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Heather Stanton: The End Of Everything

The turning point in Heather Stanton’s life came three years ago, while she sat behind bars on yet another drug-related charge. Since she was six years old, trauma, loss, and sadness had been her constant companions. She had spent years hiding, running, and trying to forget. But as she sat there, she realized the past wasn’t chasing her anymore.  Everyone who had hurt her was either long gone, or dead, or both. She was the only one left.

If she had let herself dwell on it, the injustice of her life might have stirred up old anger. But that day, something else weighed heavier: exhaustion. She felt a weariness that reached the depths of her soul. More than anything, she just wanted to be free of it. She remembers, “I became ready to accept the tragedy and nightmare of my life and just leave it behind. The end of everything.  I wanted to be done with it and was ready for something different.”

To her credit, Heather brought to CORE the essentials for recovery: willingness, honesty, and open-mindedness. She was quiet at first, unsure of herself. But she threw herself into the program, and something changed. She started waking up with more than just gratitude—she felt something new, something unexpected. Compassion. As she worked the Steps, she came to understand the profound biblical truth that love banishes fear. And as she began reaching out to others, her world opened up. “I wanted to help others, to see them succeed,” she says. “Because when I got here, people helped me.”

When Heather completed CORE’s one-year recovery program, she was just getting started. She joined our 2nd Mile benevolent group, began volunteering in our transportation department, and started teaching 4D Recovery—all while pursuing a career with a professional photo lab. Then, after much prayer and reflection, she chose to dedicate her future to CORE as an employee. Today, she serves as a house manager and women’s coordinator in our Springfield program. We at CORE are incredibly proud of Heather and grateful to have her on our team. She is understanding and considerate of our newcomers, always mindful of her role in guiding them through their recovery—and helping them find the same God-given freedom she enjoys today.

We spent several hours talking with Heather at CORE’s Springfield Recovery Center. Space prevents us from fully detailing her powerful and deeply personal account, but we do want to share how she became an addict in the first place. People unfamiliar with addiction often assume that addicts are simply reckless partygoers who succumbed to their disease through excess and celebration. In reality, addiction rarely begins that way. More often, it takes root because mind-altering substances provide an escape—masking pain, anxiety, and trauma. By the time the sufferer realizes what’s happening, it’s too late.

Heather grew up in a poor rural town, where her father split cordwood and her mother worked two jobs. The family once included six children, with Heather and her little sister as the youngest. Early on, one of her older sisters was removed from the home and placed in foster care. Heather remembers social workers conducting wellness checks, inspecting her and her younger sister for bruises. She doesn’t recall being beaten at that time. What she does remember is the moment her older brother’s attentions toward her turned predatory. She was six years old.

From an early age, Heather learned that the safest place to be was somewhere she could remain unseen and unheard. The police came to know her as a runaway. Battling trauma, fear, and anxiety, she was drawn to anything that could make her feel less afraid. When she was thirteen, she met a seventeen-year-old boy who introduced her to drugs and alcohol. They soon became a couple. He was frequently absent and physically abusive, but they remained together for more than a decade and had two children.

Meth made her feel strong—almost invincible. Opiates took away her pain. For years, she held the fragile pieces of her life together until three events, in quick succession, shattered everything: imprisonment, the loss of her parental rights, and the death of her father—the only person she had ever felt safe with. Untethered from family and community, she surrendered to opioids and stayed lost in addiction for nearly twenty years. “How far down into the abyss did I go?” she says. “It was bad. I felt abandoned, betrayed by every person I knew. I didn’t want to live.”

During this dark time, she began losing even more family members. An older sister had already passed away, but then came the deaths of her parents—and two more sisters, both from overdoses. By 2020, it was almost Heather’s turn.  “It happened at someone’s house. I overdosed, and there was no Narcan. The last thing I remember was falling face-first. I saw a shower—then nothing.”  Miraculously, someone in the house knew CPR and kept her alive. Looking back, she realizes that her last arrest—the one that landed her behind bars—probably saved her life. From there, she home-planned to CORE.

Even as she spoke openly about her past, Heather has emerged in recovery with serenity, purpose, and a deep commitment to helping others.  She repeatedly spoke about her gratitude–for God, for the people who helped her, and for CORE. And she said, “For the first time in my life, I feel at peace and content. I’m happy. I have purpose.  We all have bad days, but these days, I don’t have very many.”

More than anything, she credits prayer for shaping the life she has today.  Heather is a firm believer in the power of talking to God, saying “Today, before I make a major decision, I pray. I’ve never been that person before. I used to do whatever I wanted without thinking, or I’d just ask myself if something would benefit me. Now I pray. And every time, God gives me clarity.”

She shared several examples of how prayer has transformed her. One of the most striking is how she no longer allows fear to control her. “Praying about things changed me. If fear tries to creep in, I’m like, uh-uh! I will not live my life in fear. I will not. Because God does not want that.”

