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Jerrica Lacy’s story is one of heartbreak, healing, and divine intervention. Growing up surrounded by addiction, Jerrica knew drugs and alcohol long before she ever knew peace. Both of her parents battled addiction, and tragedy struck when her father and brother lost their lives to overdoses. Her mother is now in recovery - a living reminder that redemption is possible. Though Jerrica grew up in church, she didn’t know God personally. That changed during one of the darkest moments of her life. Lying in an ICU bed, detoxing from alcohol, she prayed for a sign - and her nurse walked in and said, “God wants you to know that He loves you.” That simple message became the turning point she needed. Years of pain and an abusive relationship had pushed her deep into addiction - a cycle she thought she could never escape. But when she came to VOA Northern Rockies’ Center of Hope in Riverton, everything began to change. Jerrica quickly became a house leader and was later accepted into the organization’s recovery home. Once bitter toward religion, Jerrica found her faith again and rededicated her life to Jesus. Today, she’s pursuing her license as an addiction practitioner - using her story to bring hope to others walking the same road she once did.

Brooke’s story is one of strength, faith, and redemption. Born in Buffalo, Wyoming, to an alcoholic mother and a hardworking but absent father, Brooke’s early years were marked by chaos and pain. Her mother’s abuse led to Brooke being placed on psychiatric medications at a young age. When her parents divorced - her father choosing faith and her mother rejecting it - Brooke was left in her mother’s custody, and the void within her began to grow. Searching for love and belonging, Brooke dropped out of high school and became a mother at just 16. By 22, she faced her first felony charge and a life that seemed destined for heartbreak. But in 2001, Brooke’s path changed - she found salvation and began to rebuild. Her moment of clarity came one day in the back of a police car, when she realized she no longer had to hide who she truly was. From that moment forward, Brooke chose honesty, healing, and faith over fear. Today, Brooke serves alongside her husband, TJ, at VOA Northern Rockies - using her journey to inspire others to believe that no matter how far you’ve fallen, redemption is always within reach.

TJ’s story is one of pain, perseverance, and redemption. His journey into addiction began at just 16 years old. With a devout Christian mother and an alcoholic father, TJ struggled to find his place and identity. Years of instability followed - moving from state to state, battling inner conflict, and facing multiple arrests, suicide attempts, and felony charges. Everything changed after an 18-hour standoff with a federal task force in Colorado - a moment that convinced TJ his life was over. But in jail, a Peer Specialist from VOA Northern Rockies reached out, offering hope and a second chance. After seven months of persistence, TJ entered the program that would transform his life. Through faith, community, and the Native American prayer practice of sweat lodge, he rediscovered God - and himself. Today, TJ is married, thriving in recovery, and working full-time with VOA Northern Rockies, helping others find the same hope that once found him.

Meet Jon Fenderson, our Pastoral Care Coordinator at Booth Hall in Gillette, Wyoming—the only faith-based adult re-entry center in the state. Jon grew up in a Christian home and has a deep heart for discipleship. After serving in a recovery ministry for adolescent boys in Arizona, Jon earned his degree in ministry while working maintenance at a hospital. A family dinner conversation led him to VOA Northern Rockies, and for the past 2½ years, he’s been walking alongside people rebuilding their lives after prison, jail, or parole violations. At Booth Hall, recovery is more than breaking free from drugs or alcohol—it’s about building a solid foundation or restoring what was lost. Jon personally meets every new resident, reminding them they are not alone. In this episode, Jon shares powerful, real-life stories of people who’ve overcome addiction with faith as their anchor.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Joy Copeland was born in Orange County, California, and raised in Texas as the youngest of four daughters. Often feeling out of place, she leaned into humor to stand out and embraced the identity of the “good kid,” hoping it would earn her belonging. Her faith began early—baptized at six and raised around Christianity—but over time, that faith became transactional: “If I’m good, God will give me what I want.” Music became her safe haven. She excelled at the oboe and earned a college scholarship, but once in college, Joy's life began to unravel. She turned to drinking, drugs, and relationships to fill a growing void, all while her mental health declined. After a terrifying rollover accident and hearing the haunting words, “It would’ve been better if you were dead,” Joy realized how far she’d strayed from her path. Her turning point came from an unexpected invitation to a Bible study. A church sign that read “Come as you are” caught her eye—and her heart. Through that church, Celebrate Recovery, and a loving community, she slowly rebuilt her relationship with God and found freedom from shame. The women in recovery reminded her: “That’s not who you are—that’s what you did.” Now serving as the Pastoral Care Coordinator at VOA Northern Rockies, Joy walks alongside others on their recovery journeys. From music scholarships to worship on the chapel keyboard, Joy's story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes God doesn’t kill your dreams—He just rewrites them into something better.

