One Neighbor at a Time

A Message from our Executive Director

“Neighbor is not a geographic term. It is a moral concept.”
— Rabbi Joachim Prinz, speaking at the 1963 March on Washington

As we commemorate Black History Month, we’re reminded that justice and dignity are not abstract ideals — they are defined by how we respond to the people and circumstances we encounter each day. At RecoveryWorks, we often use the phrase “unhoused neighbors” to describe community members experiencing homelessness — language that reflects our belief in each person’s inherent human dignity and our shared responsibility to one another.

Looking ahead, we know the coming year will bring real challenges. With federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds sunsetting and increased competition for limited resources, RecoveryWorks is taking thoughtful steps to strengthen our long‑term sustainability. This includes launching a volunteer program (more on that next month!), reinvesting in our individual giving efforts, and continuing to improve the systems and infrastructure that support our work. We are also completing our strategic plan and annual Impact Report to share how your support makes a difference.

Thanks to all of you who supported RecoveryWorks through our year‑end campaign. Your generosity allows us to keep showing up with consistency, care, and compassion — and to do this work together, grounded in the belief that when we support our neighbors, we all grow.

With gratitude,
James Ginsburg

Movement with Purpose

Run for Recovery · Colfax Marathon 2026

Movement looks different for everyone—and this spring, it looks like miles logged, goals set, and a growing team of runners moving recovery forward.

Our Run for Recovery campaign is underway as part of the 2026 Denver Colfax Marathon, and we’re excited to see community members choosing RecoveryWorks as their Charity Partner! Each runner is raising awareness and critical funds that support housing stability and recovery services across Jeffco and metro Denver.

I’m a new Text block ready for your content.

Whether you’re running a 5k or a Marathon, donating, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re helping make recovery visible—one step at a time.

Help us reach our goal of 25 runners- just six more needed!

Here’s how you can be part of the movement:

Register for any Colfax Marathon race and select RecoveryWorks as your Charity Partner. There’s a race for everyone – 5K, 10-miler, Half-Marathon, Full Marathon & Marathon relay.
Support a runner by donating to their personal fundraising page
Cheer on our runners and follow their journeys on social media

Whether you’re running a 5k or a Marathon, donating, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re helping make recovery visible—one step at a time.

Learn more about Colfax Marathon races & REGISTER HERE

Recovery in Motion

Lucille’s Story

Recovery is rarely a straight line—and Lucille’s journey reminds us what forward motion can look like, even during life’s hardest moments.

After losing her housing and her son within the same year, Lucille found herself alone, unhoused, and fighting to stay hopeful. She discovered RecoveryWorks in 2021, where she says the support “gave me a sense that I wanted to live again, when I had given up.” Today, she’s reunited with her family, rebuilding her health, and caring for her community with a deep sense of purpose. “I matter to myself now,” she says.

“I mattered to you. I matter to myself now.”

Celebrating New Milestones

Opening More Doors to Recovery

Lucille’s story is one of many unfolding at RecoveryWorks—and it’s supported by spaces, programs, and people committed to moving recovery forward.

Launching All Roads Recovery
This momentum continues with the launch of All Roads Recovery. This program is designed to help people who are working to overcome substance use, mental health challenges, or homelessness through transitional housing, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), peer support, case management and recovery groups, expanding access to recovery supports and navigating the path toward long-term stability.

A New Community Room
We are thrilled to share that we recently completed our new community room, designed for connection, healing, and recovery-focused programming. What was once a storage space is now a welcoming hub where guests can gather, learn, and build community. Thanks to Lowe’s Hometowns for providing funding to complete this transformational project!

In Honor of Dorothy

You may recognize Dorothy, whose photo appears on the front page of RecoveryWorks’ website. She was one of the very first neighbors we met when RecoveryWorks opened its doors in 2021. She soon became a familiar, beloved presence in our space. Our time with Dorothy was a powerful example of the transformation possible through persistence, compassion, and consistently meeting neighbors where they are.

Her case manager, Quinn, shared, “Mama D was one of the funniest and most kind‑hearted people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. She could tell you stories for days about her early adult life working at the Brown Palace, supporting her boys, and getting the chance to meet many famous musicians. I’ll never be able to listen to Queen or James Brown without thinking about jamming out with Mama D. She will always be loved and truly missed.”

Stacey, RecoveryWorks housing specialist who helped Dorothy secure her apartment, reflected, “Dorothy was a truly sweet soul whose kindness touched everyone she met. Her gentle spirit and warm smile brought light into the lives of those around her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in our hearts.”

Dorothy passed away in late January from natural causes while living in her apartment with recovery‑supportive friends. We honor the long, meaningful life she led. Read more about Dorothy’s life here.

Special Thanks

None of these milestones would have been possible without the generosity of you, our community of supporters!

Thanks very much to City of Lakewood, Jefferson County, and Regional Transportation District (RTD) for their recent grant awards to RecoveryWorks!

Together, we are building pathways to recovery—one space, one program, and one neighbor at a time.