deeply linked daily practices. It truly is the gift that continues to give.”

12/23/2025

The gift of recovery is about experiencing the present moment — connection to loved ones, connection to the community, and connection to recovery is powerful and can be heightened during the holiday season. ❤️🫶🥰💝🎁

“Recovery has a very special place in my heart this time of year,” says Aspire Medical Director of Addictions Services Dr. James Meacham. “I have a clear understanding of the pain that comes at this time of year as a result of loss and also the pain that comes with watching another continue to struggle. As we walk through the coming days of the holiday season with those we serve, I am grateful to be part of a team at Aspire that shows up every day to help someone find their way or deal with whatever they show up with.”

Happy Holidays!

12/23/2025

Mockingbird Hill’s annual holiday lunch recently brought residents, staff, friends and supporters together to celebrate a shared sense of community rooted in connection, gratitude and reflection.

“For many of our residents, this time of year can be emotionally challenging. Being away from family, rebuilding relationships, or navigating personal struggles can make the season feel isolating,” says Clinical Manager Ashleigh Smith. “Our lunch creates a space where no one has to feel alone, and where Aspire staff and residents can enjoy a meal, laugh together, and feel supported. We do this because community matters. It means a lot to our residents and staff to share a moment of comfort, normalcy and belonging.”

It is a reminder that healing is strengthened through connection — and no one has to face their recovery journey alone.

12/18/2025

Recovery Rising, December Issue

We want to celebrate the strengths and successes of people in recovery who are working every day to put their lives back together and overcome the specter of addiction. 🥰❤️🫶

In this month's newsletter:
⦁ The Gift of Recovery
⦁ Mockingbird Hill Holiday Lunch
⦁ Supporting Neighbors in Hancock County
⦁ Join Our Addictions Services Team

Click here to read the December issue: https://www.mockingbirdhill.org/blog-post/recovery-rising-december-2025

We want to celebrate the strengths and successes of people in recovery who are working every day to put their lives back together and overcome the specter of addiction.

12/12/2025

Aspire's behavioral health and recovery services staff represented Aspire at The Indiana Mental Health and Addiction Symposium, where Aspire Peer Team Lead Felicia Hester and Senior Director of Addiction Services Macy Kootz were both nominated for "Heroes for Recovery" awards! 🥰🎉❤️

Left to right: Lesley Chodkowski, Shannon Adams, Eliot Severeid, Elizabeth Steuer, Brittney Wheeler, Shelby Stanton, Katie Dalton, Macy Kootz, Ashleigh Smith, Nicole Felten

12/11/2025

Aspire's Progress House recently welcomed residents into its second of two properties offering Level II programming, completing an expansion that includes 36 Level II program beds located at five sites. Level II is the step of recovery care that bridges the gap from a very structured recovery residence to independent living.

“The addiction services market has a dire need for structured Level II programs built on the foundation of a 12-step recovery program with a focus on the development of life skills,” says Aspire Director of Recovery Support Services Eliot Severeid.

This expansion allows individuals to transition from formal support at Progress House, surrounded by structure and accountability, to more informal community support. https://www.aspireindiana.org/residential-treatment

12/08/2025

Happy 64th Anniversary, Progress House!

It all started in December 1961 in a small house in the 2000 block of North New Jersey Street, with barely enough room for 10 men. Progress House later moved to 1703 Talbot Street and then again in 1969 to 14 North Highland, where it would remain for the next 32 years.

In November 2001, Progress House moved to its present location at 201 Shelby Street, just one mile from downtown Indianapolis.

Today, Progress House can serve just under 100 men on its Indianapolis campus and was the first recovery residence in the country to receive the Recovery Innovation Challenge Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recognizing Progress House's remarkable journey.

12/02/2025

Compassion leads us to where help is needed most. ❤️🥰🫶

On this GivingTuesday, and every day, you have many options in how you spend and invest your dollars. We hope you will invest in the lives of our Indiana neighbors — in something that will make a difference in our community. By giving to Aspire Indiana Health, you'll be doing just that!

Invest in our community by supporting vulnerable Hoosiers today. We need your help… and appreciate anything you can do!

Give today: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/VSj8ag?vid=1n8fom

11/19/2025

Recovery Rising, November Issue

We want to celebrate the strengths and successes of people in recovery who are working every day to put their lives back together and overcome the specter of addiction. 🥰💗❤️

In this month's newsletter:
⦁ A Collaborative Effort: Aspire & Progress House Merger
⦁ Progress House Level II Expansion
⦁ Marion County Conference on Reentry
⦁ Join Our Addictions Services Team

Click here to read the November issue: https://www.mockingbirdhill.org/blog-post/recovery-rising-november-2025

11/12/2025

🧣 Help Keep Our Guys Warm This Winter 🧥

As the cold weather approaches, we’re asking for help collecting winter clothing donations for the men here at Mockingbird Hill. Our residents are working hard every day to rebuild their lives in treatment and recovery, and having warm coats, gloves, sweaters, pants, hats, and boots makes a world of difference as they take those next steps forward.

If you’d like to contribute gently used or new winter items, donations can be dropped off at Mockingbird Hill or send us a message and we’d be happy to coordinate a pick up.

Thank you for helping keep our guys warm, safe, and encouraged this season 🩵