12/05/2025
It has been a little over a month since this tragedy, and it has been a rollercoaster of emotions for many of us.
https://gofund.me/c26d0ba1a
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to every single person who has donated, shared, or prayed for Reece's family and for the men at Stepping Stones of Atlanta Recovery Residence.
Because of you, every penny raised in Reece’s memory has gone straight to the guys who need it most. Here’s what your generosity has already done:
✔ Fully covered 7 clients’ rent and recovery expenses for a month, which is $1200. (I waived all intake fees for new guys, few pictures uploaded)
✔ 3 clients who were behind on fees are now completely current. Few needed food, so got Kroger giftcards
✔ Hosted a special dinner with the Stepping Stones guys to honor Reece (and yes…unfortunately GoFundMe did take their $650 cut)
Renee (Reece’s mom) and her husband recently visited and got to meet some of the men whose lives are being changed because of her son. She saw firsthand the impact Reece is STILL having. That moment meant everything.
The holidays are the hardest stretch of the year in recovery. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, I don’t take a single day off. Some guys go home and face triggers and strained family relationships. Others stay here with me, because this is the only safe, sober family they have. (I haven’t spent a holiday with my own mom since I opened Stepping Stones, but being here for these men is exactly where I’m supposed to be.)
This year, Renee and I decided every current resident will get a Christmas giftcard to Chikfila with some funds she gave me when she met the guys. Many of these men haven’t celebrated Christmas in years, and for several this will be their very first sober Christmas. Reece loved food more than almost anything, so we want to make this day special and delicious in his honor of him.
Here’s where we are right now:
About 12 guys will be staying here on Christmas Day. We’ll have the TV on (sports all day, of course), but we’d love to give them an amazing holiday meal and small gift bag.
You guys have already done plenty and these guys now have a shot at life again. If you’re able to help in any way, that would be amazing. I'm not asking necessarily for money to go and buy food, but any connections, ideas, etc. For example, if you have an old Honey Baked Ham gift card laying around (or any restaurant/grocery gift cards), we can put them to use. You can mail them via email (steppingstonesofatlanta@gmail.com ) or if you Google Stepping Stones of Atlanta, can send to the address ( 5953 Krim Drive, Norcross, GA 30093).
Renee and her family really helped my guys during Thanksgiving. Some said it was the best Thanksgiving they have had (def the best turkey )
I will be looking for other items to toss in gift bags such as toiletries etc. Oddly enough, 2022 a friend had like 50 things of every toiletry and we made the clients a nice little gift bag. No need to spend money, but for some odd reason you have 25 items of something they could use, please let me know.
You can reach me directly: steppingstonesofatlanta@gmail.com
or my cell
678-668-3436
We’re also planning to volunteer at a homeless shelter on or around Christmas Eve (just like we did in 2018 when we handed out 150 Subway gift cards to people on the street, a memory the guys still talk about).
To everyone who has already given, my clients and I are so grateful and no words can express our appreciation. Many of them are professional landscapers, electricians, carpenters, pool cleaners and renovation experts. If you ever need work done, they would love to pay it forward, free of charge.
I’m also about to launch www.mysoberfriend.com (on-demand drug testing, sober companions, and recovery coaching). For anyone who has supported this campaign in Reece’s memory, these services will always be 100% free for you or your loved ones. Unfortunately the treatment industry is filled with really bad places, but their are some great ones. Luckily, I have been doing this since 2012 and know the best of the best.
I also would like to compile a list of people who have loved ones who have struggled with addiction, to share your experience with peoole who call and just need guidance.
Lastly… this Christmas will be especially heavy for Reece’s family and for the men here who loved him. I know we will be honoring him during these holidays.
Thank you, God bless you, and Merry Christmas.
We love y’all.
– The Stepping Stones of Atlanta Family
(In Memory of Reece Hollis)
Chris
678-668-3426
Www.Steppingstonesofatl.com
www.MySoberFriend.com
