Covington, VA (May 29, 2025)— In the heart of Alleghany County, a powerful movement began to unfold in March 2024 following Chad Stencil's vision to help others. This movement is one that is changing lives and offering a beacon of hope to those grappling with addiction, loss, depression, divorce, family issues, and other hardships. "Recover Virginia," spearheaded by the passionate and dedicated Chad Stencil—founder and CEO— is more than just an organization: it's a lifeline for individuals seeking recovery, support, and a fresh start.
Stencil's idea for the facility came after his own run of bad choices left him addicted, then incarcerated for seven years. Around that time, he sadly lost his brother, Nathan, to a fentanyl overdose. With new steam in his engine, Stencil cleaned up his own life, gained and maintained sobriety for over five years now, grew a close relationship with Jesus, and became a member of "Good News Church." Stencil then began to scratch his head, thirsty for anything he could do to help others in the community who might be walking the same path he once did. He was eager to show them through his own experiences that there is a better way and a rainbow on the other side of the storm. Then, "Recover Virginia" was born.
As a nonprofit organization, "Recover Virginia" is a free "Drop-In" peer center that is open five days a week to anyone seeking help, resources, a friendly ear, or all of the above. According to Stencil, it is the only facility of its kind in the Alleghany Highlands and, despite the name, the only one in the state of Virginia. "It is a bold name [Recover Virginia] and sometimes I think that name kind of gives the impression that it's statewide, state-funded, which it's not."
Rather, "Recover Virginia" relies mostly on private donors. According to Stencil, they recently were able to secure a $5,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia's Office of Recovery and were participants in the recent "Give Local" campaign. With the "Give Local" campaign, "Recover Virginia" received the third highest number of donors (50) while placing twelfth in funds raised for a grand total of $4,810. With three people on payroll, a need for office supplies, rent and utility bills, it would seem likely that those funds could only be stretched so far.
However, Stencil has found a way to make it work and continue his journey to provide unwavering support in a positive environment to the peers in his community. As their mission statement declares, "'Recover Virginia' encourages and offers a safe, sober, and supportive atmosphere for individuals, families, and community through lived experience and community-based linkages." According to woman known simply as Michele A. in their pamphlet, "'Recover Virginia' has been pivotal in my journey to stable footing from the rocky road of active addiction. I am so grateful for a place to go, where understanding and tools for continued recovery have freely been available and have given me a new way and outlook of life."
According to Chad Stencil, the sole purpose of "Recover Virginia" is to ensure that folks have everything they need for the road ahead without ever feeling like they're alone in the journey. "Sometimes it's a rollercoaster, but being able to create a safe and supportive place, it's like, that has to happen."
The CEO noted that some of the best hours in an addict's week are spent in one night at a meeting. Not wishing to take away from other do-gooders in the area, Stencil wanted a place for those struggling with addiction, loss, or other hardships to have somewhere they could go five days a week, with extended hours and even a "Safe Chair." The "Safe Chair," is located at the facility and is a large, brown chair that anyone can come sit in if they don't wish to be disturbed, maybe just want to cry things out, and have no one bother them.
For those needing help with addictions, loss, or otherwise, or perhaps you wish to donate to Stencil's cause: "Recover Virginia" is located at 161 N. Maple Avenue in Covington, Virginia, and is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.—6 p.m.
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