Xodus Recovery Community Center Provides Support In Lacey Township

The executive director of Xodus Recovery Community Center (Xodus RCC), brings a personal and passionate perspective to their role. Donna Catlow has two sons in long-term recovery from substance use, and is a certified peer recovery specialist dedicated to assisting families affected by substance use disorder.

Alongside three other committed community members, Catlow co-founded Xodus RCC in 2018 with the aim of providing non-clinical recovery continuum care through peer recovery support for individuals seeking to establish and maintain long-term recovery. The core team, consisting of Catlow, along with Colleen Tonkovich, Crystal Cassella and Heather Scanlon, volunteers their time to run Xodus RCC.

In addition to her role at Xodus RCC, Catlow serves as a recovery family support specialist and grief recovery method specialist for the Mental Health Association – Ocean County while also contributing as a member of the Lacey Task Force.

We spoke with Catlow about her dedication to and experience in the recovery community in Lacey.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: How long have you been involved in the recovery community in Lacey and what resources are available?

Catlow: I have lived in Ocean County for the past eight and a half years. I got involved in the recovery community because of my sons and think it's important to share hope and let others know that recovery is possible. Being part of the recovery community provides social connections, friendship and practical and emotional support. Recovery communities offer both the opportunity to be mentored and the opportunity to mentor others, both of which contribute to long-term success.

Patch: What is the most fulfilling part of your work with Xodus RCC?

Catlow: As a community-based recovery organization we get to provide peer-to-peer support to those in or seeking long-term recovery. As a family member affected by substance use disorder, I am able to share the hope of recovery with other family members who need hope to get through their day. With community resources, the journey of recovery helps people feel less alone, it gives people the opportunity to connect with others who have shared experiences and helps build a strong, long-term support network. Today, I am able to be the person for family members affected by substance use disorder who I needed when my sons were in active addiction.

Patch: What are some things you wish others knew about Xodus RCC?

Catlow: Our overall mission is to address and reduce the impact of substance use disorder in our community. Our goal in accomplishing this is to offer hope, continuing educational opportunities and peer coaching direction for overcoming obstacles on the journey to recovery. We also aim to create a non-clinical, sober community space in Lacey for persons in recovery and their loved ones to seek healing and wholeness.

Patch: How can the community learn more about substance use disorder and recovery?

Catlow: Xodus RCC hosts the International Overdose Awareness Day Event each year to help bring awareness and education to the community regarding overdose deaths and to fight the stigma related to substance use. My role in the event is to bring recovery community organizations together along with speakers to share resources and recovery journeys to share with the community.

Patch: What do you love about the Lacey area?

Catlow: Lacey is a family-friendly community with many beautiful parks and lakes. There are fun places to visit like Popcorn Park Animal Refuge and Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center.

Additionally, local businesses have supported our center for the past five years by donating food and gifts for our fundraisers which, in turn, helps us support our recovery community. Community helps us to connect to people that positively impact our lives; together we build stronger communities.

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