Feature: LITE Recovery Hub

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

I came across that quotation in the email signature of Peer Supervisor Rochelle Taylor from LITE.

A friend in this area sent me a link to LITE Recovery Hub because they shared a post advertising an opening for a Peer Recovery Coach. I’ve been a Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach in Indiana since 2023 but haven’t found the right position to put it into practice. Addiction and recovery are often sensitive subjects for people, and for good reason, but that doesn’t mean we should shy away from talking about it, letting the stigma hide it from all of us.

Recovery stories and journeys are important to me, because I am in active recovery myself. After separating from the US Navy with a service-connected disability, I started down the path of painkillers, venturing into the world of Vicodin (Hydrocodone acetaminophen) and eventually leveling up to Percocet (Oxycodone acetaminophen). Paired with rampant alcoholism, “substance abuse” was a massive understatement to what I was attempting to live through.

In 2011, while finishing my Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre Arts-Directing at California State University, Long Beach, I decided to get clean after taking Perc before a performance that subsequently had me sleep through the entire second act and miss curtain call. My partner found me upstairs, passed out by the bathroom, woke me up, and drove me home.

In 2018, I decided to get sober. I was about to become a father of two children under two years old, I was starting on some new mental health medication, and things were picking up speed. In January of 2019, less than two months after starting a new medication, I attempted to take my own life and I was subsequently hospitalized for observation, safety, and diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2 and Major Depressive Disorder and began a new med regimen that included some game changers. I often say that Lithium Carbonate helped save my life.

Because of the new alignment of medications, I chose to stop drinking completely and go dry sober as many do when choosing sobriety and recovery. Over the years I have slowly incorporated social drinking into my life, drinking for celebration or in social situations, but always in moderation. My rules were, I don’t drink when I’m sad or angry, and I don’t drink on days where I’ve said, “Ugh! I need a drink.”

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LITE stands for Living In Transition Effectively, and LITE Recovery Hub is located in Milford, Indiana. Their website illustrates that LITE is dedicated to assisting individuals in making and executing a self-directed recovery and reentry plan. Successful transition back into their community begins at intake and must address unique challenges and needs. We provide educational, vocational, spiritual, and relational support and training. Having begun as a jail reentry program we understand the anxiety and worry about being “outside” and staying healthy. 

The bulk of the work originates out of the Milford Methodist Meeting House in Milford, IN and from the homes and offices of many volunteers. Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coaches (CAPRC), Community Health Workers (CHW), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) peers, and Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) work with regional recovery residences & programs, jails, prisons, and detoxification centers to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for recoverees.

Though LITE was inspired by the faith of its founders, it is open to people of all faiths and beliefs. They support all pathways to recovery and facilitate a self-directed journey. LITE is a 501c3 nonprofit, so your donations are tax deductible

On staff, Rochelle Taylor, CAPRCII-MH, CSPR-PR, is the Peer Supervisor, and Tammy Cotton is the Executive Director. Tammy took some time out of her busy schedule to share some thoughts with us about LITE.

“At LITE Recovery Cafe, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming haven for individuals seeking support and growth. Our peer support and life skills classes are designed to empower participants, following the esteemed Recovery Cafe model. As part of the LITE Recovery Hub, we serve six counties in the northeastern region of [Indiana], with aspirations to broaden our impact even further across the state through the RCO.” 

“Our operations are sustained through the generosity of community donations and grants, allowing us to offer invaluable resources without financial barriers. Within our entities the Woman’s Recovery Residence stands as a beacon of hope, providing a safe and nurturing environment for five women, although we currently have a waiting list due to high demand.” 

“At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to fostering positive connections and outcomes for the recovery community. Our vision is to inspire personal, relational, and spiritual transformation through collaborative efforts, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience long-term recovery with comprehensive support and resources. Whether you’re seeking help or looking to lend a hand, LITE Recovery is here to walk alongside you on this journey.”

What sparked you to launch what you have? 

“ My daughter was incarcerated in the Kosciusko County jail from 2017- 2019 (1 ½ years), then to IDOC.  During the time that she was at KCJ, she would share with me her concerns about seeing the same women in and out/in and out…That really hit my heart. I began looking into what other counties were doing across the state and the country.  My husband and I attended a workshop called, “Loving Your Incarcerated Neighbor”, I met the Jail Chaplain from the Elkhart Co. jail there and that sparked the fire.  I began meeting with leaders in the jail, shadowed at the Elkhart Co jail, and came up with the name LITE – Living In Transition Effectively.  I had 20 years of experience working in the non-profit world, so starting a new non-profit organization was a fairly easy task.  The name LITE also came from Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world…”

“During COVID I continued working on putting together the plans and started going into the jail in 2021.  LITE has over 15 volunteers that are still teaching classes inside KCJ today.  In 2023, LITE opened a women’s recovery residence, became a Recovery Community Organization, a Regional Recovery Hub and launched the LITE Recovery Cafe.”

What special sauce do you bring? 

“We have several different entities under the umbrella of LITE. This gives us a means to meet individuals where they are and connect them to life-changing resources. We have partnerships across the state and have been able to provide a safe place no matter where the individual is on their journey. We accept and embrace all pathways to recovery.”

What do you really want us to take away from knowing about you? And why should we refer folks to you if not use your services for ourselves?  

“At LITE, we strive to build genuine relationships with each person we encounter, fostering an environment of trust and understanding. Our team is made up of compassionate individuals who are committed to personalizing each experience, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. We believe in empowering individuals by providing the tools and guidance they need to achieve their goals. Our reputation is built on the success stories of those we’ve helped, and we take pride in being a beacon of hope and transformation in our community. Referring someone to us means connecting them to a network of care that is dedicated to making a positive difference in every life it touches.”