UC Recovery

04/10/2026

Congratulations, David! 💙

We are so proud of you and grateful to walk alongside you on your recovery journey. Your strength and commitment inspire us every day.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. Our UC Recovery Team is here to help. Call us at (931) 255-2238 or learn more about available resources at https://uchra.org/ucrecovery/

04/10/2026

COMPASSION FIRST
COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT
Friday, April 24, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
224 Garrett Avenue Cookeville, TN 38501
FREE HELP AVAILABLE:
• Meals
• Case Management
• Housing Assistance
• Support Services
COME HUNGRY — WE’RE HERE TO HELP
CONTACT:
Male: (931) 303-8548
Female: (931) 510-9775
MORE INFO:
facebook.com/RKServe

04/08/2026

Every community is asking the same question right now:
Where do we find reliable workers?

Part of the answer is right in front of us.

Individuals in recovery bring:
• Resilience
• A deep commitment to change
• A readiness for opportunity

What they need are strong support systems to help them take that next step.

Programs like UC Recovery Connect are showing what’s possible. When we invest in recovery infrastructure, we’re not just helping individuals rebuild their lives—we’re creating a pipeline of dedicated, capable people ready to contribute to our workforce.

Recovery isn’t a cost. It’s a workforce strategy.

04/06/2026

At some point, trying to do it alone just stops working.

You tell yourself you’ve got it.
You try to manage it.
You try to push through.

But the weight doesn’t lift.

You weren’t meant to carry this by yourself.

Restored is a place where people come as they are and take that next step—together.

If you’re still fighting, you’re not disqualified.

Come sit with us tomorrow.

Tuesdays | 6PM | Door C | The River Community Church – Cookeville

04/06/2026

✨Meet Our Certified Peer Recovery Specialists!✨

Meet Amanda Warden, Fentress County CPRS

Here’s a little Q&A to get to know Amanda better!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
A: I’m originally from Jamestown, Tennessee, but I was raised in a mining family, which meant moving frequently and spending much of my childhood across the West Coast.

Q: What was your path to the UC Recovery Team?
A: I earned my CPRS certification in 2022 while continuing my role as a manager at Taco Bell, all while staying hopeful and praying that the right opportunity would come along—which ultimately led me to the UC Recovery Team.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this specific role?
A: Finding recovery after a 20 year battle of addiction, I want to help others find their way to the same level of hope and healing I’ve found.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this milestone?
A: I’m incredibly grateful for the community that surrounds me—those who continuously encourage me to grow, hold me accountable, and push me to be the best version of myself, including my colleagues, recovery community, church, the Fentress County community, and my family.

Q: What is your goal with this chapter?
A: My goal is to continue helping individuals find their way out of addiction by guiding them through early recovery and breaking down the barriers that stand in their way.

Thank you, Amanda, for your dedication and hard work. We’re grateful to have you on our team and truly appreciate all you do! 👏💙

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. Our UC Recovery Team is here to help. Call us at (931) 255-2238 or learn more about available resources at https://uchra.org/ucrecovery/

04/02/2026

🎙️ New Episode: UC Recovery Podcast

In the latest episode of the UC Recovery Podcast, Ryan Henry sits down with Shane Farris from Volunteer Behavioral Health (VBHCS) to dive into the evolving landscape of mental health and substance use recovery in the Upper Cumberland region.

From shifting approaches to care to the importance of community-based support, this conversation highlights how recovery continues to grow, adapt, and impact lives across our region.

🎧 Watch now:

In this episode of the UC Recovery Podcast, Ryan Henry sits down with Shane Farris from Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System (VBHCS) to discuss the evolvi...

04/01/2026

Recovery isn’t just personal—it’s powerful for our entire community.

When someone finds recovery, they’re not just rebuilding their life—they’re returning to the workforce, supporting their families, and making a meaningful impact right here at home.

In the Upper Cumberland, we’ve seen:
• Hundreds of individuals engaged in recovery
• 97% completing intake
• Continued follow-up and long-term support

This is more than recovery—it’s workforce development in action.

If we want a stronger, healthier workforce, we must continue to invest in recovery.

