Our News Posts
🏅 Home Runs for Hope⚾
Home Runs for Hope was a fun and meaningful day on the field, bringing together Voices of Hope staff, recovery house residents, and supporters for a 3–0 win and a powerful show of community spirit.
Hosted by Rage Against Addiction, the event celebrated recovery, connection, and teamwork — reminding us that healing is a team effort. 💜⚾
🚦 A Huge Thank You to Our Highway Heroes! 🚦
On September 20th, 2025, our community came together for an unforgettable Adopt-a-Highway clean-up day — and the impact went far beyond picking up trash. Volunteers from Voices of Hope, Project Chesapeake, local recovery houses, and community members united to collect 15 bags of litter and clean up a hazardous site filled with used syringes. This powerful day highlighted the strength of recovery, the importance of harm reduction, and the deep bond formed through shared purpose. Read how hope, action, and unity transformed more than just a roadside. 💜
🍂 Thank You, Elkton! A Beautiful Day at Fall Fest 🦌
Voices of Hope had a fantastic time at Elkton’s Annual Fall Fest! From great food to meaningful conversations, it was a day filled with community, connection, and gratitude. Read more about our experience and why we’re already excited for next year!
Thank You for Supporting Recovery Month! 💜
Voices of Hope extends heartfelt thanks to Cecil and Harford Counties for recognizing September as Recovery Month. Learn how these proclamations and community support are helping to reduce stigma, celebrate recovery, and promote hope across our region.
Coming Together for Change: Voices of Hope at the Harford County Symposium on Addiction & Recovery
Voices of Hope was honored to join the Harford County Symposium on Addiction & Recovery, where Executive Director Jennifer Tuerke spoke alongside other leaders in the recovery community. Read more about this inspiring event and our continued efforts to support recovery and reduce stigma.
☀️ Kicking Back for a Cause: Highlights from Our Annual Rubber Ducky Race! 🦆⚽🍔
A fun-filled day of kickball, great food, and community spirit! Check out the highlights from our annual Rubber Ducky Race and see how we turned a sunny Saturday into a celebration of hope and support.
2025 Overdose Vigils🕯️
This post reflects on the powerful moments from our recent Overdose Vigils — a night of remembrance, community, and hope. We honor those we've lost, support those still fighting, and invite others to join us in turning grief into action.
Recovery Night at Ripken ⚾💜
On August 30, 2025, our team gathered for a beautiful evening at Ripken Stadium — a night filled with glowing sunsets, shared laughter, and powerful stories of strength and hope. Families, friends, and individuals on the journey of recovery came together as a community to celebrate resilience and support one another. During the first half of the game, Leidos Field gave Voices of Hope a meaningful shoutout, helping raise awareness for the upcoming month dedicated to overdose prevention and mental health awareness.
From Intern to CPRS: Adam Roberts’ Journey of Purpose
From an intern through SWN to Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Adam Roberts turned potential into purpose. Through Voices of Hope’s CPRS Training Program, he put in the hours, learned the craft of peer support, and became a steady, compassionate presence for our community. We’re proud to celebrate his certification—and excited for the impact still ahead.
From Survival to Service: Celebrating Kristie Thompson, CPRS
Voices of Hope is thrilled to recognize Kristie Thompson as one of the newest graduates of our CPRS Program. Her journey from survivor to certified professional embodies the heart of peer work: turning personal adversity into collective healing. Drop a note of congratulations, share her story, and let’s celebrate the hope she spreads every day.
Every Number is a Life. Every Connection is Hope.
In 2024, Voices of Hope connected with 6,448 individuals impacted by substance use disorder—4,056 in Cecil County and 2,392 in Harford County, Maryland.
Behind every number is a real person—a neighbor, a parent, a child—taking courageous steps toward healing.
Thanks to our dedicated team and trusted partners, 984 people were connected to treatment last year. That’s 984 lives with a renewed chance at recovery.
We’re especially grateful for Pyramid Healthcare, our top referral provider out of 74 treatment partners. In 2024, Pyramid cared for 127 individuals we referred—thanks in part to their expanded admission hours, transportation support, and willingness to serve people with co-occurring health needs, including wound care.
We are thankful for all of our treatment providers—especially those who meet with us regularly to remove barriers and improve access to care.
In 2024, we also:
🚗 Provided 3,704 transports
💙 Delivered emergency financial support to 224 people in recovery
This is what community looks like. This is what hope looks like.
Heather Paxton: Turning Passion into Purpose as Voices of Hope's Newest CHW
Voices of Hope is thrilled to celebrate Heather Paxton, a dedicated and compassionate graduate of our Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program. Heather enrolled in our program through the Susquehanna Workforce Center, driven by a deep-rooted passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
"One Call Can Change Everything."
One Call Can Change Everything."
Here’s our Cecil Operations Supervisor, Stephen, testing out the new pay phone in the Cecil County Detention Center lobby—but this isn’t just any phone.
Thanks to Sheriff Adams and the Cecil County Detention Center, individuals being released now have a direct line to Voices of Hope for a FREE ride home—but it’s more than a ride.
