As the days grow shorter and pumpkins light our porches, many recovery homes across New Hampshire are finding creative ways to celebrate Halloween while staying true to their recovery principles.

 

For residents, holidays like Halloween can bring both joy and challenge — memories of past celebrations may surface and social invitations can sometimes test boundaries. But recovery housing offers something different: a chance to experience community, belonging, and fun in a safe, sober environment.

 

Whether your home is hosting a pumpkin-carving night, a costume potluck, or simply sharing candy and laughter after a meeting, remember that every new tradition you create helps strengthen recovery culture. Together, we’re proving that recovery homes are not just places to live — they’re places to grow, heal, and celebrate life one season at a time.

 

From all of us at NHPRR, have a safe, connected, and recovery-filled Halloween! 


Celebrating Recovery Month in the Granite State

September was a beautiful reminder of how strong and connected New Hampshire’s recovery community truly is. From vigils and rallies to block parties and festivals, people came together across the state to honor recovery, support one another, and celebrate hope.

We’re deeply grateful for the volunteers, partners, and advocates who make these gatherings possible year after year. Your dedication builds the foundation for recovery — one connection, one event, and one moment of hope at a time.


NHPRR has created a short visual poem of Recovery Month where every smile tells a story. We hope you enjoy this short tribute to the bonds that make Recovery Month shine.

Recovery Month 2025: A Visual Poem

New Hampshire marked Recovery Month with events and collaborations aimed at raising awareness, expanding access to support, and celebrating the success of individuals in recovery. From local gatherings to provider-led initiatives, the month highlighted the importance of connection, trauma-informed care, and the importance of recovery-friendly systems. Explore the highlights and see how NH continues to lead with compassion and action in this short video slideshow.

Recovery Spotlight: The Freemen House 

Where Healing Meets Heart: 
Inside The Freemen House

Founded in 2005, The Freemen House is a vibrant network of six recovery homes, serving 64 residents and is a place where healing meets heart! Founded and directed by Shawn Richardson and powered by the energy of Bridget Pitts and the team, they have created spaces that are more than just sober living — they’re life-building communities.


At The Freemen House, residents find structure, support, and purpose, all grounded in faith and fellowship. It’s a place where second chances turn into fresh starts and where personal growth comes with a healthy dose of humor, teamwork, and community spirit.


And they don’t just talk about community — they bring the fun! From outreach events to festivals (yes, even renting dunk tanks to raise awareness and smiles!). The Freemen House shows that recovery can be joyful, connected, and full of life. Learn more about their mission and how to get involved at thefreemenhouse.com.


Seasons Change. Missions Endure. ❤

As the seasons turn, we say farewell, with gratitude, to Josh Colwell, who is stepping down from our Advisory Board. Josh’s guidance, humor, and energy have been invaluable. His service on our Advisory Board helped shape our vision, strengthen our mission, and expand our impact.


Like the autumn leaves making way for new growth, Josh is beginning a new journey as Executive Director of the Tristan Miller House, formerly Restoration House, in Rochester, NH. The Tristan Miller House is a 16-bed men’s “faith-based” house. Residents do not need to be Christian but do need to be respectful of the Christian faith and understanding of a faith-based recovery walk.


As the band Phish puts it, “This has all been wonderful, now I’m on my way.”

Please join us in thanking Josh for everything he has done here and in wishing him every blessing on his new path. We look forward to staying connected and watching the great things to come.

As autumn sunshine filled the Berlin sky, NHPRR joined the community for the Coös County Recovery Walk, hosted by the nonprofit Where Purpose is Found. With crisp air and 60-degree warmth, the day was a beautiful reminder of connection and recovery.


Pumpkins, great food, Halloween games, music, and heartfelt recovery stories filled the park — along with community vendors who shared resources and support. Events like this show how strong and united the recovery community is across New Hampshire.


At NHPRR, we believe it’s essential that healing begins close to home — in the communities where people live, work, and find connection. Our goal is to make quality recovery residences available in every county across New Hampshire, ensuring that recovery is possible no matter where you call home.

 

Click the image above to access the full-resolution version (PDF).

This month, NHPRR hosted a powerful and engaging training with Christina Manter on “Emotional Intelligence in Leadership” as part of NHPRR’s Leadership series. We extend our thanks to all the organizations that joined us for this interactive evening of learning and reflection.


Together, we explored the difference between feelings and emotions, discussed the cycle of managing emotions, and shared thoughtful dialogue about how emotional awareness can strengthen leadership within recovery settings.

 

November Opportunities

Watch this newsletter and our soon-to-launch community calendar for upcoming trainings. For additional harm reduction opportunities, visit the New Hampshire Harm Reduction Coalition (NHHRC).

Overdose Prevention Training

Learn how to use the opioid-reversal medication Naloxone and respond during an emergency

Join us for an important, hands-on training, “Naloxone Training and Overdose Prevention in Recovery Housing,” led by Andrew Warner, NHPRR Board Member and Director of Overdose Prevention for the City of Manchester.

This training will focus on how to properly administer Narcan and apply harm reduction strategies within recovery homes. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in overdose situations and strengthen safety practices for residents.

As part of NHPRR’s certification standards, every certified recovery home must have an overdose response protocol. This training supports that mission, ensuring homes are prepared, informed, and equipped to save lives.



We encourage all recovery home operators and peer leaders to join us for this vital session as we continue building safer, stronger recovery communities across New Hampshire. RSVP by Nov. 11.


🗓️ Date: November 18, 2025 ​

⏰ Time: 6–8 PM ​

📌 Location: Hope for NH Recovery ​

 
 
 
 
 
 

New Hampshire Partnership for Recovery Residences

nhprr.com |nhprr@growthpartners.llc |603.369.3679

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