Behind every Greenhouse Recovery Graduate is a story of redemption – today I want to share three unique journeys with you.

But first, just a few nights ago, we held a graduation ceremony for a number of guys who have moved from addiction to recovery, and now to an even greater level of independence. We welcomed very special guest Mike Herr of Herr’s Chips who shared his incredible testimony of overcoming addiction. It was a great night, one that reminded me why we do this work.

Independence might not sound like a big deal to many of us, but to this group — many of whom have spent time in and out of jail cells — it means everything.

And here at Greenhouse, we are committed to walking alongside these men every step of the way.

Pastor Ryan Vance , Director of Discipleship & Recovery shares key foundations of our program:

God’s Word
Healthy relationships
Consistent accountability
Practical support

One of the key distinctions between men who achieve long-term sobriety and those who relapse? A relationship with the Lord, and an experienced recovery mentor/coach who truly cares.

That’s exactly what every resident finds here.

In less than 18 months, our recovery ministry has grown from one recovery home to five.

The need for addiction recovery support in our community is vast. And it’s an honor to serve in this way.

Our heart is to see men graduate from our program and live independent, addiction-free lives, but lasting freedom takes intentional steps. More than that, we raise the next generation of leaders who will go serve to help others out of addiction.

The phrase, “reach one, teach one” comes to mind.

We who are transformed have a scared duty to help uplift a struggling person in our community.

That’s why, in addition to our main Recovery program, we offer a step-down program for men who are living long-term sober lives while still desiring accountability and Biblical training.

Even after they complete our program and achieved real stability to move out on their own, we remain available for counseling and coaching.

We don’t just show up until someone is sober — we show up for life.

For the number nerds:

Since launching in 2024, 21 men have graduated from our recovery program.
Today, 6 graduates continue to receive ongoing support
Two are preparing to move into their own apartments… that coveted independence!

Meet 3 Recent Graduates

Anthony Verano

Anthony entered Greenhouse carrying years of addiction, instability, and heartbreak.

After losing his mother at a young age, and spending much of his childhood in foster care, addiction became his way of coping.

Though he had been in recovery before, true transformation didn’t begin until he met Christ.

Initially resistant, Anthony eventually came to our team and said, “I want to follow Jesus.”
Together we prayed, and his life has never been the same.

Today, after 15 months in the program:

Anthony faithfully studies God’s Word each day
He serves as a house manager in our program
He maintains full-time employment
Now preparing to lead another Greenhouse home

His story is a picture of God’s restorative grace!

Ant Cebert

Ant arrived with a life marked by addiction and broken relationships. He wanted nothing to do with God.

But during his time at Greenhouse, Jesus changed his heart:

Ant surrendered his life to Jesus
He completed Biblical counseling
He secured full-time work as a mechanic
Eventually transitioned from the Graduate House into his own apartment.

Today he remains connected to the Greenhouse family by attending church each Sunday and receiving Biblical counseling and discipleship from Pastor Ryan.

He has restored relationships with his children, and just a few days ago, publicly declare his faith through baptism at one our community BBQs!

Sadly, not every story ends this way. The next one is difficult to write.

Sharef Holman

Just a couple of weeks ago, one of our graduates, Sharef Holman, was robbed and murdered while visiting some friends in Philadelphia.

To say that his death grieved our community is an understatement. Please be praying for his loved ones in this heartbreaking time.

Before entering Greenhouse, Sharef’s life was consumed by an addiction and rebellion against God.

During his time in our recovery program:

Sharef placed his faith in Christ
He found steady employment
He learned practical life skills like budgeting
Then moved into his own apartment, and developed a genuine love for God’s Word and His church family

Man, he loved signing and worshiping Jesus! We will remember his humble heart, growing faith, and sincere desire to know and follow Jesus. We grieve his death, but we rejoice in the confidence that his hope was in Christ!

The Heart of Greenhouse Recovery

We offer something more powerful and long-lasting than a life free from addiction — we are introducing people to the only One who can save their souls for all of eternity.

Relationship with Christ is the only kind of freedom that lasts in life or in death!

This past year alone, Greenhouse Recovery experienced impact-driven growth:

Served 123 men — everything from giving them a safe place to sleep to teaching them how to budget and rent an apartment
Provided 1,121 hours of free Biblical counseling to 114 men and 14 women
Secured a new home currently being developed to serve more men

In a community where addiction, relapse, and violence remain everyday harsh realities, we continue planting seeds of hope, believing that no life is beyond redemption.

Addiction is rampant in Chester.

People leave and relapse all the time.

The work is messy and unpredictable.

But we are planted here — many men have left, only to come back later. We seek to remain consistent in Word and Deed!

Yet we know that every transformed life is made possible through the prayers of people like you.

We are so grateful for your support in standing with us in this work. Your continued support directly provides for critical needs in a time of re-formation:

Safe housing with accountability
Biblical counseling
Discipleship and coaching
Practical support in community

Your “yes” in prayer and support equips men to build lives marked by lasting sobriety, purpose, and faith in Christ. Thank you!

Please continue praying over Greenhouse Recovery, and please share with anyone who need help or encouragement!

Don’t Forget This Awesome Resource

The Lord put it on my heart several years ago to create a vetted guide that brings together every type of Christ-centered addiction recovery resource in the Delco region — all in one place.

It’s free.

It’s shareable.

It’s on the other side of this button.

For you or someone you love — I hope you’re blessed by it.

VIEW RESOURCE GUIDE