Connection in Recovery: A facilitated support group rooted in Jewish values of healing, dignity and hope, open to all 

By Jennifer Fukuda • Addiction & Recovery Services Program Coordinator

For many people, community is a bright light in their recovery process because recovery journeys can often be lonely. Isolation can be a barrier to healing and accomplishing your own recovery goals. Support is important to everyone’s recovery process, whether you are a person who is making small steps in your individual journey; a person with a family member who struggles with addiction; or someone who has been working on recovery for a long time. Support groups are a place where judgement and stigma disappear. Each participant brings with them their own unique story of resilience and joy. It is a place of safety to reflect, smile, be vulnerable, and grow. Sometimes it takes time to find the right fit, the right people, and a group where you feel like you belong.  

JFCS is happy to welcome members of the community personally impacted by addiction, or the loved ones of individuals impacted by addiction, to join our new support group, Connection in Recovery. This group responds to a community need for recovery support in a Jewish space. This means that we emphasize Jewish principles as a foundation of connection and hope for any adult impacted by addiction looking for a safe space on their recovery journey. The support group is open to everyone, no matter your religious affiliation or identity.  

The Jewish values of healing, dignity, and hope will frame the discussion and allow for self-reflection, connection, and learning. We welcome all adults impacted by addiction and the process of recovery to join each other in conversation, community, belonging, and hope. There is no single path to recovery; we welcome you to join, wherever you are on your recovery journey. 

Connection in Recovery will be facilitated by Dan Kelly, a dedicated recovery advocate with a background in harm reduction and peer support. Drawing on both his professional experience and lived experience in long-term recovery, Dan creates a safe and welcoming space where participants feel heard and empowered.  

With a passion for building community and helping others navigate their own recovery journeys, Dan brings compassion, authenticity, and a deep commitment to supporting each individual’s path to healing. He will offer guidance, foster an open and supportive environment, empower attendees to share personal experiences, and facilitate discussions that promote healing, coping, and personal growth. There will be opportunities for connection, learning, and education. The group will also provide structure to individuals in their journey of recovery and will utilize the principles of harm reduction to guide participants, recognizing that recovery looks different for everyone. 

The group will meet for six weeks starting on Nov. 5. There is no cost to join the group, but pre-registration is required. Donations are gladly accepted and will be used to support programming in Addiction and Recovery at JFCS. If you have additional questions or would like to further discuss, please contact Leah Persky at lpersky@jfcsmpls.org or 952-542-4825.