They’ll be met by a Peer Recovery Specialist with lived experience in the justice system, who can offer:
Compassionate support
A meeting list
A bag of Narcan
A real conversation with someone who believes in them
A bus or train ticket back to their state/county after being released
This moment of meaningful engagement could be the difference between life and death—or the start of a brand-new life.
We’re proud to provide this critical service, made possible through a grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, which will continue into 2026.
Hope starts here. Right at the door.
Diana Wesley: From Darkness to Purpose—A Powerful Journey of Recovery and Giving Back
Voices of Hope Maryland proudly celebrates Diana Wesley, our recent graduate of the Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program. Diana's journey has been powerful and transformative, marked by resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to supporting others in their own paths to recovery.
Empowering Communities: Paula Combs Joins the Ranks of Certified Health Workers
Voices of Hope Maryland is proud to spotlight one of our newest Community Health Worker (CHW) graduates—Paula Combs, a dedicated professional with the Cecil County Health Department, whose journey to certification is nothing short of inspiring…
Celebrating Independence!
4th of July BBQ at Voices of Hope Recovery House
This past weekend, we celebrated Independence Day with our recovery house residents, their families, our dedicated staff, and members of the recovery community — and what a beautiful day it was!
At Voices of Hope, we believe in showing that recovery is not only possible, it's joyful. Our annual 4th of July BBQ was filled with laughter, connection, and hope. From water slides and volleyball to shared meals and heartfelt hugs, the day was a reminder that life in recovery can be full of fun, family, and freedom.
There were happy tears as residents reconnected with their children, played games on the lawn, and experienced what true community feels like. These moments are what recovery is all about.
We believe that when we help heal the person, we help heal the family — and ultimately the entire community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to walk this journey with us.
#VoicesOfHope #RecoveryIsPossible #FamilyHealing #4thOfJulyBBQ #CommunityStrong #LifeInRecovery
VoH at Havre de Grace Parade
We had a Blast at the Havre de Grace Independence Day Parade!
Voices of Hope was proud to walk in one of Harford County’s best parades this past Saturday, July 5th, and we loved seeing everyone out in their red, white, and blue! The energy, smiles, and community spirit were unforgettable.
We also handed out 15 cases of Narcan—and ran out halfway through the route! That just shows how much our community cares. Narcan saves lives, and we’re proud to be part of the movement to make overdose reversal accessible to everyone.
Thank you for the love and support, Havre de Grace!
#VoicesOfHope #NarcanSavesLives #IndependenceDay2025 #HavreDeGraceParade #HarmReduction #HopeInAction #HarfordStrong
Let’s Celebrate!
We’re excited to share some amazing news—Rachael has officially passed her Community Health Worker (CHW) exam and is now a Certified CHW!
Rachael’s journey with Voices of Hope is a true testament to what hard work, heart, and purpose can achieve. She first joined us as a student through the Susquehanna Workforce Network, working toward her CPRS certification. While completing her 500-hour internship, it quickly became clear that Rachael brought something special to the table.
Her dedication, reliability, and genuine passion for helping others stood out right away—and we knew she was someone we wanted on our team. Since then, she’s grown from intern to staff member, continuing to lead with the same energy and excellence she started with.
Now, she’s added Certified CHW to her list of accomplishments, and we couldn’t be prouder!
Rachael—thank you for showing up, leaning in, and being a shining example of what this work is all about. We’re lucky to have you on this mission with us.
And if you have a passion for helping others in the community and becoming a beacon of hope for those who are dealing with substance use or behavioral health disorders, and are interested in getting your certification as a Community Health Worker or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, please visit our website: https://www.voicesofhopemaryland.org/
And fill out the Interest Form on our "Training & Certification" page.
#VoicesOfHope #CHWStrong #CongratulationsRachael #CommunityHealthWorker #WeGrowTogether
Serving Hope, One Plate at a Time!
This past week, just like we do every month, our peers and Recovery House residents volunteered at The Paris Foundation — preparing and serving meals for over 100 individuals in need.
Community engagement and service are powerful parts of the recovery journey. For many of our staff and residents, giving back is how we honor the help we once received.
We’re proud to show up for our community — with open hearts, full plates, and a spirit of gratitude.
#VoicesOfHope #ServiceInRecovery #GivingBack #HopeInAction #RecoveryWorks
VoH Peers Called Into Action!
This week, our amazing peers stepped up in a big way to support our friends at Sheilagh's Pantry in Hollingsworth Manor! A large shipment of food arrived, and our team didn’t hesitate—they showed up, ready to help unload and get supplies where they’re needed most.
As a Recovery Community Organization, we believe in being there for the community—and that includes standing beside other service providers like Sheilagh’s Pantry. Whether it’s offering hope, lending a hand, or showing up when needed, our peers are here for you.
Thank you to our team and to Sheilagh's Pantry for the incredible work you do. Together, we are stronger.
#VoicesOfHope #CommunityInRecovery #SheilaghsPantry #StrongerTogether #PeerSupport #RecoveryInAction