January Newsletter!

Bringing Health, Fitness, and Community to Men and Women in Recovery

Hi friends,

January has been a month of reflection, celebration, and big steps forward. As we look back on where Recovery RX began and where we’re headed next, we’re reminded that none of this happens alone. Every milestone this month represents people showing up, believing in recovery, and choosing community.

Here are a few January highlights we’re grateful to share!

Celebrating Milestones & Foundations

On January 7, we celebrated six years since Recovery RX was founded by Chad Belger, born out of brokenness, surrender, and a decision to try sobriety one more time.

Recovery RX didn’t begin from a place of having it all together. It was built in the middle of real struggle, as Chad entered recovery and discovered that lasting change is sustained through accountability, community, and faith. That conviction became the foundation of Recovery RX. What started as a step of obedience has grown into a community rooted in connection, fitness, and support. Six years later, the mission remains the same: recovery thrives in community, and hope is always worth choosing again.

This month also marked one year since the doors of the D. McDougal Men’s House opened on January 17. In just twelve months, the house has become a place of stability and second chances, and where men are learning how to live again through structure, consistency, and shared accountability. Most meaningfully, many of the men in the home have now reached their six-month mark in recovery, a powerful reminder that steady progress is possible.

And on January 28, we honored Chad’s 8-year sobriety anniversary, a living testimony that recovery isn’t about a number, but about choosing connection, service, faith, and accountability one day at a time. His journey reflects the heart of Recovery RX and Comeback Recovery Homes: no one has to do this alone.

Together, these milestones tell one story: faithfulness, perseverance, and community coming together to create lasting change. From the decision to begin, to the homes that now exist, to the lives being transformed inside them, we’re reminded that recovery is possible and hope is real.

Thank you to every person who has walked alongside this mission. The work continues, and this is only the beginning.

Community + Staff Wins

This month was full of meaningful connections and continued learning.

Pam and Joe attended the Lakeview Aftercare Fair on January 21, strengthening relationships and connecting with others committed to long-term recovery support.

Joe also completed his Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) certification, a huge step that strengthens our ability to walk alongside individuals with lived experience, empathy, and professional care.

Pam and Joe attended the Care Connect Corresponding Meeting on January 30, while Kristy and Joe joined the Fellowship Breakfast with the Morning After Group on January 29. These spaces matter. They help us collaborate, listen, and better serve our community.

We’re also looking ahead to the upcoming trauma training Pam has through Eleven22, continuing our commitment to care that is informed, compassionate, and grounded in understanding.

A Big Thank You for Grant Support

We’re incredibly grateful for recent grant support that is helping meet real, immediate needs for the men and women we serve. Comeback Recovery Homes was selected as a $2,000 recipient of a new annual grant from United Way St. Johns and Putnam Counties. This grant was created specifically to support smaller organizations that don’t have the resources for a full financial audit, and we’re honored to be included in its very first year. These funds, arriving in February, will go directly toward resident rent scholarships and food.

We were also honored to receive a $5,000 grant from the Marion County Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Trust Fund. This funding will support alcohol and other drug treatment and education programs based in Marion County, helping expand access to recovery-focused resources in the community.

We’re deeply thankful for the organizations that believe in this work and continue to invest in recovery, stability, and second chances.

D. McDougal Men’s House Wins & Gratitude

One of the biggest blessings this month was the completion of the men’s shed, made possible by HBC Construction Inc. Their generosity and hands-on support have given the men's home a functional storage space. If you’re able, give them a follow and show them some love; they’ve shown up for us in a big way.

On another note, there’s something special about a home-cooked meal shared around the table. This week, the men’s house was blessed with meat donated by Matt and Tara, turning a simple chili night into one filled with warmth, nourishment, and community. We’re so grateful for their generosity.

We’ve shared the Men’s House Chili Recipe below for anyone who wants to try it at home, an easy, crowd-friendly favorite.

Thank you, Matt and Tara, for blessing our home!

Chili Recipe Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

•1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)

• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained

• 3 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp oregano

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp coriander

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• ¼ tsp cayenne

*can always add extra & different beans

Big Update: The Women’s House of Hope

We’re excited to share that we are officially under contract , and the  in February. We’re incredibly grateful for every prayer, donation, and conversation that helped bring this vision to life.  Especially thankful for our friend and realtor, Yvonne Glines, whose guidance, advocacy, and heart for this mission helped make this next step possible.

We’re also thankful for three recent unboxings for the women’s home, including two generous gifts from Tony and Cheryl Gillann and one anonymous donor. Each gift is a reminder that women entering recovery are not alone.

If you’ve asked how to help, the answer is simple: help us create a home. We’re collecting small kitchen appliances, electronics, and household essentials through our Amazon Wish List, with items shipping directly to us. Every item matters. Every gift helps build dignity, stability, and hope.

Thank you for being part of this next step.

Join Us: Sober Saturdays & Ways to Support

This past weekend, we kicked off another Sober Saturday at CrossFit 904, and it was everything we love about this community. The room was full of energy, encouragement, and people showing up exactly as they are, moving their bodies, supporting one another, and choosing connection.

Whether participants were in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about building healthier habits, the workout created space for real conversation and shared effort. These mornings remind us that recovery doesn’t have to be isolating; it can be active, joyful, and rooted in community. We’re deeply grateful to CrossFit 904 for continuing to open their doors and partner with us in creating safe, welcoming spaces where recovery is supported and celebrated.

Upcoming Sober Saturdays

If you’re looking for a tangible way to support the mission, we’d love to invite you to join us at one of our upcoming Sober Saturdays. These gatherings are open, welcoming to all levels, and centered on movement, connection, and community.

• February 14 – Yoga at Bozard Ford Employee Gym, 10:00 AM494 Prime Outlets Blvd, St. Augustine, FL

• February 28 – Iron Legion, 9:00 AM217 SE 1st Avenue, Suite #100, Ocala, FL

January reminded us that recovery is built through consistency, community, and care. From anniversaries to certifications, meetings to meals, and homes opening to hands helping, every step matters.

Thank you for believing in second chances, showing up in practical ways, and walking this journey with us!

With gratitude, joy, and love,

The Recovery RX + Comeback Recovery Homes Family