Pride, Community, and Belonging
Throughout the month of June, we have celebrated and honored the resilience, diversity, and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the generations of advocates, leaders, and everyday individuals whose courage helped create a world where more people can live openly and authentically.
At Van Ness Recovery House, Pride is reflected in something we witness every day: the power of belonging. Recovery thrives when people feel accepted, supported, and connected to a community that understands their experiences. For more than five decades, we have remained committed to providing a space where individuals can find hope, build meaningful relationships, and begin creating a healthier future for themselves.
As Pride Month comes to a close, we are reminded that the values it represents—acceptance, dignity, community, and perseverance—remain important all year long. We are grateful for the residents, alumni, supporters, volunteers, and partners who help make Van Ness Recovery House a place where people are welcomed as they are and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. Together, we continue building a future rooted in compassion, recovery, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Alumni and Friends Spartan Race
This September, Van Ness Recovery House will proudly participate in our third Annual Spartan Race at Angel Stadium! On September 12, alumni and friends of Van Ness will come together to tackle obstacles, challenge themselves, and celebrate the strength that comes from perseverance, determination, and community.
The Spartan Race is about more than physical endurance—it’s about pushing through challenges, supporting one another, and discovering what you’re capable of when you refuse to give up. Those values reflect the recovery journey that so many in our community know well.
We are excited to continue this growing tradition and invite our alumni and friends to join Team Van Ness. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or simply looking for a fun and meaningful challenge, there’s a place for you on the team.
Interested in participating? Simply reply to this email, and we’ll connect you with Linc for more information and registration details. We hope you’ll join us as we take on the course, reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and make our second year even bigger and better than the first!
The Next Phase of Renovations Begins
We are excited to share that renovations on our living room are beginning this week. This first phase will focus on electrical work and bringing the space up to code, laying the foundation for a safer, more comfortable environment for our residents.
The living room is one of the most used spaces in the house. It serves as a place for groups, meetings, quiet time, and connection throughout the day. As we continue improving our home, our goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and home-like environment where residents can feel supported, comfortable, and cared for as they continue their recovery journey.
These improvements are made possible through the generosity of our community. If you would like to support our ongoing renovation efforts and help us create spaces that foster healing, connection, and recovery, we welcome your contribution and partnership.
Current Needs
The support of our community continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals we serve. Donations of everyday items help us create a comfortable, welcoming environment while supporting important program activities that encourage healing, creativity, and personal growth.
At this time, we are still in need of bath towels and magazines for art therapy projects. New items are always appreciated, but gently used items in good condition are equally valuable and can make a lasting impact.
If you have bath towels or magazines you no longer need, we would be grateful for your donation. Thank you for helping us provide the resources and support that contribute to recovery every day.