Honoring Legacy, Embracing the Future
With immense gratitude and profound respect, we share the news of an important leadership transition at Fellowship Recovery Community Organization (FRCO). Rick Riccardi, the visionary founder and long-time CEO, has embraced a new role as Chairman of the Board of Directors. This moment marks a milestone in both Rick’s remarkable journey and the future of the organization he so lovingly built.
Rick’s dedication, solid vision, and compassionate leadership have been the heart and soul of FRCO. Under his guidance, we have seen the organization grow, evolve, and transform the lives of countless individuals in recovery. While Rick’s daily role as CEO will shift, his influence and wisdom will continue to shape FRCO as he takes on the role of Chairman. His legacy of love, service, and commitment to our mission will remain the foundation upon which we continue to build, ensuring that we stay true to our core purpose of offering support, resources, and advocacy for those seeking recovery. We are extremely thankful for Rick Riccardi’s years of visionary leadership and the incredible foundation he has created for FRCO. His work has touched so many lives, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of the people he has helped and the community he has nurtured.
As we celebrate Rick’s transition, we are equally thrilled to announce that Sara Barkley will be stepping into the role of CEO. Sara has been an invaluable part of the FRCO family for many years, bringing with her a wealth of experience, heart, and dedication. As CEO, she will guide the day-to-day operations, foster the organization’s vision, and work closely with the Board to ensure that FRCO remains a beacon of hope for those we serve. We are deeply confident that Sara will honor Rick’s legacy while leading us into a future of growth and opportunity.
In addition, we are excited to share that Kyle Pollock has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Kyle’s commitment to FRCO and his exceptional leadership in managing our operations has been nothing short of inspiring. As COO, Kyle will oversee our internal operations, ensuring that our programs and services continue to run smoothly and effectively, while also working to enhance the impact of everything we do.
Looking ahead, we are filled with elation and optimism for the future under Sara and Kyle’s leadership. Their combined passion, experience, and commitment to FRCO’s mission ensure that the organization will continue to thrive and make an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve.
Please join us in congratulating Sara and Kyle on their new roles, and in extending our heartfelt gratitude to Rick for his incredible contributions. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant, compassionate, and supportive recovery community for the years to come.
Employee Spotlight: Melanie Rucker, A Journey of Resilience and Transformation
My name is Melanie Rucker, and my clean date is 11/19/2022. I am honored to serve at Fellowship RCO in three key roles: Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Officer, Director of Recovery Community Centers, and Certified Recovery Peer Specialist for Adults and Families. In these roles, I am deeply committed to ensuring both legal compliance and the holistic well-being of individuals and communities.
As the CQI Officer, I oversee the organization’s adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies, ensuring that every activity aligns with legal and ethical standards. I manage internal investigations, document compliance efforts, and report findings to upper management or governing bodies, upholding the integrity and accountability of our operations.
As Director of a Recovery Community Center, I am dedicated to managing operations that support individuals recovering from substance use disorders and mental health challenges. I oversee recovery programs, provide vital support services, collaborate with other community organizations, and ensure a safe, empowering environment for all participants.
Life has a way of taking us on unexpected paths—ones that are often filled with unimaginable challenges. My journey has been a deeply painful one, but also one of survival, growth, and transformation. I have faced substance use disorder, childhood trauma, sexual assault, and mental health struggles. I have been marked by the wounds of my past, but I am not defined by them. I am a survivor, and today, I stand as living proof of the power of recovery and personal transformation.
The early years of my life were filled with pain and confusion. As a child, I endured emotional and physical abuse that shattered my sense of safety and trust. My home environment was chaotic and unsafe, leaving me feeling unloved, abandoned, and unworthy. These experiences left scars on my psyche that would carry with me for many years. I grew up too quickly, learning how to survive in a world that seemed indifferent to my suffering.
