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Peyton Hoge
The Next Door Recovery hosted its 22nd Annual Fall Luncheon on Sept. 15.
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Peyton Hoge
Bestselling author and national speaker Rebekah Lyons served as the keynote speaker for The Next Door Recovery’s Annual Fall Luncheon.
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Peyton Hoge
Acclaimed Christian vocal group Point of Grace performed at The Next Door Recovery’s Annual Fall Luncheon.
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Peyton Hoge
TNDR Clinical Executive Director Amanda Dunlap, LPC-MHSP, and TNDR Executive Director Rachel Morris presented Anna Thornton with the 2026 “Jesus Calling” Award at The Next Door Recovery’s Annual Fall Luncheon.
The Next Door Recovery welcomed supporters from across Middle Tennessee to its sold-out 22nd Annual Fall Luncheon, “Light for a Lifetime,” on Sept. 15 at St. George’s Episcopal Church. The annual event brought together community leaders, advocates and supporters for a morning dedicated to celebrating recovery, honoring service and raising critical funds for women seeking treatment and healing.
This year’s luncheon raised a record-breaking $822,620, providing vital support for The Next Door Recovery’s trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment programs. The organization serves women facing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, with priority admissions available for women up to 38 weeks pregnant.
Led by event chairs Dione DeWitte and Shea Ghertner, the luncheon featured powerful client testimonies, reflections on recovery journeys and moving stories that highlighted the life-changing impact of The Next Door Recovery’s services.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Nashville community,” said Rachel Morris, executive director of The Next Door Recovery. “Every donation goes directly toward programs that help ensure women have access to the care they need to build a foundation for lasting recovery. This support allows us to meet women where they are and walk alongside them as they create healthier, more hopeful futures for themselves and their families.”
Guests also heard from keynote speaker Rebekah Lyons, national speaker, podcast host and bestselling author, who shared a personal connection to the organization and its mission.
“The full-circle moment of my relationship with The Next Door Recovery is I walked the journey with [TNDR] up close with one of my dearest friends, who needed the real tools and equipment to overcome her struggles,” Lyons said. “There is nothing more powerful than the work of God through those who point you to the one who heals. This is the best organization, and it has been such a joy to partner with them in every part of their work.”
Adding to the morning’s inspiration, GMA Dove Award-winning Christian music group Point of Grace delivered a special musical performance for attendees.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 “Jesus Calling” Award to board chair Anna Thornton. Presented by Morris and Clinical Executive Director Amanda Dunlap, LPC-MHSP, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate selfless service and meaningful faith-based leadership. Thornton was honored for her seven years of service on The Next Door Recovery’s board, including her tenure as board chair, during which she helped guide the organization through the pandemic, leadership transitions and periods of significant growth.
Funds raised through the luncheon will help bridge the cost-of-care gap for women seeking recovery services, ensuring access to medically monitored detox, residential and outpatient treatment, family services, prenatal care and reentry programs regardless of financial circumstances.
The impact of that support is already evident. In 2025 alone, The Next Door Recovery served 1,282 women across 76 Tennessee counties, including 132 women who were pregnant upon entering treatment. The organization also supported 1,077 mothers, positively impacting the lives of 1,813 children through family-centered recovery services.
As the organization looks ahead, the overwhelming support shown at this year’s luncheon reflects Nashville’s continued commitment to helping women find hope, healing and a lasting path to recovery.