Notably, her decision to work for CORE was made through prayer. But perhaps most powerfully, prayer helped restore her relationship with her children. “I asked God for a clear sign—one I wouldn’t misinterpret—because I wanted to reconnect with my daughter. The next morning, I had a new friend suggestion for her on social media. I sent a request, and she accepted. For the first time in seven years, we talked. And she said, ‘I love you, Mom.’”

Having recovered, Heather holds a new perspective on her past, helping her see how her struggles can now serve a greater purpose. “I believe we’re given trials and tribulations—not to break us, but to test us and build our faith. I believe that 100%.” She pointed to a verse from 1 Peter that resonates deeply with her: “After you have suffered a little while, God Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

We asked Heather where she sees herself in five years.  Without hesitation, she said, “God put me here for this. I had to be born into this life, raised in it, and go through all the sadness so I could help people today.  Five years from now, I hope to still be here helping people find recovery. I truly believe this is where I’m meant to be.” 

We at CORE are so happy for Heather and the life she has built through perseverance, prayer, and service to others. Her recovery is a testament to the power of God’s grace and the 12 Step program. Today, she stands not just as a survivor but as a powerful example of what God can do in our lives when we are willing!

Spiritual Awakening and the 12 Steps!

When you hear “spiritual experience” or “spiritual awakening,” what comes to mind? In today’s world of pop spirituality, the term has been stretched so broadly that it might describe anything—going to church, attending a rock concert, burning sage, or even letting a baby goat stand on your back. With so many interpretations, it’s easy to see why people are confused.

No wonder some newcomers hesitate when they read in the Big Book that they “may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer.” Some may have no concept of what that means, while others assume it refers to vague, feel-good spirituality with no apparent connection to recovery.

For these individuals, a lesson in 12 Step spirituality is in order.

At CORE, when we talk about spirituality-based recovery, we’re not referring to nature walks, rhythmic drumming, or burning incense. While these may be meaningful to some, they aren’t what we mean by the spiritual awakening required for recovery.  The awakening in the 12 Steps isn’t about momentary feelings—it’s about the fundamental change in our thinking and perception that leads to permanent freedom from addiction. That’s something entirely different.

The Big Book describes this as a “personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism.” It’s not about a mystical experience for its own sake. It’s about a transformation so deep that alcohol and drugs no longer hold any power over us.

One of the best examples of this is the experience of AA co-founder Bill Wilson.  During Bill’s final hospitalization, his old drinking pal Ebby Thatcher—now sober—visited him and urged him to turn himself over to God’s care. Bill, temporarily sober but declared hopeless by his doctor, wrestled with the idea of God, knowing he had run out of options.  

In desperation, he cried out “If there is a God, let Him show Himself! I am ready to do anything, anything!”  Suddenly, the room lit up with a great white light, and he was overcome with inexplicable joy.

It’s a dramatic image. But if we stop there, we miss the key elements that are universal to all who recover. The light itself may seem mystical, but what matters is what came after.

Bill later described this moment in his autobiography:

“In the mind’s eye, there was a mountain. I stood upon its summit where a great wind blew … not of air, but of spirit … blew right through me. Then came the blazing thought, ‘You are a free man.’”

Here, he describes the precise moment the obsession with alcohol was lifted. This is something every recovered person experiences—not necessarily with visions of mountains or wind, but with the same unmistakable freedom. The compulsion to use vanishes.

“Then a great peace stole over me, and … I became acutely conscious of a presence which seemed like a veritable sea of living spirit. …‘This,’ I thought, ‘must be the great reality, The God of the preachers.’”

This describes the connection with God that all of us who have recovered come to know. It may not come with dramatic visions, but through working the 12 Steps, we come to rely on God – not as a vague concept, but as a real presence in our lives. This faith brings a deep, unshakable peace, replacing the fears and anxieties that once fueled our obsession to use drugs and alcohol.

“The curious conviction deepened that no matter how wrong things seemed to be, there would be no question of the ultimate rightness of God’s universe. …Even though a pilgrim upon an uncertain highway, I need be concerned no more.”

This is acceptance—a hallmark of recovery. Life is no longer something to be fought against. Instead of fears and resentments, we trust that things are as they should be, and no hardship shakes our serenity.  We live life on life’s terms.

“I was seized with an ecstasy beyond description. Every joy I had known was pale by comparison. …For the first time I felt that I really belonged. I knew that I was loved and could love in return.”

Here, Bill describes the end of isolation and self-centeredness, replaced instead by connection and love. Every recovered person reaches this realization—we are not alone, we belong, and we are capable of giving and receiving love in a way that was impossible in our addiction.

“I thanked my God who had given me a glimpse of His absolute Self.”

This final realization captures gratitude, which naturally propels us into a purpose-driven life. Bill W.’s awakening led to AA and, eventually, every other 12-Step program. This deep sense of gratitude and purpose becomes a way of life for every recovered person.    

Bill understood that his personal experience was unique to him and that everyone’s encounter with God would be different in its details. The white light is dramatic, yes, but it isn’t necessary for recovery.  Because what truly matters – the internal transformation – is not unique to Bill W. at all.  Anyone who works the 12 Steps and follows this path will reach the same place:

Freedom from the obsession
Trust in God
Living life on life’s terms
The ability to love and serve others
Gratitude and purpose

This is what we mean by spiritual awakening in recovery. It’s available to anyone willing to do the work, leading to a profound transformation that brings light where there was once only darkness.

