“I’m Having Fun in Recovery”: Recovery Cookout Provides Support and Celebration to Residents in Recovery

On a September afternoon in the lush, expansive courtyard at Joyce’s Place, groups of people gathered at picnic tables, laughing over plates full of fresh fruit and barbecue. A DJ played classic dance songs from the 90s and 2000s, and a small crowd formed when “Wobble Baby” started playing. They performed the steps with such energy and exuberance, it looked like they’d rehearsed for days. Music and laughter filled the air, carried by the refreshing breeze of the changing season. It was a classic end-of-summer cookout—but for the Project HOME community, it held a special meaning.

For more than a decade, Project HOME has hosted a summertime recovery celebration. Since 2024, the Recovery Cookout has been held in September in honor of National Recovery Month—a time to raise awareness about and celebrate the journeys of people in recovery from substance abuse and mental health issues.

“A lot of people in recovery and people with a substance abuse background—being in recovery myself—you never have a chance to really have fun, because most places you go, people are drinking and doing whatever they do,” said Victor, a former Project HOME resident and current Program Manager who helped conceive the cookout. “That’s what this is all based on—coming up with an idea where people in recovery can get together, support each other and enjoy themselves on their journey.”

Victor worked with his case manager to create the first “Celebration of Recovery” at Hope Haven in June 2015, just a year after he became a resident. The event quickly gained popularity with other residents, growing and moving locations to St. Elizabeth's Recovery Residence (SERR).  

In 2024, Program Manager Margaret Spiller approached Victor about further expanding the event, moving it to September to coincide with National Recovery Month, and hosting it in the spacious and picturesque garden at Joyce’s Place, where it’s been held for the past two years. The move not only allowed the event to grow in size—the new location also provided a welcoming environment for the festivities.

“It really helps people feel at home. It reminds you of just hanging out in your backyard,” Margaret said. “The music, the food—it’s just an enjoyable time. It reminds me of community. It reminds me of family.”

That sense of comfort and familiarity is a key part of the event. Project HOME resident Ava has regularly attended various Project HOME events, but the cookout is her favorite—she has attended every single one since she first moved into SERR in 2022.

“It’s real fun to get to meet different people. It’s good fellowship,” she said. “We’re all a big family at Project HOME.”

While Project HOME hosts a variety of events in observance of National Recovery Month, the cookout stands out for its celebratory nature. Several attendees emphasized how important it is to have a space for joy and levity within recovery.

“I used to get high and party but now I’m clean and sober and this is what I do. I party at Project HOME sober,” said Stanley, a Project HOME resident who celebrated 19 years of sobriety this year. “It’s a beautiful thing, being in recovery and being in Project HOME. I’m having fun in recovery.”

The fun is hard-earned—not only is it a celebration of the work residents have done on their own recovery journeys, but it’s also a reflection of the connections they’ve made, and the support they provide each other—as neighbors, friends, and leaders within the Project HOME community. Stanley serves on the Resident Advisory Board at Francis House of Peace (FHOP) and is running for the tenant council. He also facilitates and hosts a weekly recovery group at Peg’s Place, a role that is as inspiring for him as it is for attendees.

“It feels good helping other people in recovery,” he said. “It helps me stay clean.”

The Recovery Cookout aims to foster the connections that allow residents to support each other. Throughout the event, Project HOME staff borrowed the microphone from the DJ to recognize residents for hitting milestones in their recovery.

“It gives people hopes and dreams and aspirations,” said Margaret. “It also allows them to connect. Maybe that person can support them through their recovery.”

Project HOME President and CEO Donna Bullock said that approach to recovery and community building is a key element of Project HOME’s vision.

“It’s inspiring to see so many of our residents share their stories of recovery,” said Donna. “That support and that pouring into each other is what makes our beloved community so special.”

For Victor, seeing the event become such a significant and meaningful part of the Project HOME community has been impactful.

“This was just an idea that came from my trauma that I lived through,” he said. “I lived in a dark place for so long, to do something like this and help bring people together is a great feeling. It put me in a position to provide the same help that I got. I’ve come full circle.”