Michigan Connects

04/24/2026

I am so proud of Eddie, this is much deserved recognition. He has already overcome so much in his recovery. So much loss, grief, and severe medical issues that would have broken most people. But he has persevered and uses his voice to help others on a daily basis.

04/21/2026

I think a lot of people need to hear this. Especially in early recovery, having trouble setting boundaries and running yourself into the ground trying to please other people can take a toll.

04/21/2026

After I drop my daughter off at school, sometimes I pass the Ingham County Jail transport van on US127, surely on their way to take inmates to court. I remember being in that van dozens of times, as some of the worst days in that jail were court days. It serves as a reminder of how far I have come and how grateful I am to be a father.

From riding in shackles in the jail van, to driving my daughter to school in the morning, a lot has changed in those drives down US127.

04/17/2026

I know Jarrod Barron and can’t even begin to describe how big of a deal this is. This is what recovery looks like! I have known Jarrod for well over a decade and the entire time he has been working towards this, so to see him finally have all his hard work pay off is simply amazing.

From living under a bridge in Lansing to standing in a courtroom reclaiming his law license, Jarrod Barron’s story is the definition of resilience.

Addiction took everything from him. But with support, accountability, and a commitment to change, he rebuilt his life brick by brick. Today, he’s not only back in the courtroom, he’s helping others find their way out, too.

“There is hope and there is help.”

A powerful reminder: recovery is possible, and no one has to do it alone. ❤️

Story link in comments.👇

04/14/2026

Working in the recovery field, not many things are better than witnessing someone get their joy back after going through hell. It is one of life’s greatest blessings to see a person in early recovery start to smile.

04/13/2026

Staff Spotlight! 💡 Meet David E.- He is a Peer Recovery Coach who has been with us for over a year and has made his mark with helping to provide valuable tools and resources to each one of his clients. He takes his time to listen to their concerns and needs and ensures that they receive the best quality support and services they deserve. He has also been our front line transportation manager and is managing the coming and goings of many clients. We appreciate his commitment and dedication to the efforts he puts in to each and every person he works with at Pinnacle. Thank you David! 💜💥🙂

04/06/2026

Open bonfire meeting tonight at 7 PM at Pinnacle Recovery Services. This is going to be held every Monday.

Tonight- OPEN MEETING at 7 pm! Bring a chair and your recovery and join us at Pinnacle!

03/22/2026

Heartbreaking news: Charles has sadly passed away. I just saw him a week or so ago and he was looking so happy; he said he was helping his church open up a treatment program. Charles was very giving and often helped out new clients without expecting anything in return. This is a tough one, but Charles was a believer and talked about Jesus a lot. I know where he’s at ❤️

Charles K has been sober since 3/15/25 and is starting to create a new life for himself and his children. New to Lansing, he recently completed his sober living program at Pinnacle and got into his own place. He now works at Mount Hope Church and is quick to help out any person needing help or wanting to go to church. A couple weeks ago, a new guy at Pinnacle wanted to know of any churches within walking distance. I asked Charles for advice and he came over within 15 minutes to lend a hand. I am writing a story on Charles but wanted to send a shoutout message to him on my page because he deserves so much respect for being willing to share his story. I am so proud of you Charles.

03/21/2026

3 days ago the Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill banning the sale and use of kratom. The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), will need to be passed by the state senate and signed by Gov. Whitmer to take effect. The bill passed 56-48 in the state house and would make the use of kratom and kratom variants a misdemeanor, with up to a year in jail and $20,000 in fines. Here is what the bill states:
“A person shall not grow, synthesize, sell, offer to sell, give, import, or distribute kratom or a synthetic variant of kratom.”

03/21/2026

A faith-based program at Rivers of Life Church is helping people recover from addiction, divorce, abuse, and other trauma by pairing them with a community focused on accountability and mutual support. WILX Ann Emmerich shows us how Remarkable is helping people grow:

12/12/2025

I remember being up all night on a bender, when 6 or 7 AM came and people were getting ready to go to work while I was taking my last hits, it was the most depressing feeling. You feel like you are living in a different dimension than “normal” people.

12/12/2025

In the Q3 reports of Ingham County drug deaths, a 25-year old passed away from a combination of alcohol and 7-hydroxymitragynine, otherwise known as 7-OH or “gas station heroin” in the media. It’s mind boggling that 7-OH is legal to buy at stores all around our communities. It is an alkaloid found in Kratom that some say can be 20 times more potent than morphine. Unfortunately, until it is banned in Michigan, I believe we will start seeing more deaths from this. As a former opioid user, I am glad this wasn’t around when I was in my active addiction because this is too easy to get!