When this happens, you won’t need to look for the light.

You are the miracle.

The light is you.

Christos Papanikas’ Big Fat Greek Recovery!

Christos Papanikas is a beloved figure at CORE, known not just for his incredible cooking but also for the example he sets in recovery. His culinary skills run in the family—he spent years working in the Mediterranean-Greek restaurants his family owned along the Atlantic Seaboard. But by 2015, his life had unraveled. At rock bottom, he took his brother’s advice and came to CORE, determined to rebuild himself no matter what it took.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. When Christos arrived, he was a broken man carrying all his worldly possessions in a brown paper bag. Today, he’s a leader and mentor, inspiring everyone around him. He shares his time and expertise both in the kitchen and as a respected house manager. Over the years, he has trained many others, helping them find their footing in recovery while strengthening his own.

His transformation didn’t stop at sobriety—it extended to every area of his life. When he first came to CORE, he carried more weight than was healthy, both physically and emotionally. Now, he’s the picture of health. His dedication to fitness has become a personal ministry, as he mentors others at the gym and encourages clients to pursue wellness as part of their recovery.

Financially, he has made great strides as well. From starting over with nothing, Christos now has excellent credit and is building a new home—a milestone that will soon take him out of CORE housing. But his connection to the community remains strong. “It’s sad. And exciting. But I’m not saying goodbye,” he says of the move. “I’m just living somewhere else. I’ll still be part of the CORE community.”

Looking at Christos today, you’d never guess the hardships he endured. He admits that newcomers often say, “You don’t look like a drug addict.” But Christos knows all too well the depths of addiction. For years, he ran from his problems, leaving the family businesses behind in search of a fresh start. No matter where he went, though, he was powerless over his addiction. He lost executive chef positions, had scrapes with the law, and watched his relationships fall apart. “I made a mess of everything I touched,” he says.

Eventually, he arrived in Branson, where his family had opened another restaurant. But addiction followed him. He lost his apartment, then his car, which held everything he owned. He was dependent on heroin, meth, and OxyContin just to function. Living in weekly rentals, running with the wrong crowd, and enduring robberies and beatings, his life spiraled downward. Then the law caught up with him, the judge sentenced him to jail.  There he hit a milestone: his 40th birthday.

“Spending your birthday locked up with a bunch of guys isn’t ideal,” Christos says with a wry smile. But it left an impression. He vowed, “I’ll never use again.”

His family, ever supportive, never gave up on him. Though they didn’t fully understand his substance abuse, they believed in him. One of his brothers recommended CORE and even sponsored his first weeks there. When Christos arrived, he had nothing—not even his own clothes. “My brother sent me a care package and a pair of tennis shoes,” he recalls. “I had deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a couple of bucks in my pocket. Half of that wasn’t even mine.”

Poor in possessions but rich in determination, Christos dove into the 12 Steps. “I knew what the Steps were because I’d been to programs before,” he says. “But this time, I actually worked them. My house manager, Jay Ham, helped me. I did my 5th Step with him.”

Surprisingly, Christos can’t recall a single moment in early recovery when he felt like using again. What he does remember are the vivid dreams— “giant syringes and giant pills chasing me”—and the relief of waking up to find they weren’t real.

Christos credits God for his recovery. While he isn’t in the front pew with his hands raised during church services, he says, “I do all the things you’re supposed to do if you’re a true Christian.” Once a foxhole believer who only prayed in times of crisis, today he prays every morning and every night.

A major turning point for Christos was learning to serve others. For him, that meant returning to his culinary roots. “I just adapted to being here. I got into the fellowship with the guys. I started cooking for Jay and then shared it with everyone. That’s all I did—cook every day. And eat!”

His talent didn’t go unnoticed. CORE staff invited him to help on the grill for outdoor commencement celebrations, and Christos said yes. That was eight years ago. Since then, he’s become the go-to chef for special events, from graduation barbecues to crafting elegant dishes for our annual fundraising and donor appreciation events.

There was one bump in his early recovery—his weight. Already at 245 pounds when he arrived at CORE, all the fellowshipping, cooking, and eating only added to his waistline. During a family visit, Christos remembers being “twice the size of my dad” and “not even looking like me.” His wake-up call came when he had to take a break while tying his shoes. “I told myself, if I’m going to do this right, I have to do all of it. I’m going to get in shape.” Since then, he has been a gym regular, and his striking before-and-after photos tell the whole story.

Upon commencing, Christos took over as house manager of Condor House, our largest residential facility, and excelled. Over the years, countless men have completed CORE’s one-year program under his leadership, with several becoming house managers themselves. His philosophy has remained the same: “The results are good when you have 10 guys cooking, eating, and hanging out together.”

Always a hard worker, Christos also began securing his financial future. He developed a disciplined approach to money, allowing him to build savings and establish excellent credit. Today, he’s in the process of building a new home. Most importantly, his commitment to financial discipline now gives him the freedom to travel to Greece, where his parents retired.  

