Oaks Recovery

10/26/2026

Sometimes the most important part of someone's recovery story isn't how it started. It's what happened when they decided to try again.

Liam first came to Oaks in 2022 after struggling with addiction for more than half of his life. But as he'll tell you, he wasn't quite ready to surrender the old ways of thinking that had kept him stuck.

In March 2025, Liam returned to Oaks with a different mindset. This time, he was ready to take suggestions, do things differently, and give recovery an honest chance.

He began working in the kitchen as a resident, spent some time helping in Admissions, and eventually stepped into his current role as Vocational Director.

Today, one of his favorite parts of the job is watching men arrive at some of the lowest points in their lives and begin rebuilding.

Finding employment. Rediscovering confidence. Learning to show up for themselves. And realizing they're capable of creating a life beyond addiction.

For Liam, being part of that process is more than a job.

It's an opportunity to be of service.

Outside of Oaks, Liam enjoys music and playing video games. 🎮

Meet Liam.
Vocational Director | Oaks Alumni 2025

A reminder that sometimes the first attempt isn't the end of the story.

And that it's never too late to begin again.

10/24/2026

A very beautiful and honest celebration at last night’s commencement. Pete P celebrated 1 year of sobriety and his daughter got to share the raw truth of their journey through his addiction and what his recovery means today.

Recovery impacts the whole family. And when one person chooses to recover, they restore more than just their own life.

10/24/2026

WOW! What a night! Please help us congratulate Oaks Staff, Richard C. on ELEVEN YEARS SOBER, and Pete P. on ONE YEAR SOBER!

Tonight truly displayed the ripple effect that recovery can have (and the pictures are proof!)

Several years ago, Richard met his father in law for the first time while attending a funeral with his wife. At the time, his wife had not seen her father for over a decade. Well it just so happened that he was at a point in his life where he desperately needed help, and just like that, Richard was there to help him.

Unfortunately there were some ups and downs over the years with his sobriety attempts, but though hard work and perseverance, that same man picked up ONE YEAR SOBER alongside Richard this evening!

Thank you Richard for always being a light to those struggling, and for all the work you have done for Oaks these past 11 years!

And a very special thank you to Richard’s wife, Meredith (also Pete’s daughter), for one of the most powerful testimonies of what it is like to be the child of someone struggling with addiction. There was not a dry eye in the room and your words will be used as motivation for many more years to come!

10/23/2026

Join us tonight at 6pm for our Friday Night Commencement as we celebrate three incredible milestones!

Richard C. – 11 years
Mike F. (aka Bo Fisher) – 5 years
Pete P. – 1 year

17 years of continuous sobriety between these three men!

A reminder of what’s possible through honesty, willingness, and the gift of recovery.

Come celebrate with us-
See you tonight!

10/22/2026

Some people help build recovery communities from the inside out.

And Sandi Shaw has been doing exactly that for more than 25 years.

In 2002, she and her late husband founded a recovery community in Florence, SC, where she spent more than a decade developing and overseeing the business and administrative operations that helped keep the organization running.

Years later, that experience would become part of the foundation beneath Oaks. Sandi officially joined the Oaks team in November 2019. And she's been helping keep us growing ever since.

Because behind every recovery community are people doing the work that doesn't always get seen. Building systems. Creating structure. Solving problems. And making sure the mission has what it needs to continue. She's knows as the Wizard of Oaks lol.

Sandi understands that side of recovery work just as deeply as she understands the human side, having experienced the impact of addiction within her own family.

And while she brings a whole lot of knowledge and experience to Oaks, she also brings something pretty special to our team: a deep commitment to the people and the purpose behind it all.

Outside of Oaks, you'll find Sandi playing pickleball, cheering on Duke Basketball, or enjoying local theater productions with her grandchildren. 💙

Meet Sandra “Sandi” Shaw.

Mother. Grandmother. Recovery community builder. And an important part of the Oaks family.

