East Lake Recovery Drop In Center

Proud to be a Gold Sponsor / Certified Recovery Support Specialist 2026 Conference.

Participants are weeding and cultivating the soil in preparation for planting. Pleased to see strawberries and herbs from last year's planting pop up.

Meet Dawn Mitchell!!
Dawn is a compassionate Licensed Master Level Social Worker, holding a bachelor's degree in business administration and 14 years of experience in administrative roles, case management, and counseling for homeless and substance use communities. Her expertise spans developing and implementing individualized service plans, conducting and coordinating with healthcare and community resources and providers to ensure comprehensive care.

We are thrilled to welcome Dawn, whose extensive counseling experience has equipped her to provide empathetic support and guidance to individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve stability in their lives.

Meet Bomani Williams / Lead Instuctor for thr Bloom Where You are Planted Gardening and Culinary Training

Our new class of Gardening Scholars began today and we are so excited to have Bomani as our Lead Instuctor! With over 10 years of hands-on gardening experience, Bomani is a dedicated community leader committed to service, sustainability, and positive change. Through urban gardening, outreach initiatives, and grassroots engagement, he has consistently worked to nourish both the land and the people—making a lasting difference in the community.

This project was made by possible through funding from Jones Valley Teaching Farm and Jacques Pépin Foundation.

YAY!!!
East Lake Recovery Center received a grant from Jones Valley Teaching Farm and Bham City to continue our work in: Cultivating recovery,community connection, and healing through counseling, support and peer-led community gardening!

The City of Birmingham, in collaboration with Jones Valley Teaching Farm, awards $100,000 to local urban farmers | City of Birmingham, Alabama Jones Valley Teaching Farm and the City of Birmingham today announced 10 recipients of the Urban Farmer Grant Program. This initiative is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is designated to provide financial relief. The funds will be used to address operational shortfalls that ur...

Join us for our Garden to Table Workforce Development Program at the East Lake Recovery Drop-in Center!
We offer hands-on gardening and culinary skills, plus stipends and transportation support to help you thrive.
Let’s plant seeds of healing, dignity, and community — together.
For more info: Yvette Chatman
[email protected]. Yvonne Quarles Yvonne Thomas

We are starting the year off on a high note, thanks to the receipt of four grants last month, which will enable us to continue empowering individuals affected by homelessness and/or chemical and mental health issues!!

The Recovery Drop-In Center is pleased to share that we have been awarded funding from the Ford Foundation Community Grant in support of our Bloom Where You Are Planted Farm‑to‑Table Initiative.

This initiative provides structured, wellness‑focused programming for individuals in recovery, including those with histories of chemical dependency, mental health challenges, or homelessness. Through guided gardening, harvesting, and meal‑preparation activities, participants gain practical skills, strengthen personal stability, and engage in meaningful community building.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ford Foundation for its commitment to our mission and the individuals we serve.

.
East Lake United Methodist Church

The "Bloom Where You're Planted" Gardening Program made homemade pizza today. We proudly used fresh oregano, thyme, basil, bell peppers, from our Garden ( we also added Spinach and mushrooms purchased from the local farmers market ). Good Eatin'!