Reflecting on his journey, Christos says, “CORE guided my recovery. It gave me the space, the opportunity, and the people I needed to embrace recovery. I’ve grown into the person I am today—someone who can help others. The people here have become like family.”

And family, for Christos Papanikas, is at the heart of everything. We at CORE are grateful and proud to be a part of it!

CORE’s Christmas Blessing Store: Five Years Of Community Impact

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Christmas Blessing Store—a partnership between CORE and the Hollister School District—has transformed holiday seasons for local families. For half a decade, this event has made an incredible difference in the lives of those it serves.  CORE’s CEO, Cary McKee, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the partnership: “CORE is honored and blessed to partner with the Hollister School District for this year’s Christmas Blessing Store. It truly is a gift for us to take what we’ve been given and share it with the community.”

Before the Covid 19 pandemic, CORE had agreements with local retailers to receive generous product donations. The abundance and breadth of donations quickly inspired a mission to provide for persons in need within the local area.  This purpose well aligns with CORE’s recovery program, which fosters civic-minded service among our clients.

Although our clients were eager to help, the pandemic presented a significant challenge: social distancing ordinances prevented public events, leaving CORE with no way to distribute donations. Cary, however, found a creative solution by partnering with Dr. Brian Wilson, Superintendent of the Hollister School District. Together, they created the Christmas Blessing Store, which provides a shopping experience—free of charge—for families in need. This year’s event saw 275 children, representing over 20% of Hollister’s student population, along with their families, receive gifts and household necessities.

An Effort of Many Hands

Planning for the 2024 Christmas Blessing Store began immediately after last year’s event. Weekly pickups from local retailers, coordinated by CORE operations manager Gary Osborn, ensured a steady stream of donated goods. These donations were sorted, tested, and stored by our clients at CORE’s Branson warehouse. As the event date approached, our client volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare, often becoming emotionally invested in the knowledge that their efforts would directly benefit families in need.

Tamara Spencer, who led much of our client organizing efforts, described the experience as a deeply personal honor: “Knowing that the items we sorted would be offered to families who don’t necessarily have the money for Christmas was huge. It’s like being Santa Claus, and that’s cool!”

The inventory included bicycles, toys, clothing, shoes, electronics, home décor, Christmas decorations, and much more—essentially a mini big-box store. In early December, CORE’s trucks delivered the items to Hollister’s Tiger Pod, where CORE volunteers, school counselors, and student groups transformed the space into a welcoming store.

A Community Effort

The event’s success was made possible by a dedicated network of volunteers. Sandy Brown, a retired school counselor, returned to coordinate this year’s operations. She praised the contributions of CORE, our clients, school counselors, the National Honor Society, the Civil Air Patrol student group, Tiger Academy, Girl Scouts, and local churches. Whether setting up tables, organizing health and beauty items, or repairing bicycles, these groups ensured a seamless experience for participating families.

Dr. Wilson emphasized the event’s alignment with the school district’s mission: “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. This event shows our students and their families that we’re here for them, creating partnerships that support both their immediate needs and their education.”

A Blessing for All

For volunteers, the event exemplified the spirit of giving. Dr. Wilson remarked on the profound impact the event has on everyone involved: “It truly is a blessing for everybody. Seeing our community come together to make a difference resonates deeply with everyone, whether they’re giving or receiving.”

This year’s Christmas Blessing Store provided families with more than gifts under the tree; it offered hope, dignity, and a renewed sense of community. From CORE’s clients to Hollister’s educators and student volunteers, the effort underscored the transformative power of giving—a testament to the store’s fitting name. As Sandy Brown put it: “This has always been a passion of mine. If I can help one student and their family have a better Christmas, it’s worth it.” 

Looking ahead, Cary said that CORE remains committed to continuing this vital tradition of giving and community support.

To The Summit: Step Eleven

Scaling Yosemite’s El Capitan, the world’s ultimate destination for big-wall rock climbing, demands an extraordinary level of focus.  Every move to the top must be deliberate, every grip secure, and every piece of equipment trusted implicitly.  The climber’s life depends on this unwavering concentration – after all, half a mile is a long way down.

Many aspects of life also require our complete attention. Driving through heavy traffic, watching over small children, or operating powerful tools are just a few examples. In each case, a lapse in focus can result in disastrous, even life-threatening, consequences.

Similarly, focus is no less essential in the journey of recovery, where the stakes are just as life-defining.  We must always remember that we have recovered only because “a Power greater than ourselves” intervenes, performing what can only be described as miraculous.  

The relentless obsession that fuels our addictions doesn’t disappear by itself.  Neither the passage of time nor human effort alone can extinguish it.  Rather, “God restored us all to our right minds,” the Big Book observes.  It further states, “[Our] recovery is not dependent upon people. It is dependent upon [our] relationship with God.”  Ultimately, our problems are solved “by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe.”  The basic conditions include trusting in God, addressing our objectionable character defects, making amends, and helping others. 

