What we are up to
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Connect to the 4 elements through our 3 initiatives
Initiative 1: A Holistic Approach to Recovery and Workforce Development
Elemental Recovery's first initiative is a groundbreaking, on-site Substance Use Disorder and Workforce Development Program located at the serene foothills of Appalachian Kentucky. This program, meticulously crafted with evidence-based practices and an innovative curriculum, extends a supportive hand to individuals navigating the multifaceted challenges of substance use disorder. Simultaneously, it uniquely integrates workforce development, recognizing the transformative power of employment in the recovery journey.
Initiative 2: Building Community Resilience through Peer Support
Central to Elemental Recovery's vision is the second initiative—an Appalachian-based Regional Peer Support Model. Understanding the profound impact of community connections and shared experiences in the recovery process, this initiative seeks to establish a robust peer support network. Moving beyond traditional treatment paradigms, it aims to weave a tapestry of support that enhances the recovery experience for individuals in the Appalachian region, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
Initiative 3: Empowering Recovery Leaders Statewide
The third initiative, the Recovery-to-Leader Pipeline, is a Statewide Workforce Development Program dedicated to individuals within the substance use disorder ecosystem. This visionary program goes beyond conventional approaches, aiming to provide opportunities for leadership development and skills enhancement. By contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the workforce in this critical sector, it becomes a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals in recovery to become leaders in their communities.
Elemental Recovery ensures the highest caliber of curriculum development for these initiatives. The program's cornerstone is a free app and website where participants access daily prompts and the full one-year curriculum. This comprehensive platform includes an in-app journal and audio journal, peer support meeting locations statewide, and serves as a centralized hub for Substance Use Disorder resources. Through these initiatives, Elemental Recovery strives to redefine the landscape of recovery, creating avenues for growth, connection, and empowerment for individuals on their journey toward healing and leadership.
Our Curriculum
Elemental Recovery's Methodology has been meticulously designed and centered around the profound influence of the four elements: fire, air, earth, and water, each contributing uniquely to the human experience.
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Our Team
Dr. Ryan Joseph Allen, Ed.D. & William Dawson, M.Ed.
About Us
We are here to bring some love to the hollers
The heartbeat of the Elemental Recovery Program resonates with the deep-rooted commitment and heartfelt passion of its co-founders, Will and Ryan. Choosing to return to the embrace of rural farmlands and rolling foothills, their journey became a poignant narrative of personal triumph and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of those grappling with substance use disorder and trauma in Appalachia.
Ryan's story is not just one of recovery but of resilience forged through 12 years of navigating the challenging path of opioid substance use disorder. His decision to co-found multiple nonprofit organizations arose not only from personal experience but from an innate understanding of the profound impact that compassionate support can have on individuals on their recovery journey. As a co-founder, Ryan infuses the Elemental Recovery Program with authenticity, empathy, and a genuine desire to off er hope to those facing similar battles in the hills he now calls home.
Will, the other half of this compassionate duo, brings his own tapestry of dedication to the mix. His involvement in supporting underserved youth populations and those wrestling with mental health challenges underscores a commitment to nurturing well-being within communities. Together, Will and Ryan felt an undeniable calling to give back to the very communities that shaped their roots. Their collaboration is more than a partnership; it is a symphony of shared values, personal experiences, and a heartfelt mission to uplift the spirits of Appalachian communities.
The nuts and bolts of our programming
The 4 elements
Fire, a catalyst of transformation since its discovery, has played a pivotal role in advancing the human species. Its symbolic illumination not only brings light to the darkest corners but also serves as an invaluable tool for enhancing human physical health. Beyond the conventional use for heating and cooking, fire has historically been employed to disinfect wounds, showcasing its multifaceted role in preserving human well-being. As part of the Elemental Recovery Program, participants will engage in activities that harness the transformative energy of fire, fostering a deep connection with this elemental force and its potential for positive change in their lives.
The element of air represents the essence of life itself, embodied in every breath we take. Despite its invisibility, air surrounds us, touching our skin and flowing through our hair, with its power becoming evident when it interacts with the environment. Elemental Recovery encourages participants to explore and embody the profound nature of air through mindful breathing exercises and activities that bring attention to the unseen but impactful force that sustains life. By witnessing the subtle movements of leaves or the gentle ripples on water caused by the wind, individuals can connect with the unseen power of air, fostering a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the breath that gives us life.
Turning to the elemental embrace of earth, participants in the 12-month Elemental Recovery Program will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the therapeutic qualities of nature. Grounding exercises, both physical and mental, will allow individuals to interact with the earth, whether through direct contact with soil or through the power of imagination. By spending time in nature, touching the ground, or visualizing serene natural landscapes, participants can experience a profound sense of calm and tranquility. This grounding aspect of Elemental Recovery ensures accessibility to everyone, promoting mental and emotional well-being through a connection with the physicality of the earth.
Finally, water, covering 71% of the Earth's surface, embodies the concept of "flow" and is fundamental to the flourishing of life. Elemental Recovery recognizes the significance of water in human experience, incorporating activities that highlight its balancing power. Participants may engage in experiences near streams, rivers, lakes, or oceans, connecting with the dynamic flow of water and its ability to bring harmony and balance. The program also explores the immense power of water, drawing inspiration from its tranquil presence in bodies of water to the raw energy exhibited in natural phenomena like hurricanes. Through these activities, participants gain a deeper understanding of the power and balance inherent in the element of water, facilitating an approach to recovery that encompasses both physical and emotional wellbeing.