At the age of 12, I was adopted—a decision that further deepened my sense of abandonment and isolation. While adoption offered me a chance for a better life, it didn’t erase the scars of my childhood. I was still that lost and broken child trying to find a place to belong. My trauma, unresolved and unspoken, set me on a path I wasn’t prepared for.
As I entered my late teenage years, the weight of my past grew heavier. I didn’t know how to cope with the trauma, the feelings of unworthiness, and the ever-present loneliness that consumed me. It was during this time that I turned to substances as a way to escape. The first drink, the first drug, offered me temporary relief. It was the numbness I craved, a way to shut out the world and the emotions that had been buried deep inside me.
What began as a way to escape over time turned into a full-blown addiction. The cycle was brutal: used to numb the pain, feeling temporary relief, and then spiraling back into deeper despair. My addiction became a monster, consuming me and all my relationships. I was stuck in a pattern of self-destruction, unable to see a way out. Along with my substance use, I battled mental health issues that seemed impossible to overcome. Depression and anxiety were constant companions. I often felt overwhelmed by the weight of my emotions, unable to make sense of them or find a way to manage them. The trauma from my past—combined with the daily struggles of addiction—took a toll on my mind and body. I felt like I was drowning, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t break free from the storm inside me. It was in this dark place that I found myself at my lowest, questioning if I could ever find peace or purpose again. My sense of self-worth was non-existent. I felt like I was living in a fog, unsure of who I was or where I was going.
In addition to my substance use and mental health struggles, I found myself caught in a destructive pattern of seeking attention and validation from others. I made choices I now deeply regret—cheating on partners and allowing myself to fall into unhealthy relationships. I was desperately searching for love and acceptance in all the wrong places, hoping that someone, anyone, would show me that I mattered. I didn’t know how to love myself, so I turned to others to fill that void. But instead of finding the love and connection I so desperately needed, I found more heartbreak, guilt, and shame. It was a vicious cycle that kept me trapped in a pattern of self-destructive behavior, reinforcing the belief that I wasn’t worthy of anything good in my life.
In the midst of my struggles, I also became a survivor of sexual assault—a trauma that left me feeling even more broken and ashamed. This experience further compounded the emotional scars I had already accumulated throughout my life. It was a violation that left me feeling powerless, vulnerable, and lost. The shame I carried only deepened, and I found it harder to trust others and myself. But through all the darkness, I began to recognize the strength that lay within me. I realized that although my past was painful, it did not define me. I was a survivor, not just of the trauma but of the choices I had made along the way. It was time to take control of my life and fight for my healing.
The road to recovery has been long and difficult, but it has been worth every step. I made the conscious decision to change—to break free from the grip of addiction, heal from the trauma, and rebuild my life. Recovery has been a journey of self-discovery, of learning to love and accept myself, and of finding inner peace despite the chaos of my past. Deciding to move into Fellowship Women’s Residence was a pivotal moment in my journey toward recovery. At first, it felt like a difficult decision, as it meant leaving behind a life that was familiar, even if it was chaotic and unhealthy. But I realized that in order to rebuild, I needed structure, guidance, and a safe space to heal. Fellowship provided just that— offering a supportive community where I could focus on my goals without the distractions or pressures of my past environment. It wasn’t just about having a roof over my head; it was about the mentoring, accountability, and the genuine encouragement from staff and fellow residents. This environment gave me the foundation I needed to regain my independence, develop new coping skills, and rebuild my confidence, making it a crucial step in my recovery process.
I sought therapy through Care Resource and support groups through NA, and surrounded myself with people who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Slowly but surely, I began to heal. The darkness that once consumed me started to lift, and I began to rebuild my life piece by piece. I learned that recovery wasn’t just about abstaining from substances; it was about healing my mind, body, and spirit. It was about learning to love myself—not in the way I had tried to through others, but in a deep, authentic way that comes from within.