God’s central role in our recoveries is a daily necessity.  For this reason, it must define our way forward if we are to continue living happy, joyous, and free.  “Our real purpose,” the book says, “is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us.”  This brings us to Step 11:

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”

Step 11 keeps us connected to the divine source of our recovery. We engage with this step daily to maintain awareness of God’s active presence in our lives. Step 11 challenges us to depend on God for both the willingness and the diligence to seek out and follow His will for us to be loving and service-oriented toward others. 

The Big Book offers several practical suggestions for incorporating this step into our daily routines.

First, each morning we thoughtfully consider our plans for the day ahead. Our meditation encompasses not only reflecting on upcoming events and potential challenges but also engaging with spiritual readings and written prayers from trusted sources. In prayer, we begin by asking God to guide our thoughts away from self-pity, dishonesty, and selfish motives. We humbly seek His inspiration and wisdom. To prepare our minds for the day, we pray for clarity, freedom from self-will, and the ability to help others. Importantly, we avoid prayers driven by selfish desires.

Second, as our day unfolds, we pause whenever we feel agitated or uncertain, asking for guidance on the right course of action. By repeating the simple phrase “Thy will be done,” we remind ourselves of the futility of attempting to control everything and reaffirm our trust in God’s authority.

Third, at day’s end, we engage in a constructive review through a final meditation, asking:

a) Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest, or afraid?  Do we owe an apology?  Have we kept something to ourselves that should be shared with another person immediately?

b) Were we kind and loving toward all?  What could we have done better?

c) Were we thinking mostly of ourselves?  Or were we focused on how we could contribute to others and add to the stream of life?

Following this review, we humbly ask God to forgive our shortcomings and seek His guidance on the corrective measures needed to grow and improve.

For those needing more particularized instruction about prayer and meditation, the Big Book also advises we follow the prescribed devotions of the religious denomination of which we are members.  For those without such affiliations, memorizing meaningful prayers or consulting spiritual books can provide guidance. Suggestions may also come from clergy.  “Be quick to see where religious people are right.  Make use of what they offer.”

The Big Book’s suggestions about working this step are necessarily broad to accommodate our diverse spiritual beliefs and practices.  Notwithstanding, we don’t know of anybody who would quarrel with its assumptions that God’s will includes our being kind and loving toward all, contributing to others, and adding to the stream of life.

In summary, rather than prescribing rigid rituals, the Big Book’s guidance allows us to integrate Step 11 into our unique understandings of God and spirituality while still encouraging us to take ourselves out of the center of the equation.  This flexibility fosters inclusivity, genuine connection, and freedom from forced conformity.

The Miracle Of Recovery

Christmas, the season of miracles and abundant hope, offers the perfect time to reflect on the miracle of recovery. By “miracle,” we don’t mean everyday surprises like finding a prime parking spot at Walmart or having Thanksgiving leftovers despite unexpected guests. Instead, we’re talking about a profound transformation that occurs only through God’s divine intervention.

In this spirit, we share the words of Alcoholics Anonymous’ founders, who have well-expressed our personal experience:

“The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.”

To understand why we call recovery a miracle, we must first confront the desperate reality of addiction. The addict is trapped in a relentless cycle, compelled to use substances against their will. Addiction is driven by two forces: a physical craving and a mental obsession. While the physical craving diminishes with time and abstinence, the mental obsession is far more insidious. It clings relentlessly, ensuring the sufferer’s eventual return to alcohol or drugs, especially under stress, emotional turmoil, or life’s inevitable challenges.

This obsession is an irrational and overwhelming force that overpowers even the strongest resolve. It compels the addict to prioritize their addiction above all else—family, friendships, home, and career—dragging them into an ever-deepening spiral. Neither sheer determination, “white-knuckling,” outside encouragement, nor external pressure can break its hold. This primal compulsion erases the boundaries of love, morality, and responsibility, driving the addict to manipulate, beg, borrow, or even steal to feed their obsession. The addict finds themselves in a dark place, utterly hopeless.  Their willpower and human resources can’t save them.

This stark reality underscores why we view recovery as a miracle. When we recovered, the obsession was lifted—it simply no longer existed. We could stay sober without any struggle or effort because the overwhelming urge was just gone. We were free to live without being controlled by the obsession, as if a weight had been lifted from our shoulders—something that neither human effort nor aid had ever achieved.

The lifting of the obsession is the hallmark of recovery, but recovery is so much more. The transformation reshaped our relationships with the world. We learned to live life on life’s terms. While the world itself didn’t conform to our personal wants, our transformation certainly invited a favorable response. We rebuilt trust and strengthened connections with family, friends, colleagues, and business associates, creating relationships founded on honesty, respect, and mutual understanding.

These changes reflected a profound realignment of our priorities and perspectives. Recovery enabled us to live in harmony with ourselves, others, and the world, filling us with a sense of lasting peace, purpose, and fulfillment.

This is the miracle of recovery we share with clients at CORE, helping them find the same freedom and joy. But perhaps the most satisfying change of all has been the disappearance of the obsession that once haunted us every moment of every day. The Big Book correctly observes that this release happens “without any thought or effort on our part” and offers further insights into this remarkable experience as follows:

“We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality—safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for us.”

