Seven Years of Healing, Hope, and Heart
On September 1st, 2025, TRC will celebrate a milestone that fills my heart with immense gratitude – seven years of owning and operating our treatment facility. What began as a vision rooted in hope and a belief that recovery is possible, for anyone that wants it, has grown into a thriving community of healing, resilience, and transformation. Oh, what a journey it has been!
The Journey
Seven years ago, when my best friend, Julie Judy, and I opened our doors, our mission was simple yet profound. We wanted to create a safe place for women struggling with substance use could find safety, dignity, and the tools they need to reclaim their lives. Like recovery itself, the journey has not always been easy. In fact, it has rarely been easy. There have been challenges, late nights, tough decisions, and moments that tested my strength. But there have also been countless breakthroughs, celebrations of progress, and stories of resilience that reminds me why this work matters.
The Real Meaning of the Name
The Recovery Connection is the name of our treatment facility. Julie and I had no idea when we came up with the name, that the clients and the community would refer to our organization as “TRC.” It’s shorter, easier to say, and makes complete sense now! The organization was named The Recovery Connection because we believe that the opposite of addiction, is not sobriety or recovery, the opposite of addiction is connection. Addiction is an isolating disease. Without, meaningful and authentic connections, recovery and healing is not possible. For those of you that do not know, TRC also has another meaning. The TRC acronym also represents our children, “T” is for Tyler (Julie’s son), “R” is for Rylee (Julie’s daughter), and “C” is for Caroline (my daughter). TRC gives both Julie and I purpose, and so do our amazing and resilient children who have been along for the ride with us for the past seven years.
The Special Humans Who Made It Possible
No treatment facility thrives without its people. Our direct care team, clinicians, medical team, directors, business partners, and every member of our support team have poured their hearts into this mission. They are the often the unsung heroes who walk, alongside our clients during their hardest days, offering compassion, accountability, structure, encouragement, and love. This anniversary is as much about them as it about the organization itself.
Our Clients, Our Why
At the core of this anniversary are the hundreds of clients who have entrusted us with their recovery journey. Each story is unique, but all share a common thread of courage. Each story matters. Each client is worthy of living a purpose filled life in recovery. I’ve witnessed women rediscover their self-worth, become productive members of society, and step into lives they once thought were out of reach. Their resilience continues to inspire me daily.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Seven years is significant-it’s long enough to reflect on growth, but also a reminder there is so much more work to do. As I celebrate this milestone, I also recommit to the vision, mission, and core values of TRC. We’ve made it past the “seven-year itch” and I am grateful that I kept showing up, no matter what.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our staff, clients, families, partners, and community-you are the reason we can celebrate seven years. Thank you for believing in us, even when we did not believe in ourselves. Thank you for the encouragement and believing in the possibility of recovery and for walking this path with us.
Here’s to seven years of healing, to the lives that have been changed, and to the families that have been restored. I am filled with love and gratitude for the journey.
Meredith Speir-Cavalier
