THE SUBSTANCE Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration designates Aug. 27 to Sept. 2 as Overdose Awareness Week. However, the pervasive threat of overdose confronts many local community members, neighbors, and family members daily. The community is committed to proactively tackling the challenges affecting its residents. One noteworthy initiative born in this charming town is the Mosaic Men’s Recovery program.
The driving force behind Mosaic Men’s Recovery program is personal experience. A shared recovery journey between the founders, Kenny Green and Stephen Mason, underpins their compassion for those seeking recovery. Their understanding of struggles, failures, and the arduous path to sobriety fuels an unparalleled empathy for those seeking redemption.
“We always had a passion for recovery since we got sober,” Stephen Mason shared, reflecting on the genesis of the program.
Both founders are not just advocates; they are living proof that recovery is possible. The program they built is firmly rooted in their Christian faith, believing that “God doesn’t just save people from things; He saves them for things.”
Mosaic Men’s Recovery stands out in its mission to provide donor-funded residential recovery programs. Their goal is to help those without insurance, eliminating barriers often hindering access to quality recovery services.
Mason, drawing from his experience as an overdose prevention specialist, witnessed the alarming rise in overdose deaths. This pressing need fueled their passion to create a refuge for those seeking recovery.
The center of the program lies not only in its founders’ dedication but also in the principles they instill in the program. Surrender, their most significant fundamental principle, encourages individuals to let go of old thinking and destructive habits, paving the way for lasting change.
“We’re Christ-centered. Biblical principles are our foundation 100%. And surrender is the biggest principle that we teach that helps our men accomplish what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Mason reflected on his own recovery journey, quoting Thomas Edison: “I have not failed 10,000 times — I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.”
Mosaic’s approach is shaped by the understanding that compassion is deeper when one has walked in the same shoes.
“You hardly ever get compassion fatigue if you’ve been in the person’s shoes. When people do things that just don’t make any sense whatsoever, we know they’re being driven by a compulsive obsession to use drugs and alcohol, knowing this helps us serve them better.”
The program ensures accountability, transparency, and a commitment to guiding individuals toward a life of sobriety and purpose.
Mosaic Men’s Recovery weaves faith into its pursuits through Bible studies, worship sessions, and support from local churches. It goes beyond clinical aspects, creating an environment where men can rebuild their lives, reconnect with their families, and discover their intended roles within the community.
Stephen Mason beamed with pride as he shared success stories like Joey Smith and Cole Graham, individuals who emerged from the depths of addiction to become pillars of their communities. These stories are the living proof of Mosaic’s impact on men’s lives, restoring families and rewriting destinies.
The community engagement initiative Mosaic Men’s Recovery undertook plays a crucial role in destigmatizing men’s mental health and seeking help. By encouraging participants to contribute to community projects, Mosaic dismantles stereotypes surrounding addiction and demonstrates that recovery is not just about personal transformation but community betterment.
As Mosaic Men’s Recovery celebrates its fourth anniversary, the proof of its efficacy is in more than mere numbers; it’s in the statistics. With a rate of less than 5%, Mosaic stands out in an environment where relapse is a persistent challenge.
The program’s success is measured by statistics and the lives it transforms. A remarkable 70% of participants are sober, employed, and plugged into a local church. Over half of them actively serve in recovery-related initiatives, paying forward the gift of sobriety.
The story of this life-changing initiative fills those involved with resilience, redemption, and the firm belief that every person, regardless of their past, can find hope and healing. As their story continues to unfold in the lives of many, it is a call to action, an invitation for everyone to be part of a journey that decreases addiction, rebuilding lives one mosaic piece at a time. GN