At this point, the naysayer might argue that the 12 Steps work not because of divine intervention but due to the structured exercises themselves, making the idea of God unnecessary. They assert that addiction stems from selfishness and self-centeredness—the root of the obsession. This egocentrism keeps the addict at odds with the world, perpetuating restlessness, irritability, and discontent, which in turn drive the relentless urge for relief through substances.

From this perspective, the 12 Steps are deliberately designed to confront and correct these deficiencies, i.e., selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear, among others. Thus, the argument holds, by addressing these defects through the prescribed actions, a favorable change naturally occurs. The completion of these steps should be expected to produce predictable and beneficial results, all without requiring a miracle or divine influence.

With all due respect to our critic, they’re missing the veritable cornerstone of the 12 Step program: reliance on God! While the 12 Steps provide a vital framework for recovery, it is God’s power that enables real transformation. Convinced of the futility of continuing as we were in our addictions, we placed ourselves under God’s care and guidance, asking to be freed from the bondage of self so we could better do His will.

We faced our flaws, prayed for God’s help to remove them, and sought His guidance to live according to His ideals for us. Through self-examination, humility, and amends, we developed a deeper relationship with Him. Determined to live in alignment with God’s will, we have maintained daily contact, asking for His guidance and strength.  We also dedicated ourselves to a life of service and have come to understand why the Lord said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”   

The results have been astonishing. We gained a way of living that works in all circumstances, and the obsession has been removed. Most telling, each of us has faced moments of potential temptation—when the opportunity to use was squarely before us. In the past, we were utterly defenseless, but now there is no struggle, no urge to use at all. We react calmly and sanely, simply saying “no.”

In these moments, we can only marvel at the truth of the Big Book’s promises:

“We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”

No matter how many times such moments occur—whether at social events or in the course of 12 Step work with others—they are always extraordinary. We recognize them for what they are: a miracle.

A Christmas Message From CORE

“When they came to Bethlehem where our sweet savior lay, they found him in a manger, where oxen feed on hay.” 
– Beauties of the Magazines (1775)

Two thousand years ago, a baby was born in Bethlehem on a special day—the most important day in the history of the world. That baby was Jesus Christ, the true light that gives light to everyone. He didn’t come as a mighty ruler or conqueror but as an infant lying in a humble manger. In this way, the Word, who in the beginning was with God and was God, became flesh and made His dwelling among us.

In Jesus, heaven touched earth and bridged the gap between the divine and human. God’s love and hope became tangible. His mission was to save us all, and to show us how to live. Jesus not only fulfilled God’s promise of redemption and forgiveness, but he also reached out to the marginalized, healed the sick, forgave sinners, and broke down barriers of division.

The message of Christmas is timeless. It’s an annual reminder of how we should live: with love in action—love that can be touched, heard, and felt. Christmas is about offering a hand, heart, and hope to those in need. It’s about continuing the Lord’s work by bringing light to a broken world.

CORE is exceptionally blessed to be associated with people who exemplify love in action. We are profoundly thankful for the incredible individuals who make our mission possible—people like you! Your support fuels our work, drives our efforts, and transforms lives.

First, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors over the past year. Your joy in giving has overflowed into acts of sacrificial generosity that have touched countless lives. Every gift, no matter the size, has made a tangible difference. You gave not out of obligation, but from a sincere desire to reflect God’s grace and love. Our prayer is that our heavenly Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward your humility and bless you for your unwavering commitment to serving others.

Second, we thank our remarkable volunteers. If our donors are the fuel that powers CORE, then our volunteers are the engine that drives our mission forward. Your meaningful action brought hope and help to those seeking freedom from addiction. While volunteer work may not always be glamorous, your passion and dedication shine very brightly. Your willingness to serve, often behind the scenes, has been the heartbeat of real and lasting change.

To all our donors and volunteers: your partnership inspires us, and your impact is immeasurable. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in CORE and supporting our mission.  Together, we are building brighter futures and continuing the Lord’s work of bringing light to the world.  

From all of us at CORE, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and blessings!

CORE’s 2024 Giving Tuesday Challenge: Building the Newcomer Essentials Fund

Giving Tuesday, a global movement celebrating generosity and philanthropy, takes place on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 3rd!

At CORE, we’ve always supported newcomers with important resources—recovery housing, transportation, toiletries, clothing, and more. Our commitment helps over 400 newcomers each year start their recovery journeys without worrying about daily necessities. But as any recovery journey reveals, life is unpredictable, and unexpected challenges often arise that threaten progress and stability. That’s why this Giving Tuesday, we’re launching the Newcomer Essentials Fund.

The Newcomer Essentials Fund is a critical safety net designed to help CORE respond to sudden, significant, and often costly needs that go beyond day-to-day support.  These matters are so important that without them progress in recovery cannot even start, i.e., health issues, prescriptions, eyeglasses, dental issues, and identification and documentation, to name a few.  Our mission is about doing whatever it takes to get the newcomer up and running in their recovery program and becoming productive again.  This fund addresses barriers that hinder job readiness and participation in the recovery program.

