Fundraiser for Grace Centers of Hope

10th Annual Brooksie Way Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
$1,585.00
Raised
8%
Completed
$20,000.00
Goal

As a part of our recovery programs at Grace Centers of Hope, we recognize exercise as a very important part of the recovery process for those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Our desire is to help our residents establish HEALTHY routines they can embrace for a lifetime!

These are the stories of the Grace Centers of Hope residents on the RACE 4 GRACE Team at the Brooksie Way (pictures in the slideshow above):

Ron, 45

I entered the program at Grace Centers of Hope on May 16th. I felt compelled to sign up for the Brooksie Way… God was telling me to do this. I never thought I would be a runner. My negative thinking disappears after I run; this gives me time to think. While I’m running, I think about the day before and the day ahead. This provides me with the opportunity to exercise mind, body, and spirit. Running puts me in the right state-of-mind and provides a routine. I enjoy the fellowship with my teammates. I would tell others in recovery to do something physical, even if it’s not running; it helps.

Catrina, 31

I find that my self-esteem is the biggest thing I need to work on. There is a little voice inside my head that says, “I’m not good enough,” or “I can’t do something.” I try to challenge that voice. When I first heard about residents training for the Brooksie Way, my first thought was that I couldn’t do it, so I tried it instead. I came to Grace Centers of Hope on February 23rd and this is absolutely helping me with my recovery. I am now motivated, everyone on the team inspires me, and I have a sense of accomplishment. I had no idea how good this would feel. I wake up feeling better and I have more energy. This touches every aspect of my life. Exercise releases endorphins… It doesn’t make sense until you try it!

Sean, 32

I knew it would be difficult when I signed up for the Brooksie Way but I signed up to follow-through with something and to be healthy. Training makes me not want to put anything poisonous or harmful into my body. Training holds me accountable and I am now driven and focused. I entered the program on April 14th and before I started running, my days would drag on. Now, I feel like I don’t have enough time in the day, I have more energy. My advice to others in recovery if they’re considering running: get out of your comfort zone, it pays off.

Terrie, 56

I wanted to run the Brooksie Way because I wanted to get it shape and I wanted to give back to a good cause. This is a good challenge for me and my spiritual journey. I wake up and running is time for me and God to spend together. God helps me do things I didn’t think I could do. Training has drawn me closer to God – all my strength comes from Him. I have been at Grace Centers since March 23rd. I am now healthier and I feel better about myself, so I don’t want to abuse myself anymore. I am leaning on God. I would tell others in recovery that running makes you healthier, gives you confidence, and improves your attitude. Get outside and see what your body can do!

Justin, 32

I signed up for the Brooksie Way to obtain an ultimate level of fitness, get disciplined, and strengthen my relationship with God. I am now doing things I never thought I would do. I came to Grace Centers of February 21st and I am staying committed. I see a night and day difference in my program from when I was not running to now. I recommend running for those in recovery – mental, physical, and spiritual health to obtain pure joy. I remind myself: it doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.

Jane, 53

I signed up to train for the Brooksie Way to get healthy and accomplish something. I haven’t accomplished anything since I graduated high school. Also, I wanted to run to help raise money for Grace Centers. I came to Grace on May 4th. Since training, I am now more aware and I realize that I am a better person than I was a drug addict. Running is good for me. I believe anyone can do this and I would tell others in recovery to try it! Running helps improve focus and challenges people to try something new and stick with it.

Chris, 29

I signed up for the Brooksie Way to begin a positive way to spend my time. I entered the program at Grace Centers on May 21st and started training a couple weeks later. This training is keeping me clean. Running provides mental focus for the long term; I tend to get off track. I am now doing physical activity instead of physical destruction. I would recommend running to other addicts to help them set short- and long-term goals.

Lisa, 52

I wanted to run the Brooksie Way because I love to run. Running keeps me busy and helps me meditate and running for Grace Centers is a good cause. I entered the program at Grace Centers of Hope on July 9th. Running is helping me in program; it gives me something to look forward to. If I push myself to run, I can push myself to make it through this program and to stay clean. Training teaches me to finish what I started and this allows me to exercise mind, body, and spirit. Anyone in recovery needs to try running.

Rick, 30

I wanted to train for the Brooksie Way to teach myself discipline and to set a big goal and commit to it. I came to Grace Centers of Hope on May 9th and training helps me focus and a chance to think. I am now more disciplined and hold myself accountable. Most people use drugs because they aren't happy with themselves. I would recommend running to other recovering addicts for the exercise, to be happy with yourself, and the overall outcome.

Janice, 41

I signed up for the Brooksie Way to help with my recovery. I love to run and being a part of a team has been an immense help in regards to my recovery. Running gives me time to process, it relieves stress, and it’s a new way to cope with anything that comes my way. I would highly recommend running to others in recovery. I can’t stop talking about running to other women in the program at GCH. I came to Grace Centers the day after Memorial Day and I could hardly walk up the stairs. I started training for the Brooksie Way the following week. My body is strong and healthy and I, naturally, sleep better now. I am now off all of my medications. Running has done amazing things all around. I now want to run everywhere instead of walking. The coaches have been incredibly supportive and I love being on this team… it’s become family.


We are encouraging individuals and families in the community to join our staff and residents as we participate in the RACE 4 GRACE at the Brooksie Way!
We invite anyone passionate about promoting health & wellness to RUN with us and/or join us in fundraising efforts for this event. 

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About Grace Centers of Hope
Grace Centers of Hope
As a part of our recovery programs at Grace Centers of Hope, we promote health and wellness through physical activity and healthy eating. We recognize exercise as a very important part of the recovery process for those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Our desire is to help our residents establish HEALTHY routines they can embrace for a lifetime! We are encouraging individuals and families in the community to become more physically active as well by joining our residents and staff as we participate in the RACE 4 GRACE at the BROOKSIE WAY.

We invite anyone passionate about promoting health and wellness to RUN with us and/or join us in our fundraising efforts for this event. We anticipate 500+ runners joining us and we encourage them to raise or contribute $300 each to Grace Centers of Hope.