Ian Acker and Lacey Garcia were invited to speak at CCAR, the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery national  conference in Groton, Connecticut on May 1-4. The conference featured speakers from across the country including recovery coach Bernadette Gleason (pictured), each bringing their own perspectives on multiple pathways for recovery. FTR's "Four-Pillars of Recovery" model (exercise, nutrition, creativity, community service) was well-received in two workshops. "We felt honored and privileged to present alongside so many respected organizations," Ian said. Special kudos to Phil Valentine, CCAR executive director, for "his passion for recovery and for making newcomers feel welcome," and to Chiara Maggiore, "for managing the thousands of details involved in bringing hundreds of people together to further recovery." Download the FTR presentation.

Longtime FTR member Katrina Loken passed the Utah state bar exam last month and is thrilled to be rejoining the gym after months of grueling study.  

Her accomplishment is most remarkable considering the full disclosure hearing necessary to be eligible for the bar exam. With a fellow FTR member by her side, Katrina walked into a hearing where she told the whole truth of her drug addiction, the toll it took on her life, and her road to recovery.  

Katrina began regaining her sobriety strength four years ago on an afternoon of rock climbing with Marci Warner (the woman behind FTR's climbing wall.) 

It is an intimidating process for a drug addict to grow healthy again. Since getting sober in May of 2012, Katrina has run the Ogden Marathon and is a regular at FTR classes.  She is a quiet and kind woman who can often be found in the parking lot of the gym, having a heart-to-heart with a fellow addict.  She is also a regular at the River Writing classes taught by Artist-in- Residence, Sarah Kappos. In these intimate writing groups, she shares her honest stories in a uniquely poetic voice.   Katrina is a beautiful example of strength in all areas.