If you’ve ever wondered whether your support of The Wheelhouse really makes a difference, the answer is simple: Yes. Every single day.
And 2025 was proof of that.
Because of donors, volunteers, alumni, and friends who believe recovery is possible, over 400 men walked through our doors last year looking for a new start. Many arrived broken and unsure if their life could change.
Today, many of those same men are working jobs, rebuilding relationships, paying taxes, and living sober lives.
That kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people like you choose to stand with them.
The Reality We Face And the Hope We See
Addiction doesn’t slow down. The need for recovery continues to grow.
In 2025 alone, 683 men reached out to The Wheelhouse for help.
We were able to welcome 410 of them through our doors, and 325 men began our 30-Day Phase I program.
Each one came with a different story, but they all had one thing in common: They were ready to try again.
Our facilities remained nearly full throughout the year with 100% occupancy in Phase I and 96% in Phase II, underscoring just how strong the demand for recovery support remains.
And while not every man stays, many do. 203 men completed the 30-Day Phase I program, beginning the difficult but life-changing work of rebuilding their lives.
Real Recovery Means Real Life Change
Recovery at The Wheelhouse isn’t just about staying sober.
It’s about rebuilding a life.
During Phase II of the program, men begin working toward independence, stability, and responsibility. In 2025, that meant:
- 136 men secured identification
- 129 obtained health and wellness benefits
- 57 second-chance bank accounts opened
- 82 financial coaching sessions
- 65 men placed in tax-paying jobs
- 39 legal support connections
A man getting his first ID in years.
A father is opening a bank account again.
Someone working their first honest job after addiction nearly destroyed everything.
Why Time in Recovery Matters
Our ongoing sobriety study continues to reveal something we’ve seen for years: The longer someone stays in recovery, the better their chances of staying sober.
Right now:
- Men who stay 90 days or more show a 68% sobriety rate
- Men in our Sober Home Phase III are currently trending at 78% sobriety
The Financial Story Behind the Mission
Running a recovery program takes resources. Buildings, staff, food, transportation, counseling support, and operational costs all add up.
The good news is that 2025 ended on a financially strong note. Because of generous supporters, we finished the year cash-flow positive.
Here are a few highlights:
- Program revenue: $703,323 (up 16%)
- Total fundraising: $193,013
- Building fund revenue: $270,620 toward our loan
- Operational reserve: $162,902 in savings (about three months of operations)
Individual support grew significantly.
- Individual giving increased 48%
- Foundation giving increased 115%
A Community That Shows Up
We also saw incredible support from volunteers, churches, and community partners.
Parkgate Community Church continues to show up monthly with meals and fellowship for the men. Other churches and supporters regularly bring food, encouragement, and practical support.
Sometimes something as simple as a shared meal reminds someone in recovery that they are not alone.
Major Donors Who Helped Move the Mission Forward
Many generous donors stepped forward in major ways during 2025.
One of the most powerful moments came through our Mission Match campaign, where a longtime supporter matched donations dollar-for-dollar to pay down our building loan.
Together, donors raised $125,310, which was matched, bringing the total to $250,620 dedicated to paying down our building loan.
Because of this support, our remaining loan balance has been reduced to $586,222 as of January 2026.
Sizable gifts came from the Jon and Jacquelyn Hodges Charitable Organization and the Wheelhouse Alumni Association.
Why Paying Off the Loan Matters
Right now, about $6,000 every month goes toward servicing this building loan. That’s $72,000 per year that could otherwise go directly toward helping men and their families. Paying off this debt is one of the most important financial priorities ahead of us.
That’s why we are launching a major initiative called:
Stronger Than Addiction
This is a $3.9 million campaign designed to secure The Wheelhouse’s future for generations to come.
The campaign focuses on three major goals:
• Eliminating our remaining debt
• Strengthening staffing and facilities
• Building an endowment for long-term stability
These steps will allow us to expand our capacity and ensure that recovery remains available for the next 75 years and beyond.
Thank You
If you’ve given, volunteered, prayed, shared our story, or encouraged someone in recovery, thank you.
You are part of every life that has been changed here. And together, we’re proving something powerful:
The Wheelhouse is stronger than addiction.
Thank you for your care and love for our men.
Lanier Young
Executive Director
The Wheelhouse
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