In this powerful episode, we hear from Allen Durham, Business Development team member at VOA Northern Rockies, as he shares his deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and faith. Allen began drinking and using drugs at a young age—it was all around him. What started as fun quickly turned into a 17-year battle that led him through four treatment programs. The final one, at VOA Northern Rockies, came at the recommendation of a prosecuting attorney—and it became the turning point. Raised in church by a faithful mother, Allen drifted far from God during his darkest moments. “I didn’t have hope, love, or faith,” he says. But while sitting alone in a trailer, God met him. That moment changed everything. “Christ touched my soul,” he recalls. Recovery wasn’t easy. Learning to be honest with himself and connect with others took time and daily discipline. Allen shares that what makes a person isn't how far they fall—it's how they rise again. And he continues rising, one day at a time. He reflects on: The lifelong nature of recovery and transformationThe importance of surrendering your whole life, not just parts of itWhy community and environment matter—“Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future”How God uses our weaknesses as strengthFinding hope, purpose, and practical wisdom in faith, especially in the book of James💬 “If you feel like you’re too broken to change—there is hope for you. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it. If you do it as easy, your life will be hard. If you do it as hard, your life will be easy.”

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Satchell, Lead Clinician at our Buffalo Clinic in Wyoming, to explore a topic that touches every part of our lives: trust. Trust forms the foundation of how we connect—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. When it's strong, it acts as a compass. When it's broken, the ripple effects can shake every area of our lives—personally, professionally, and spiritually. Samantha walks us through how trust begins in infancy and continues to shape our relationships and decisions. In the world of recovery, trust can be one of the most difficult—but essential—things to rebuild. Many individuals in recovery are learning to shift their trust from harmful patterns to healthy ones, which takes time, honesty, and self-reflection. We talk about: How broken trust affects our perceptions and motivationsWhy trust has no set timeline for rebuildingHow to own your mistakes and take steps toward restorationThe role of vulnerability and boundaries in trustHow faith and truth help anchor us through the uncertaintySamantha shares her own experiences, tools she’s found helpful—including therapy, spiritual practices, and mindfulness—and the importance of trusting the right people, one step at a time.

Dustin Stephen's journey into ministry and service began unexpectedly. Though not originally planning to pursue ministry, a summer internship as a youth pastor sparked a passion. After serving in the military, he returned to Texas and became involved in youth ministry, eventually leading him and his wife on a mission trip to Nicaragua. This trip deeply influenced them, igniting a calling to international missions. After exploring opportunities, they moved to Haiti, where they served as missionaries for five years, helping lead a large ministry compound. This opportunity aligned almost exactly with a dream Dustin and his wife had privately shared — a testament to their belief in saying “yes” to God’s call. Dustin later moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, through connections made during their early ministry, and eventually joined VOA Northern Rockies. He currently serves as the Director of Mission, guiding the spiritual culture of the organization, supporting staff and volunteers, and championing faith-based care for those in recovery and need. Dustin’s focus is on “helping those who help others.” He sees faith and recovery as deeply intertwined journeys centered on identity, healing, and purpose. As the new host of the VOA Recovery Podcast, he looks forward to leading honest, story-driven conversations that inspire hope and transformation.

Lisa, from Riverton, WY, has struggled with addiction since she was 14, along with an eating disorder. She never acknowledged her problems until her 40s. Adopted at birth, she grew up with religious adoptive parents, but met her biological mother, who had a very different lifestyle. Lisa was active in sports and started drinking with friends, influenced by insecurities about her body and fear of being judged, especially seeing her adoptive brother's obesity. Despite her struggles, she had no one to support her. Her drinking led to 10 DUIs and eventually, prison, which she credits with saving her. At her lowest, Lisa felt isolated and trapped in a lonely existence, believing that was just how life was. Her oldest son hasn't spoken to her in 8 years due to her past decisions, a consequence she accepts. After finding the Gathering Place, Lisa gained hope and direction, which helped her achieve 5 years of sobriety today.

Jason Enstad has lived in Cheyenne, WY for 18 years and is a registered nurse, having previously worked as an EMT. While in nursing school, he worked at multiple detox facilities. Although he started in the ICU, Jason realized it wasn't his true calling. He later took a nursing job at the jail and became more involved in ministry through his church’s men's group, where he helped feed homeless people. One of the most challenging parts of his work was seeing individuals he helped on Sunday end up back in jail by Monday. Drawing from his experience, Jason believes it's important to read people, be attentive to their body language, and show that others care. He acknowledges that often, you plant seeds for others to nurture. Currently enrolled in a seminary master's program, Jason finds the most difficult aspect of his career to be broken relationships, particularly with family and God.

