Volunteers For Recovery

01/26/2026

You already carry the weight of people’s lives.
Certification just makes sure you don’t carry it alone.

TN-ARR aligns your home with nationally recognized standards, a statewide network, and real operational support.

01/26/2026

If you operate recovery housing in Tennessee, this is your room.



Learn more at tnarr.org.

01/06/2026

I’ve seen something in the recovery world that most people don’t fully understand unless they’ve been close to it.

People in recovery show up for strangers like they’re family.

No hesitation. No background check. No “who are you to me?” Someone says they’re struggling, and within minutes — minutes — twenty people are there. Commenting. Calling. Messaging. Saying, “I’ve been there. Stay. Breathe. You’re not alone.”

That kind of support doesn’t wait for permission.
It doesn’t ask if it’s convenient.
It doesn’t care about ego or image.

It just shows up.

And that’s powerful, because it’s not performative. It’s not about looking good or being praised. It’s about survival. People who’ve been to the edge recognize the sound of someone slipping. They know what it costs to stay silent. They know how close one moment can be to a life-changing decision.

So they respond.

Recovery strips people down to what actually matters. It teaches you that connection isn’t optional — it’s oxygen. When you’ve been saved by someone picking up the phone at the right time, you don’t ignore that call when it comes from someone else.

That’s why the recovery community moves the way it does.

No gatekeeping.
No hierarchy.
No “figure it out on your own.”

Just humans helping humans stay alive.

And here’s the thing — that kind of community isn’t weak. It’s disciplined. It’s forged in pain. It’s built by people who know what it feels like to be invisible and refuse to let someone else feel that way.

In a world where most people scroll past suffering, recovery shows us what it looks like to lean in.

To say, “I don’t know you, but I know this feeling.”

And sometimes, that’s the difference between someone making it through the night or not.

That’s not just support. That’s love in action.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas Eve! Tomorrow we will celebrate, and give every VFR client a Christmas some have never had, and others will not forget! As far as tonight is concerned, I don’t care if I ever see another roll of wrapping paper or red gift bags for a long time! Well…at least until next year!

12/22/2025

Does God exist? If so who is he?

12/22/2025

I started wrapping the gifts for the girls in our supportive permanent home at 8:00 this morning, Fleetwood. Made plans to take them over at 7:00 this evening. Sometime around 5 I got so sick out of nowhere. No forewarning 🤦‍♀️I was so bummed that this was going to interfere with our plans. Then the girls suggested they could come here! Seeing the smiles on their faces was amazing. One of them asked for one thing and one thing bc only, a piano. So, that’s exactly what she got! Along with some of mons sunglasses that she sent up for them.

I guess it is officially Christmas! I am so grateful for each of you. Thank you so much for helping me make this evening happen. If was so good to see each of you and I love you all dearly. Thank you for trusting in VFR during your first year of recovery, and then Fleetwood for you long term permanent supportive housing! Some of yall could have chosen anywhere to continue your recovery, but you chose us!

12/21/2025

When standards are disconnected from lived experience, risk increases.
Effective standards are grounded in real environments and real people.

12/21/2025

What a beautiful night! We took the women’s program to Aspire park for the Christmas lights walk. Nothing sweeter than some hot chocolate while walking through the beautiful lights!

12/17/2025

Now THIS is a great read! Y’all better get certified, if not you’re gonna get left in the dust! If you can’t get certified for whatever reason, then you better change the housing conditions you provide so you can.

As Tennessee prepares for a major statutory shift on January 1, 2026, the recovery housing field is entering a new era of legal recognition and scrutiny. State law will redefine what constitutes a “recovery residence,” setting the stage for how recovery residences are regulated, protected, and u...

12/15/2025

There’s a reason we feel like we do early on.

12/14/2025

Number 1, policies and procedures. Not just fly by night!

Standards aren’t the enemy.
They’re the upgrade.