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While the start of the holiday season sparks joy for many, it can be a challenging time for those in recovery from substance use.
In Denver, a partnership between The Salvation Army Red Shield Corps and the Harbor Light Center for men’s rehabilitation aims to provide a meaningful solution through impactful events.
Throughout this holiday season, the groups joined to honor Veterans Day, celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, and give back through a bellringing competition.
The collaboration began last year, Red Shield Corps Officer Captain Ryan Boyd said, when the chaplain at Harbor Light was temporarily reassigned, leaving program participants without a “church home” during the holidays. In response, the Red Shield stepped in to offer support.
“We were really excited for this opportunity to partner,” Boyd said.
Since then, the partnership has expanded, creating more opportunities for connection throughout the year, like men’s day and family night events, where program participants gather with their families for church services, meals and fellowship activities.
“It gives families another opportunity to see their guys outside of the rehab program,” Boyd said, stressing the importance of being seen as more than “just someone who is in recovery.”
“We focus a lot on activities where we can really get to know the guys and their stories,” she added.
This holiday season, in addition to special dinners held at Harbor Light, the Red Shield is hosting a Christmas party for the men and their families.
“All of the men’s kids are signed up through our Angel Tree program,” Boyd said, noting an additional gift-wrapping event before the party.
The Red Shield also organized three bellringing teams, which the men from Harbor Light were invited to join. The goal? Raising the most money for those in need, with the winning team taking home a prize.
“We focus a lot on activities where we can really get to know the guys and their stories.”
Captain Ryan Boyd
While the prize serves as an incentive, Boyd said the greater focus is to foster teamwork, connection and a spirit of charity.
By offering various opportunities to connect, organizers hope the partnership reduces the emotional strain of the season and provides a positive outlet for those working to maintain their sobriety.
“Most men have a story where the holidays bring up bad memories,” Harbor Light Center Program Manager Marah Beltz said, noting how the season can be a “huge trigger” for those in recovery.
Harbor Light Center Program Participant Ray Best knows this all too well.
“The holidays have always been really tough for me because of my drug use,” he said, reflecting on the painful memory of losing custody of his children while battling with his methamphetamine use.
After serving five months in jail, Best said he heard about Harbor Light’s rehabilitation program from another inmate.
“One day the light just came on in my head,’” he said when reflecting on the decision to apply. “This is my first attempt at sobriety since I was 16 years old.”
Best said his substance use started shortly before he joined the Navy, where he served two tours in the Persian Gulf.
Recently, Best took part in Harbor Light’s Veterans Day event, where he was honored for his service.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Best said. “I’ve never been part of anything like that as a veteran. My son came with me, and he was absolutely blown away.”
As a Salvation Army band performed each military branch’s anthem, a corresponding video honoring veterans of that branch was shown while the veterans stood up in recognition.
Intermountain Divisional Commander Major Nesan Kistan, who spoke as a guest speaker at the event, remarked how heartwarming it was to see the veterans “stand proudly” during each anthem.
“It was truly a moving moment,” Kistan said.
The event also featured a dinner made by Harbor Light’s chef, an Air Force veteran, and gifts for the veterans to take home.
Now, nearing the end of his six-month program, Best said he has found two key factors to remain sober throughout the holidays.
“Number one is giving back to the community and number two is staying busy,” he said. “Downtime is not good for me, so staying busy and staying involved is exactly what I plan to do.”
And the partnership between the Red Shield and Harbor Light provides just that, Beltz added.
“We really try to open those doors and give opportunities to do something to fill their cups with positivity,” she said.
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