As we try to stay cool through the sunny days of August, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible power of community and the bonds we create on our recovery journey!
Together, we’re not just walking this path, we’re dancing our way to personal growth and building a vibrant recovery community right here in Broward County!
We are grateful to you for being part of this uplifting movement!
September is just around the corner, and that means it’s Recovery Month! We’re bubbling with excitement to host and participate in various events throughout the county, and we can’t wait to see all of you come together for some fun while inspiring others to join in!
Plus, we’ve got some fantastic programs that you might not know about, like our engaging Recovery Book Club, the awesome Back-to-School initiatives, and the empowering SMART Recovery sessions.
So let’s rally together, share the joy, and continue to grow this amazing community! Remember, together we can create an unstoppable force of support and hope in Broward County!
Program Highlight: Recovery Book Club
Since 2021, FRCO has proudly hosted the Recovery Book Club, a program designed to bring individuals in recovery together through both fiction and non-fiction literature, conversation, and community. This program is offered in partnership with Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kelly Concannon and students from the NSU Writing Center, creating a unique collaboration that fosters both literacy and recovery support.
The Recovery Book Club has grown steadily over the years, with facilitators presenting their literacy outreach work at the Conference of Community Writers in 2023, where they shared how reading circles can build recovery capital, resilience, and empowerment. They were recently invited back to present again this October, highlighting the continued impact of this initiative.
This year, the Book Club is launching a new format to better meet the needs of participants. In order to promote accessibility, all meetings are offered virtually, making it easier for participants to engage no matter where they are in their recovery journey. To further remove barriers to participation, NSU has often helped supply books to participants, ensuring everyone has access to the materials they need. The new format will officially kick off in October 2025, and the first featured book will be “Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.
Through shared reading and discussion, the Recovery Book Club not only promotes literacy and critical thinking but also helps participants connect with others, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen their recovery capital. It continues to be an inspiring example of how community partnerships can create innovative opportunities for growth and wellness.
Have participants who may enjoy joining the Recovery Book Club?
Community members, partners, and facilities are welcome! Email Michelle Walker, our RCC Program Director michelle@fellowshiprco.org
Making Recovery Count: July 2025 Impact Snapshot
Supporting Growth and Healing Through Measurable Change
Participant Spotlight: Kibwe Parker’s
Journey of Growth
In September 2024, Kibwe Parker walked through the doors of Fellowship Recovery Community Organization (FRCO) with determination to rebuild his life in recovery.
Since then, he has worked steadily as a machinist. A trade where his skills have kept him employed, but his opportunities were limited. Kibwe had mastered an older machine, but the field has advanced with modern technology he had not yet been trained on.
Recently, Kibwe was offered the chance to enroll in an apprentice program that would allow him to learn a wide variety of machines, opening doors to more sustainable employment and a meaningful career. This next step not only strengthens his professional future but also supports his recovery by fostering purpose, pride, and independence.
Thanks to the support of our trusted community partner, Second Chance Society, Kibwe was provided with the resources he needed to fully participate in this program including books and a laptop for distance learning. Second Chance Society helps people in recovery and individuals overcoming poverty, homelessness, and other barriers by providing essential tools and assistance to pursue education, vocational training, and employment. Their generosity ensures that people like Kibwe can move forward with dignity and confidence.
FRCO Staff, are proud to walk alongside Kibwe in this journey. His story reflects the heart of our mission: when recovery support and community partnership come together, individuals can achieve stability, growth, and dreams once thought out of reach. Kibwe continues to maintain his recovery program while working and attending classes, a testament to his resilience and commitment to building a brighter future.
Fellowship Recovery Community Organization is deeply grateful to Second Chance Society for helping us help our participants. Kibwe’s story is just one among many that they have helped us serve, and together, we are building hope and opportunity in Broward County.
