August is National Wellness Month
This month is a perfect reminder that caring for our overall well-being is an extremely important part of sustaining recovery and sobriety. Founded by Live Love Spa, this observance encourages us to focus on small, daily practices that strengthen the mind, body, and spirit. In recovery, wellness is more than just a concept — it’s a pathway to healing, resilience, and long-term sobriety. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, reaching out to a sponsor or friend for support, attending a meeting, or simply taking time to rest, these intentional choices nurture not only our health but also our recovery journey. By embracing wellness in all its dimensions — mental, physical, social, and emotional — we create a solid foundation for continued growth and lasting change.
VNRH Alumni and Friends Gear Up for the Spartan Race—Again!
They’re back—and more determined than ever! On September 20th, the alumni and friends of Van Ness Recovery House will once again take on the legendary Spartan Race, a grueling 5K–50K challenge packed with over 20 signature obstacles—from rope climbs and spear throws to multi-rig swings that push both body and mind to the limit. This time, 40 committed participants are training every Sunday—not just for the race, but to uplift the place they once called home. Together, they’re raising funds to support VNRH’s Capital Campaign, and they’ve already brought in $25,000. Their last race in April funded the completion of our ADA-accessible bathroom—a project that created more inclusive access for current and future residents.
This effort isn’t just about strength—it’s about growth, grit, and giving back.
Want to help? Sponsor a Spartan or follow their journey here: VNRH Alumni Spartan Race
It’s not just a race—it’s a powerful expression of transformation and purpose.
Stories of Inspiration
A Life Transformed: Craig’s Story of Recovery, Service, and Strength
With 17 years of sobriety, Craig’s life is a powerful testament to what happens when someone chooses to surrender—and trust the process. After nearly two decades of cycling through treatment centers and sober livings, Craig arrived at Van Ness Recovery House at age 36 feeling out of options, yet ready to commit. He recalls waking up his first morning in the house with the realization that he had to let go and listen to people who knew how to help him. Turning his will over to the staff and program, he fully engaged—following every rule, showing up for himself, and embracing the structure that would ultimately become the foundation of his new life.
That surrender led to extraordinary outcomes. After completing the program at VNRH, Craig found work as a personal trainer before returning to a long-held goal: passing the California Bar. He had already attended and graduated from law school before entering treatment, but after struggling to pass the exam, he had put the dream on hold. Once sober, he returned to his studies with a clear mind and renewed discipline—and passed the bar exam on his first attempt. Today, Craig is a civil litigator and trial attorney, running his own law practice focused on sexual harassment, bullying, and abuse cases. Sobriety gave him the chance to reclaim his potential and build a meaningful career helping others.
Four years ago, Craig was invited by Kathy to join the Board of Directors at Van Ness Recovery House. Without hesitation, he said yes—because to him, the house isn’t just part of his past, it’s a cornerstone of who he is today. The house remains one of the most meaningful things in his life, and serving on the board is his way of staying connected to the community that helped shape his recovery.
As we celebrate National Wellness Month, Craig emphasizes that recovery is about more than just abstaining from substances—it’s about building a balanced life. For him, wellness means caring for the whole self: mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It’s a way of living that many people in recovery may have never experienced before sobriety. Finding that balance, he says, is essential not only to staying sober, but to truly thriving in recovery. One way Craig is choosing to put that wellness into action is by participating in the Spartan Race, which he’ll take on again this September with fellow Van Ness alumni and friends. For him, it’s not just a race—it’s an opportunity to come together, train with purpose, and be part of something bigger. He values the way the race brings people together across backgrounds—alumni, supporters, and even those outside the recovery community—all united by a shared goal. What resonates most with him is the energy it creates: watching people commit to the training, lift each other up, and push through something challenging is incredibly moving and empowering. Especially for those in recovery, it becomes a real confidence booster—a way to reconnect with strength, discipline, and community in action.
Craig’s advice for anyone just starting their recovery journey? “Let go. Stop trying to control everything. Put your life in the hands of the people and the program that works. Surrender.”
How Can I Help?
The mission of Van Ness Recovery House thrives because of the compassion and generosity of people like you. Each act of support fuels not just a goal, but a powerful movement of healing, hope, and long-term recovery. Your commitment helps transform lives, and there are many meaningful ways to be part of the journey:
Give Hope – Your donations directly support stories of sobriety and transformation. Whether it’s a one-time gift or an ongoing pledge to our capital campaign, every contribution creates real change. You can visit our website here.
Share the Mission – When you tell others about Van Ness, you help extend our circle of support. Each story shared becomes a light for someone still searching for a path to recovery.
Stay Connected – Follow us on social media and engage with our newsletter to keep the inspiration alive. Together, we turn stories of recovery into a collective journey of strength and community.
“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.”
– Greg Anderson