Telethon highlights recovery stories; organizers say women’s facility is next

Personal testimony and clinical perspective were central to the Leadership Seminole class 35 telethon, which combined entertainment with first-hand accounts from graduates and staff to illustrate how Recovery House of Central Florida supports people through addiction and recovery.

What guests described. Executive director Ed Carr and several alumni described Recovery House as a low-barrier residential program that addresses homelessness, mental-health needs and substance use with structured cohorts, clinical groups and life-skills training. Graduate Alan Carlton described the program as a "six-month" model that gave him routine, leadership roles and work opportunities—and said a women's facility called River House is on the organization’s strategic plan.

Clinical services. Dr. Rosalind Thomas, clinical director, described assessments for co-occurring disorders and evidence-based group therapy used at Recovery House. Graduate Julian Andrade and other alumni credited cognitive and moral-recognition therapy, peer support and structured routines with helping them secure employment, rebuild family relationships and sustain sobriety.

Why it matters. Organizers and alumni said the combination of shelter, clinical care and peer-led cohorts produces outcomes different from short residential programs and that improving shared living spaces will help residents feel valued and supported during recovery.

Representative quotes. "Recovery House opened the door for any man, and hopefully soon women, that have no other options," one alumnus said. Alan Carlton described River House as a planned next step aimed at addressing a gap in services for women.

Next steps and context. Organizers said funds from the telethon and continuing donations will support immediate renovation of common areas and ongoing fundraising to expand services. No formal project budget or funding timeline beyond announced match limits was provided on air.