On Giving Tuesday, please help us keep our newcomers focused on their recovery and moving forward without setbacks.  Recovery isn’t something one can achieve alone – that’s why CORE exists. By contributing, you’re helping to provide newcomers the safety and security needed to begin rebuilding their lives from the ground up and becoming productive, civic-minded, tax-paying members of society.  Your support helps build this vital fund, enabling newcomers to overcome unexpected challenges and stay on track, rather than being derailed by them.

Remember, Giving Tuesday is December 3rd — join us in making a real difference for those starting anew.

Thanksgiving Reflections at CORE

As Thanksgiving approaches, CORE wishes everyone a harvest of blessings, good health, and happiness! This holiday is a special time to gather with loved ones and reflect gratefully on the peace, abundance, and blessings in our lives. And, of course, we get to share delicious food and watch football, too!

Thanksgiving Day is a favorite holiday at CORE because gratitude is at the heart of recovery. With this in mind, we recently attended a CORE event in search of thankful people – and we were not disappointed! Tape recorder in hand, we stopped as many current and former clients as we could catch to ask what they’re most thankful for. Their answers, shared below, are a gift to us all this season.

“I am thankful for my relationship with God and all the amazing people he put into my life.  And opportunities, too.  I’m manager at my job now.”
– Abby B

“For Jesus Christ, my salvation, and recovery.”
– Daniel B

“I’m very grateful for my new life, financial stability, and freedom.  I never thought I could live on my own, because for the longest time I didn’t trust my own thinking.  But having my relationship with God, I was able to take that leap of faith and have confidence.”
– Kristi K

“I’m thankful for my relationship with God that happened through working the 12 Steps.  And having my family back together – my wife and children.  I’m also thankful for CORE, the men and women here who led me out of the hole of addiction.”
– Dallas C

“We have leaders in this program who provide leadership, guidance, and direction on a daily basis. And the girls here – they knew where I came from, held me accountable, and helped me through my character defects.  I’m also thankful to be able to give back.  This program saved my life three years ago.”
– Jeana K

“Understanding what it means to be in God’s grace and actually knowing God – I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
– Robert S

“God loves me, looks out for me, and directs me.  I’m thankful for my sobriety today.  I’m thankful for CORE, for giving me a safe place to lay my head, and for the people here and the friends I’ve made, who’re like family.”
– Robin T

“How God is working in my life, and for the CORE program and the people in it.  I’ve been sober 3 ½ years by the grace of God and this program.  They saved my life.”
– Adam G

“For God – my relationship with God.  This Sunday will make four years.  It’s a complete miracle.”
– Jen B

“I’m really grateful for the support system I have here, and for everyone I’ve met.  I’m thankful for CORE.”
– Robert M

“I’m grateful for the person God has helped me grow into and the relationships he helped me build.  For literally everything – for my life.”
– Stephanie U

“I am thankful for God putting me here to see others find recovery.  And my life in sobriety too.  My nieces and nephews just know me as their aunt Alex.  I’m recovered.”
– Alexandria P

“My sobriety, employment, and home.”
– Matt N

“God gave me another chance in life.  I’m thankful for his understanding and forgiveness, and everything that comes with it.  My family and loved ones, and building a new family within CORE.”
– Jen M 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve God, and the opportunity to give back to the program that’s given so much to me.”
– Todd T

“For God and CORE, who helped me become the person my son and parents are proud of and thankful for.”
– Megan W

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve people who are in need.  I can give back to a community who needs my help.”
– Don S

“I’m thankful that God showed me who I am, my real self and identity.  I’m a better version of myself with values and purpose.  And for the CORE program, of course, and the people I know here.”
– Heather S

“My life, recovery, and for my family and children loving me again.
– Brian F

“Second chances, open doors, and my recovery family.”
– Tamara S

“Relationship with God.  My family.  My sobriety and recovery.”
– Dylan B

“This year I’m most grateful for my children and relationships with them, and for the people who took care of them while I couldn’t.”
– Katie R

“God took my hand and walked me through this.  I couldn’t have done it without him.  I’m just really thankful that he’s held onto me the whole time and I succeeded.”
– Samantha S

Jay Scribner: Friend of CORE

Since our inception, CORE has been fortunate to receive the invaluable support and guidance of many esteemed business and civic leaders from the Tri-Lakes area. While we typically refrain from name-dropping, when one of our most respected community leaders agrees to sit down for an interview, we can’t help but proudly share:

Meet Jay Scribner! 

Jay and his wife, Kay, have been integral members of the Branson community since 1977. For twenty-eight years, Jay faithfully served as a pastor of First Baptist Church, and his subsequent retirement hasn’t slowed him down in the slightest. He has continued his ministry work with the same passion and dedication—and that includes his significant contributions to CORE! We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jay to discuss his impactful role in our program and to hear his thoughts.