Today, I am proud to say that I have undergone a complete personal transformation. The scars of my past are still a part of me, but they no longer control me. I am no longer defined by my addiction, my trauma, or the mistakes I have made. I am defined by my strength, my resilience, and the person I am becoming. I am living proof that transformation is possible. Recovery is not easy, and it’s not a linear journey. But with each day, I move further away from the person I once was and closer to the person I am meant to be. I am no longer defined by my past, but by the future I am creating—a future filled with hope, purpose, and love.
If you are reading this and struggling with your own battles, know that there is hope. No matter how deep the pain or how overwhelming the struggle, recovery is possible. You are not alone, and you are worth the fight. This is my story, but it is also a reminder that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, healing is within reach.
FRCO Joins Margate's Annual Spring Cleanup to Support Recovery and Raise Awareness
On March 8th, Fellowship Recovery Community Organization (FRCO) proudly participated in Margate’s Annual Spring Cleanup for the second year in a row. This year, we were excited to raise awareness about the vital services our Recovery Center provides to the local community while supporting our mission to offer housing scholarships to individuals in recovery.
During the event, we had the opportunity to connect with our neighbors, share information about our programs, and distribute Narcan, emphasizing our commitment to harm reduction and recovery support. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, including JFS Rak-Pak, South Florida Wellness Network, and our alumni, we were able to raise even more funds this year. In-kind donations from these partners were sold at the event, directly contributing to the success of our fundraising efforts.
We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our community, which helped make this year’s participation a success. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected recovery community!
FRCO Responds to House Bill 1365: Providing a Lifeline to Those Impacted by Florida's New Law
As of October 1, 2024, a new state law, House Bill 1365, went into effect in Florida, prohibiting sleeping on the streets, sidewalks, and in parks. This law has left local cities scrambling to find compassionate solutions to avoid fines and arrests for individuals who have nowhere to go.
The urgency is clear, and at Fellowship Recovery Community Organization (FRCO), we feel the weight of this change, particularly for individuals struggling with substance use disorder and homelessness.
We believe everyone deserves a safe space to begin their recovery journey, and we are committed to providing exactly that. Our Respite Program offers a vital, short-term safe space for individuals who are experiencing a recurrence of substance use and are waiting for placement in aftercare. The Respite provides more than just a roof—it offers a secure environment where individuals can access three daily meals, therapeutic groups, support meetings, clothing, and critical connections to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. In 2024, we achieved an outstanding 84% success rate in program completion, a testament to the deep care and structured support we offer to those in need.
Introducing the Lifesaver Fund: Your Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact
In response to House Bill 1365, we are expanding our efforts and launching our Lifesaver Fund to provide temporary housing and support for individuals impacted by the new law. It costs approximately $90 per night to provide a safe, supportive environment through the Respite Program, and our goal is to raise enough funds for 12 nights of housing a month for individuals who need for the rest of the year. We invite you to be part of this crucial mission by making a one-time gift or setting up a recurring donation. Your ongoing support will ensure that those in need have a safe place to stay and the resources to begin their recovery journey. Every contribution, whether one-time or monthly, makes a lasting impact and helps provide hope for those who need it most.
Your generous donations to the Lifesaver Fund will provide more than just shelter—it will offer a chance for a fresh start. For someone facing homelessness and substance use challenges, this space is often the first step toward transformation. Your contribution will help individuals connect with the resources they need, heal from trauma, and take their first steps toward lasting recovery.
We cannot do this alone. The impact of House Bill 1365 is real, and the need for immediate support is critical. With your help, we can offer a safe place where individuals can begin the healing process and gain access to life-changing resources. Your donation is a lifeline that allows us to offer not only shelter, but hope, healing, and the possibility of a better future.
Please join us today in providing a secure, compassionate environment for those who need it most. Together, we can make a real difference and ensure that no one in our community will have to face this new law without the support they deserve.
Donate to the Lifesaver Fund today and help us provide a safe space for individuals seeking recovery and a brighter future. Every contribution matters.