03/30/2026

✨Meet The Team!✨

Meet Ryan Henry, CPRS Coordinator

Here’s a little Q&A to get to know Ryan better!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
A: I’m originally from Knoxville, TN, and moved to the Upper Cumberland in 2014. For over a decade, I’ve worked in addiction recovery and social services while also serving as a pastor. My own recovery journey drives my passion for helping overlooked individuals find hope and lasting transformation.

Q: What was your path to the UCHRA team?
A:My journey has been shaped by personal recovery, frontline work, and faith. I started by simply showing up—walking alongside others, connecting resources, and building community. Over time, that led to leadership in both ministry and recovery. Joining the UCHRA team is a natural next step to expand that impact.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this specific role?
A: I’ve seen firsthand the impact when systems work together and leadership stays connected to those they serve—both as a recipient and a provider. This role allows me to combine strategy with compassion, building strong systems while keeping people at the center. I’m motivated to create environments where transformation truly happens.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this milestone?
A: I’ve been shaped by men who held me accountable while showing grace and love. They invested in me, shared their wisdom, and gave me opportunities I hadn’t yet earned. Their influence helped me grow as a leader, strengthened my character, and taught me to extend that same balance of truth and grace to others.

Q: What is your goal with this chapter?
A: My goal is simple: build something lasting that truly changes lives. I want to foster a culture of hope and community, where people are part of something bigger and have real opportunities to grow. If we stay mission-focused and people-centered, the impact will follow.

Thank you, Ryan, for your dedication and hard work. We’re grateful to have you on our team and truly appreciate all you do! 👏💙

03/27/2026

Recovery isn’t just about rehabilitation—it’s about habilitation.

UC Recovery focuses on helping individuals build skills, structure, and stability—often for the first time. It’s not just about returning to where someone was, but creating a foundation for where they’re going.

Through services like transportation, housing support, workforce development, and life skills training, UC Recovery is empowering people to move forward with purpose.

A special thank you to Paul Trivette for helping share this important message and highlighting the impact of this work.

This is how lives—and communities—are truly transformed.

03/25/2026

The “New Workforce” 🛠️

Recovery isn’t just about sobriety—it’s about opportunity, stability, and employability.

At UCRC, we believe Structure Creates Employability. Through accountability, daily routines, and real-world expectations, individuals in recovery are building the soft skills that today’s workforce demands—showing up on time, staying committed, and managing responsibilities.

And the impact is real.

We’re proud to share that 139 individuals have entered employment or advanced their careers through UCRC.

That’s 139 lives moving forward. 139 contributors to our local economy. 139 success stories that strengthen the Upper Cumberland region.

The Bottom Line: Investing in recovery is investing in our workforce. We’re not just changing lives—we’re building a stronger, more resilient community. 📈

03/23/2026

✨Meet The Team!✨

Meet Tabitha Swafford, Macon County CPRS

Here’s a little Q&A to get to know Tabitha better!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
A: Im a mom of 2 adult kids Drew is 27 and Adrianna is 23. I am from Lafayette but now live in Hartsville. I spend most of my time reading or teaching myself to play guitar. I love music and spending time with friends and family.

Q: What was your path to the UC Recovery team?
A: Honestly, the path I had to take to get here isn't pretty, it is a long story with many twists and turns. The struggle with drugs and alcohol cost me many years of my life as well as many opportunities. But the good news is I was able to overcome that storm and come out a stronger, better version of the person I used to be.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this specific role?
A: A good friend of mine was contacted about a new position with UCHRA as a CPRS (Certified Peer Recovery Specialist) in Macon county and he called me immediately and told me I should apply. As a person in recovery, I knew early on I wanted to help others that struggled with the things I had. I wanted to be the person that I needed but didn’t have back then. Someone to help me navigate all the things that seemed so overwhelming and confusing. Someone to listen and help me find my path.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this milestone?
A: God gets all the glory for what I get to do today. Colby Lane for referring me to UCHRA and Melissa Hoisington for giving me the opportunity to do this job. And to everyone that has worked on this program to get it up and running for us.

Q: What is your goal with this chapter?
A: To make a mark against addiction and help others find their own path to recovery. To continue to build a foundation of recovery resources and community partners so that no one has to do this alone.

Thank you, Tabitha, for your dedication and hard work. We’re grateful to have you on our team and truly appreciate all you do! 👏💙