A Letter From The Director

Dear Fellow Stakeholders:

A special thank you for your willingness to be involved with Recovery Without Borders. This is an exciting mission with the opportunity to be of service to those less fortunate then ourselves who are suffering from the disease of alcoholism and addiction.

Approximately four years ago, while in the process of buying domain names for a business venture, I bought the domain name “recovery-without-borders.org”. I filed this away in my head with the thought that maybe someday I would do something different on a not for profit basis; something that would allow me and others to truly help individuals in severe need of recovery from alcoholism and addictions, but without resources available to assist with recovery. Thus the concept of Recovery Without Borders was hatched.

As I worked these past four years to build a viable company of my own; struggling with insurance carriers, staff issues, and sometimes entitled patients, I periodically thought of Recovery Without Borders. I began to read articles about foundations and global relief and as my business grew and became prosperous, I would periodically receive internet inquiries from individuals in other countries asking about our services.

Then one day in October of 2005 I received an email from a fellow in Nepal named Suyash Rajbhandari. He requested assistance for himself and four friends that were new to recovery from alcoholism and addictions. They had been exposed to a 12 step program (AA/NA) for recovery in Kathmandu, Nepal and wanted to try and put together a residential treatment program based on the 12 step principals. At this point there were no such programs in the country. Through emails I began sending them treatment outlines, lectures, schedules and other structural plans.

About four months later they again contacted me saying they had leased a building and were providing fundamental residential treatment based upon a 28 day Minnesota Model of treatment and had 16 patients, charging each $60 per month. At this point I began to ship them treatment supplies. I finally asked them if it would be easier if I just came over for a week or so to give direct help. Recovery Without Borders was born!

We have begun to provide services in Nepal as well as India, including financial support, logistical support and training to three programs in Nepal and one in India. We have also received inquiries for help from programs in Brazil, Cambodia and Kenya.

Initial results of what we have already accomplished are very promising and fulfilling. We have touched lives. We are playing a part in helping individuals begin a process of recovery where there were previously little or no opportunities.

The moments I have given to someone else and made a visible sustainable difference in their life has had a profound effect on my life.

I realize that mere words cannot capture the sense of urgency, commitment and dedication that we at Recovery Without Borders feel. We are helping to bring hope and wellness to real people in desperate situations across the world. This I hope is what will drive us to keep meeting the challenges and opportunities before us.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Jake Epperly
Founder/Executive Director
Recovery Without Borders

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