Originally from Illinois, Jay received his degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His early work in Fort Worth’s inner city equipped him with the skills and vision to grow Branson’s First Baptist Church from a small congregation into one of Branson’s largest churches. “God really gave us His favor, and we’re thankful for that,” Jay says. “We began to grow, minister to people, lead them to Christ, and watch them grow spiritually. Eventually, we outgrew our facilities and relocated to where we are now.”

Though Jay officially retired from his duties at FBC more than a decade ago, his ministry is far from over. As he puts it, “My motivation is to help people. And especially to help them find Jesus Christ. It doesn’t matter who they are or what their circumstances are.” His passion drives him in remarkable ways. Beyond his guest appearances and preaching engagements, Jay’s opportunities to share the Gospel arise just about everywhere, as if by divine appointment.  Even a chance encounter at the grocery store or a brief conversation at the gas station might evolve into a meaningful ministering opportunity for him that lasts for years.

Without doubt, Jay’s ministry is no longer confined to the walls of a single church—his flock has expanded to encompass the entire Tri-Lakes area. Wherever he goes, whether in the community or on the road, Jay finds ways to teach, guide, and minister. His reach is as broad as his heart for serving others, and his impact on those around him is positive and meaningful.  

Jay’s contact with CORE goes back almost to the beginning, when our organization was still just a startup mission.  His good nature, candor, and wit, inspire the confidence and trust of everyone he meets. Jay’s reputation as a widely respected pastor also leads CORE clients to view him as a figure of moral authority.  They see him dispense wisdom and learning impartially and credibly. Thus, even now, when clients succeed by following his counsel, they actually go out of their way to let him know, seeking validation and approval from him as a mentor and spiritual leader.  

As a “normie” who volunteers without obligation, Jay’s presence alone at CORE shows genuine care.  Whether preaching at our church services, teaching our spirituality classes, or simply attending one of our calendared events, over the course of three decades Jay has been a dear and trusted friend of our organization.  We at CORE are humbled and grateful for his interest in our well-being.  And curious, too!  So we asked Jay why he freely devotes so much of his time and effort on us.  His response was both insightful and heartfelt.

First, Jay is deeply moved by CORE’s track record of success in helping people recover from substance abuse. He states, “Anywhere you slice this program, CORE is faith-based 100%, unapologetically. I see the success of it. You’re genuinely helping people. You meet them at the point of their need. And you’re not giving them a handout; you’re giving them a hand up.” His belief in the transformative power of faith is central to why he remains committed. He sees firsthand how lives are changed, not just temporarily, but in ways that offer lasting recovery and hope. For Jay, this makes CORE stand out—it’s not just about addressing addiction but also about helping our clients reclaim their spiritual bearings and purpose.

Second, Jay recognizes that the unique qualities of our clients create an environment ripe for mentoring and teaching. “The crowd from CORE isn’t necessarily your normal church crowd,” he explains. “They are not pretentious. They don’t pretend. What you see is what you get. They know who they are, where they are, and why they’re here. And I just love that about CORE. There’s no pretense. I can get right down to the nitty gritty pretty quickly.” Jay appreciates the authenticity of people who come through our program, recognizing that their openness and self-awareness allow for deeper, more meaningful engagement. This level of raw honesty and self-recognition fuels his passion for clients who are sincerely seeking help.

Third, Jay’s connection with CORE extends to the staff, which, as he puts it, thrills him just as much as it does us. He’s built a strong rapport with our CEO Cary McKee and the rest of the leadership team, and his appreciation is evident. “I became acquainted with Cary and really appreciated his leadership, his administrative abilities, and especially his vision. The more I’m around the leadership, the more I’m phenomenally impressed that everyone on your staff has been through the program. Those who serve in CORE are those who have been served. It gives the leadership a leg up that is astounding, in my opinion.” This element of shared experience, where leaders have personally walked the path to recovery, resonates deeply with Jay. It’s this sense of empathy and lived experience that he believes gives CORE its unique strength and effectiveness.

We also asked Jay how he sees CORE evolving going forward.  He indicated that changes might be made when they are indicated, but that the most important thing is for CORE to remain true to our values as a faith-based recovery program and to stay on task.  By way of illustration, Jay cited the Christian church today and told us a parable about he and his wife taking a jon boat out on Table Rock Lake.  One hundred yards out from the dock, his wife asks “Did you remember to put the plug in the boat?”  To which Jay answers, “I wish you would have asked me that about one-hundred yards back.”  The practical lesson is evident: boat in the water is okay; water in the boat is not.  The spiritual lesson is profound: “The church in the world is fine; the world in the church is not.”  CORE, likewise, must remain true to our faith-based values.  We should avoid any outside pressures to change what we already know works and have confidence in.

As our interview concluded, Jay shared a Bible verse that he feels encapsulates the essence of our program: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. We think his choice of scripture beautifully reflects CORE’s mission.

Jay’s long-standing commitment to CORE and his unwavering dedication to our community are truly inspiring. His passion for helping others, his authenticity, and his profound faith continue to leave a lasting impact on everyone he encounters. We at CORE are deeply grateful for his wisdom, guidance, and friendship, and we are fortunate to count him as one of our most trusted supporters!