Trinity Recovery Program Director Richard Breibart said the work he does is far more than a job, it’s a passion.
“It’s a passion that every day, we want somebody to be doing better than the day before,” Breibart said.
LSC’s new Trinity Recovery program was created through a $200,000 grant from the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS). The faith-based Recovery Community Organization’s purpose is to collaborate with partners in providing services in Richland, Lexington, Greenwood, and Newberry counties in South Carolina. The program partners with churches and other non-profit organizations to assist those with substance use disorders.
Trinity Recovery is LSC’s third recovery program. The nonprofit also has Kinard Manor, a recovery home for women in Greenwood, South Carolina, and WeCo Cottage, a collegiate recovery home in West Columbia, South Carolina.
“The primary things we do are assist congregations and nonprofits in becoming recovery-informed, and just a friendlier place for folks to come out of their shame and guilt of substance use,” Breibart said. “We also help people find housing, resources, jobs, clothing, and food.”
‘It’s a calling’
Breibart and Trinity Recovery Program Manager Rachel Jackson both have a history with substance use disorders. They both say this job is a calling.
Jackson began using substances when she was 14. She got sober at 28 and stayed substance-free for 19 years. But then she said she encountered some major life events, and she began using substances again.
“I came back into recovery about four years ago, and I’ve totally rebuilt my life. Part of my passion for substance use disorder is my own experience. I’ve lost friends and family members to substance use disorder,” Jackson said. “So, it’s a personal passion. I feel like it’s a calling. I’m using all the things that I thought were so terrible to help someone else now.”
“Legendary” is the word that Breibart uses when describing how Jackson works one-on-one with people.
“She adopts people so to speak,” he said. “So, they rely on her for treatment, advice, information, for food and clothing. We are both really blessed to be in a position like this.”
Before going into recovery, Breibart said he had what looked like a perfect life because he was able to hide his addictions. He lived with them for several years until he said various events led him to a final crash.
After he began his recovery journey, he said that his church community welcomed him with open arms, and he was involved in a volunteer recovery program through the episcopal church before securing the position with LSC.
“LSC is a wonderful employer that understands the work that we do is what God wants us to do,” he said. “The more people we can help, the better it is for everybody.”
Trinity Recovery ribbon cutting
LSC held an open house and dedication event for Trinity Recovery in March 2023.
Those who attended the event included Sara Goldsby, director for the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Pastor Paul Aebischer and Associate Pastor Joanna Gragg from Ebenezer Lutheran Church, and LSC Board Member David Turner.
ELCA South Carolina Synod Bishop Ginny Aebischer and Director of Evangelical Missions Pastor James Henricks led the dedication ceremony.