Small Town News

Steps to Recovery is honored by MATForce

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The MATForce Game Changer award recognizes those who are helping to reduce substance abuse by encouraging positive and healthful opportunities in our communities.

Congratulations to Steps to Recovery Homes in Cottonwood, and Chad Cook of Prescott Valley for being Game Changers by going above and beyond to make a real difference in the lives of others and helping build healthier communities.

Steps to Recovery Homes in Cottonwood is owned by Damien and Anne Browning. The Brownings are dedicated to helping former addicts improve their lives. Under their guidance, men and women in recovery find a safe, family-like living environment, free from drugs or alcohol.

Using stringent guidelines, residents must meet requirements for employment, drug testing, meetings and personal behavior.

Their homes help those in recovery gain self-confidence, improved work skills and the ability to rebuild family relationships. The result has led to greater community safety by helping to reduce addiction, crime and jail recidivism.

Cook, owner of the Freedom Station in Prescott Valley, mobilized business owners and community leaders to work alongside the Prescott Valley Police Department improving safety for children in the Prescott Valley Entertainment District.

He donated time and effort, hosting a community forum to look at the problems that were occurring.

Cook's effort led to a policy requiring parents to be with children after 5 p.m. in the district. The result directly increased safety, as the number of fights, liquor violations and drug arrests in the area has decreased.

This award is a project of MATForce's Underage Drinking Task Force. A new Game Changer is selected each month. Nominations can be made for an individual, group, business or organization. Submit nominations at matforce.org. Contact MATForce at (928) 708-0100 or matforce@cableone.net for information.



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