Local Peer Support Group Brings Holiday Gifts & Hope to Recovery House Residents

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A local peer support group comprised of individuals who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses recently visited a recovery house in St. Louis, Missouri to deliver holiday gifts and encouragement to residents working toward sobriety. The organization, SOUL (Surviving Overdose and Understanding Loss) — founded by MaryAnn Lemonds after the 2011 overdose death of her son — has been active in outreach at recovery facilities since 2021, including visits to ARCA Recovery House.

Residents like James Jacobs and Danny Johnson shared that the visit offered much more than physical presents — it provided warmth, support, and compassion during a time that can be especially difficult for those in early recovery.

According to Jordan Hampton, ARCA’s Director of Housing, early recovery often involves rebuilding relationships and receiving compassion without judgment, and SOUL’s presence over the years has been deeply impactful.

Lemonds explained that sharing personal testimonies helps people in recovery understand the wider impact of addiction and encourages connection and hope. SOUL continues to hold events throughout the year at facilities including Recovery House and Harris House.

Loging, S. (2025, December 24). Local peer support group brings holiday gifts and hope to recovery house residents. First Alert 4. https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/12/24/local-peer-support-group-brings-holiday-gifts-hope-recovery-house-residents/