Transformation is the real treat, see what’s happening at FRCO this month.
Falling Into Fun
Halloween is one of FRCO’s favorite times of year! With the cooler weather rolling in, our participants are finding new energy to get out and enjoy activities they love.
At the Women’s Recovery Residence, residents recently celebrated with a pumpkin carving party, sharing laughs and creativity as they embraced the season. Across our programs, participants are also taking advantage of the crisp autumn air to attend concerts, pursue hobbies like fishing and hunting, or simply spend more time outdoors. Activities that bring joy, connection, and a sense of normalcy to their recovery journey.
For FRCO, the Halloween season isn’t just about costumes and candy, it’s a reminder of community, creativity, and celebrating life in recovery. These moments of fun and engagement help strengthen bonds, build confidence, and inspire participants to embrace the things that make them happy.
Celebrate the Season with Us!
As we move from spooky season into a time of gratitude and giving, FRCO has plenty of ways to stay connected and celebrate together. Join us at our upcoming fall and holiday events, including community service days and festive gatherings, and help keep the spirit of recovery, hope, and togetherness shining bright all season long.
Growth, Change, and Gratitude
As the seasons change, so too do the lives of those seeking a path to recovery. Just as autumn leaves fall to make way for new growth, members of our community are finding opportunities to rebuild and flourish through support, compassion, and connection.
At the City of Fort Lauderdale’s “State of the City” address on September 29, 2025, Mayor Dean Trantalis highlighted the city’s expanded homelessness response and shared the inspiring stories of three individuals who had experienced homelessness. Jacare Burgess, Sean Gannon, and Tyson Sherrill, all participants in Fellowship Recovery Community Organization (FRCO) programs, were brought to the stage and publicly recognized for the progress they’ve made in their recovery journeys. The Mayor acknowledged not only who they were prior to recovery but, importantly, who they are today; resilient individuals contributing positively to their lives and community.
Fort Lauderdale is investing in the future of its most vulnerable residents by expanding its homelessness response team to 20 employees, reorganizing efforts to create more effective street engagement, intensive outreach, and program services. This approach brings together police officers, fire rescue personnel, park rangers, behavioral health experts, case managers, peer specialists and coordinators, all collaborating to connect individuals to resources and guide them toward stability.
FRCO plays a critical role in this ecosystem of support. Through recovery-focused programs, case management, and community engagement, FRCO helps participants navigate the challenges of homelessness, addiction, and reintegration. The organization’s work ensures that the city’s outreach initiatives are not just reactive but transformational, helping individuals like Jacare, Sean, and Tyson reclaim their lives and build lasting recovery capital.
Mayor Trantalis emphasizes the broader vision: “This is about building a system that is smarter, stronger and more compassionate. One that reduces repeated police calls, cuts down on hospital visits, eases burdens on neighborhoods and businesses, and most importantly helps people find stability and hope.”
The journey of recovery, like the changing seasons, takes patience, resilience, and the right support. By recognizing the strength of our most vulnerable populations and fostering meaningful connections, Fort Lauderdale is creating a system that not only lifts individuals out of crisis but strengthens the community as a whole. Growth, change, and gratitude are at the heart of this work—and the stories of those in recovery remind us that new beginnings are always possible.
For more information on the city’s homeless outreach services, Click Here
Spirits of Service
Empowering Tomorrow's Healers
For the third year, FRCO is proud to train the Nova Southeastern University Osteopathic Medicine Club in Narcan use. This partnership strengthens community connections, equips future healthcare professionals with life-saving skills, and provides FRCO staff valuable professional development opportunities. By sharing knowledge beyond recovery spaces, FRCO continues to broaden its impact and save lives.
Compassionate Cares Event
FRCO joins Changing Lives’ Compassionate Care Series to connect participants with recovery support and essential resources. By offering guidance and warm handoffs, FRCO helps individuals overcome obstacles, access services, and take steps toward independence and a brighter future.
Empowering Recovery Through Literacy
FRCO’s Michelle Walker joined NSU’s Dr. Kelly Concannon at the Conference on Community Writing at Wayne State University to showcase their Literacy Outreach work spanning Back 2 School Programming, Recovery Book Club, and SMART Goal initiatives highlighting Their impact in Broward County and inspiring similar collaborations nationwide.
Season of Service
As part of Fort Lauderdale Cares Day, participants from FRCO’s Women’s Recovery Residence rolled up their sleeves to help clean up SW 27th Avenue, the street FRCO has proudly adopted.
This hands-on effort not only beautifies the neighborhood but also reflects the participants’ commitment to community service, personal growth, and giving back.
Their hard work is a reminder that recovery is not just about personal change, it’s about making a positive impact on the world around us.
Harvesting Hope
I’m Max, a house manager and a certified recovery peer specialist. My main responsibility is helping the guys who come in from treatment or straight off the streets, showing them that there is a better way to live and that recovery is truly possible.
I have to be honest, I didn’t always believe recovery was possible for me. For the longest time, all I wanted was to feel okay with myself. I thank my Higher Power every day for the people in my life who continue to show me that I am not alone and that I don’t have to do this alone. That’s exactly the example I try to extend to every newcomer who walks through our doors.
I’m also incredibly grateful to work alongside an amazing group of guys who share similar morals and values. Narcotics Anonymous has shown me a completely new way to live. My sponsor and support network hold me accountable and serve as a living example of the life I hope to lead. My tools, reading recovery-supportive literature, working a 12-step program, and depending on the people I work with and serve for strength and courage are the things that keep me moving forward. I can’t take any of the credit for where I am today. I couldn’t do it alone; I’ve tried, and I know I can’t.
Recovery has allowed me to give back what was so freely given to me, both personally and professionally. Anyone who is struggling needs to know they don’t have to struggle alone anymore. I want to show them that they are loved, even if they don’t love themselves yet.
I stay motivated by going to meetings and hearing others share their experience, strength, and hope. But honestly, the moment that makes my job worth it is seeing that light come on in the eyes of the newcomer. The realization that a new way of living is possible.
For me, staying motivated means staying clean and continuing to serve our community in the best way I can. And when I get a chance to relax, I love spending time with my girlfriend and my dogs, or hitting the golf course for a round or two.
Hope in Every Season: September 2025 Recovery Update