Sarah Langley, originally from Tuscan, Arizona, and later moving to Sheridan, Wyoming, had a childhood filled with anxiety and fear. Growing up in a strict Baptist home, she was taught that alcohol was forbidden, but she first tried it in her younger years with friends and quickly developed a desire for more. Despite her early experiences, Sarah didn't rely on alcohol until later in life, after college, when she entered the food and beverage industry. Her addiction escalated during this time, although she didn't initially identify as an alcoholic, believing that she could quit drinking for months at a time. However, a pattern of broken promises and a series of "God help me" prayers left her feeling spiritually lost, believing she wouldn't be forgiven. Her father had spoken openly with her about drugs during her childhood, but it wasn’t until after attending rehab in 2015 that Sarah began to understand her struggles. Though sober for eight months after rehab, she relapsed when she began tasting wine for her restaurant. It wasn't until she attended a 12-step meeting during a visit to her parents that she found true belonging, feeling connected to others through their vulnerability. This was a turning point for Sarah, as she finally felt she was in the right place. Today, Sarah is sober, meditates daily, and no longer experiences anxiety, having found peace and clarity in her life.

In this powerful episode of the Recovery Podcast, host Nick Angeloff sits down with JR Booker, who shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery. JR opens up about his struggles with gaining trust from others after a turbulent past, including time spent in prison for attempted murder. He recounts the harrowing experience of nearly losing his life due to a brutal beating while incarcerated and the profound impact it had on him. JR discusses the personal tragedies he faced, including the loss of his marriage, and reveals the moment of clarity he experienced when he heard a voice from God guiding him onto a new path. Now, working with VOA’s ministry, JR is committed to helping others navigate their own recovery journeys. Contact Us: For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at [email protected] or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org. Donate to Support: If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support. --- At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast. Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.  Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more. We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.  Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.

In this insightful episode of The Recovery Podcast, presented by VOA Northern Rockies, host Nick Angeloff sits down with Dr. Alison Cook to delve into her latest book, I Shouldn’t Feel This Way. This compelling discussion tackles the struggle of reconciling feelings that don’t align with who you want to be. Dr. Cook’s book provides a roadmap for understanding and navigating conflicting emotions, helping you to: - Tame feelings of false guilt - Trade mental chaos for clarity - Stop numbing your emotions - Make empowering decisions that break cycles of defeat Change begins when you learn to stop being hard on yourself. Discover how to name, tame, and transform your feelings into clear solutions that propel you forward with purpose and confidence. Learn More: To explore more of Dr. Cook’s work, visit her website at www.dralisoncook.com . Don't forget to check out her podcast, The Best of You, where she offers weekly guidance through life’s toughest challenges with wisdom and encouragement.    Contact Us: For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at [email protected] or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org.   Donate to Support: If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support. - - - At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast. Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.  Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more. We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.  Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.

In this powerful episode of The Recovery Podcast, brought to you by VOA Northern Rockies, host Nick Angeloff sits down with Tina Davis, a life-long Christian whose faith was put to the ultimate test after the tragic loss of her son to suicide. Struggling with grief, Tina turned to alcohol as a way to cope, leading her down a dark path. Join us as Tina shares her journey of resilience and healing, revealing how she navigated her pain to rediscover her faith and purpose. Now, she dedicates her life to counseling others who are experiencing similar losses through her church community. Tina’s story of transformation and the unwavering strength that can emerge from even the deepest trauma is truly inspiring.   Contact Us: For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at [email protected] or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org. Donate to Support: If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support. - - - At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast. Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.  Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more. We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.  Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.

Welcome back to The Recovery Podcast, brought to you by VOA Northern Rockies. We have an incredibly inspiring story to share with you. Stephanie Buckstead, a woman who faced the challenges of opioid and alcohol addiction head-on, joins us to tell her story of strength and resilience. Stephanie's journey to recovery was guided by the programs at VOA Northern Rockies, and she'll share the pivotal moments and the support that helped her reclaim her life. Join host Nick Angeloff as he sits down with Stephanie to learn more about her path to healing and the incredible power of recovery. Contact Us: For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at [email protected] or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org. Donate to Support: If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support. - - - At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast. Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.  Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more. We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.  Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.