Where Recovery Takes Root.

10/21/2026

REP YOUR ROOTS.

Oaks has always been more than a place.

It's a community. A connection. A whole lot of stories, memories, and people who have become part of something bigger than themselves.

And now you can take a little piece of that with you wherever you go.

Our official Oaks Recovery merchandise store is live on Bonfire!

You'll find a variety of designs available on T-shirts, hoodies, and more—whether you're an alumnus, family member, friend, supporter, or just someone who believes in what recovery makes possible.

And a little heads-up: Bonfire is currently the only place to purchase official Oaks apparel, so if you've been looking for a new Oaks shirt or hoodie, this is where to find it!

Shop the collection at https://www.bonfire.com/store/oaks-recovery/

Wear your roots. Share the message.

Where Recovery Takes Root.

Shop the ONLY official Oaks Recovery store. Every purchase supports our mission?together we are Rooted in Recovery! We believe that no one should suffer the hopelessness...

10/20/2026

THE ILLUSION OF BEING STUCK

What if you're not actually stuck?

What if the discomfort you're experiencing isn't a sign that you're failing, but an invitation to grow?

Sometimes we get so caught up in where we think we should be that we overlook how far we've already come.

And sometimes, the very patterns we're frustrated with are showing us exactly where our next opportunity for healing exists.

Tonight at ROOTED IN RECOVERY, we're exploring five principles for growth, healing, and freedom:

🌱 Obsession With Improvement
🌱 Discipline Over Motivation
🌱 Embrace Failure
🌱 Master the Details
🌱 Compete Against Yourself

Whether you're recovering from addiction, supporting someone you love, or simply learning to navigate life differently, this conversation is for you.

Because recovery isn't just about leaving something behind. It's about learning how to move forward.

🗓 Tuesday, October 20
⏰ 7:30 PM ET
📍 Live on Zoom

Come be ROOTED with us. 🌳
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/biEDwRd/oaksmeeting

10/19/2026

We take our job seriously, but we take our reels silly

10/19/2026

In October 2015, Richard Cameron walked through the doors of Oaks Recovery looking for help for himself.

He couldn't have known then that he'd spend the next eleven years helping build the very program he came to for recovery.

Richard's journey began in the Oaks kitchen, where he served as a trusted servant while doing the work of his own recovery.

Over time, his dedication and willingness to serve opened the door to a staff position in Program Services, eventually leading him to his current role as Program Director of Oaks Recovery.

And if you've been around Oaks for any length of time, you know Richard has been part of just about every season of our growth.

From those early days of figuring things out as we went, to the community and program we've become today, Richard has helped shape so much of what makes Oaks, Oaks.

But ask him what means the most, and it isn't the title or the years.

It's sharing his testimony of God's grace and watching other men discover that their lives can change, too.

Outside of Oaks, Richard is a husband, father of four, and an avid forager and rockhound who loves exploring the local wilderness.

And this week, we have something extra special to celebrate!

On October 18th, Richard celebrated 11 YEARS OF RECOVERY! 🎉

Eleven years of showing up. Of growing, learning, serving, and building a life rooted in recovery.

And this Friday, October 23rd, we'll be honoring Richard and celebrating this incredible milestone at our Friday Night Commencement!

Meet Richard Cameron
Program Director | Oaks Alumni 2015

Eleven years later, he's still growing alongside the community he helped build.

Some roots run deep.

Join us Friday as we celebrate Richard and the gift of recovery!

10/18/2026

RECOVERY REFLECTIONS

Sometimes the most powerful stories are told by the people living them.

Recovery looks different for everyone, but each story carries a reminder of what's possible when someone is given the opportunity, support, and community to begin again.

These are the words of the men and women who have walked through the doors of Oaks Recovery and Willow House.

Their experiences. Their growth. Their reflections.

Real people. Real stories. Lives being restored.

Where Recovery Takes Root.