United in recovery: Over 300 gather in Iowa to champion hope

On April 5, over 300 individuals came together in Iowa for “Life’s Waiting: A Night of Hope and Giving,” an inspiring event organized by The Rosecrance Foundation to shine a spotlight on stories of recovery.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and a sense of community as attendees united in support of those overcoming challenges related to substance use and mental health.

The night featured Ryan Leaf, a former NFL quarterback turned recovery advocate, as the keynote speaker. He captivated the audience with his heartfelt story of transformation, reflecting on his journey from the heights of professional football to the depths of personal struggle and, ultimately, to recovery. Earlier in the day, Leaf met with teen and adult clients at the Rosecrance Jackson Centers, forging genuine connections that resonated deeply with those he spoke to.

In his address, Leaf commended Rosecrance for serving as a critical guide for individuals and families navigating their complex challenges.

“It’s OK to start all over again,” he assured the crowd, his words filled with encouragement. “You have a roadmap thanks to places like Rosecrance. Be the lighthouse and show them the way to safe harbor.”

Outstanding individuals who have shown immense dedication and passion in supporting the recovery community were also acknowledged during the event. The awards ceremony was a heartfelt moment, with the following individuals honored for their contributions:

• Bill & Marienne Jackson Award: Mike Reynolds
• Women Helping Women-Flo Warnstadt Award: Shavonne Kopal
• Community Partner Award: Mick Murphy
• Free Spirit Award: Don Claeys

Julie Enockson, President of Rosecrance Iowa proudly shared that in fiscal year 2024, the Rosecrance Jackson Centers successfully served over 8,000 individuals from an impressive 94% of the counties in Iowa.

“We are very, very proud of that statistic and all our staff who make that good work happen,” she remarked, showcasing her deep appreciation for the team’s efforts.

As the night drew to a close, Dave Gomel,  Rosecrance Behavioral Health President & CEO, expressed the profound gratitude permeating the room.

“I am full of gratitude for the lives we have saved, for the families we have helped to mend, for the healthy moms caring for their babies, and for whatever may come next,” he shared. “This work is important. This work is hard. And we are blessed to do it.”

The evening concluded with a heartfelt note of thanks to the event sponsors and to all attendees who came together to support the individuals and families served by Rosecrance, embodying the spirit of hope, resilience, and community support.