RCO Contest winner chosen
Dana Byrd to receive lawn care for a year
Recovery Center of the Ozarks (RCO) asked the community for help identifying individuals who could use assistance keeping their yards clean and tidy in 2025.
Executive Director Rodney Beaver said, “The guys already maintain several yards for individuals but wanted to give a gift back to the community during Christmas. So we hosted a contest for people to nominate someone who could use our assistance.”
Mrs. Dana Byrd received notification and a visit from the RCO guys on Thursday, Dec. 26, that she had been chosen.
RCO Peer Specialist Jeremiah Woehl said, “We didn’t know the impact we would have on her. But the big smile and a tear running down her cheek was so special. We immediately felt a connection of love and appreciation. We are men with emotions, too, and it felt good to realize we are also human. That connection of love is how God sees us, and it is great to be able to help her. For starters, we can clean up her limbs and leaves. Today, we got a good feel for the perimeter of her property. We will be able to help in all four seasons. It’s funny because we travel as a big group. We are like little worker bees descending upon the project. Her response was remarkable. Helping others promotes recovery. There’s a connection between all the work it takes to maintain a home and yard and to maintain and keep a humble heart free from addictions.”
RCO resident Brian Mitchell said Mrs. Byrd was genuinely happy and overwhelmed. “We could tell she had little projects in her yard that she physically hadn’t been able to complete. It meant so much to see her hopes and dreams possible. There is so much we can do for her. We plan to organize and maintain her yard. We could tell it meant a lot to her, but honestly, I know it meant more to me than her. There were many times in my past times of addiction that I tore down things. Being actively involved in projects that restore a yard and ask for nothing in return is very helpful to me. Service is a part of my path to Jesus Christ – I want to serve Him and help as many people as possible because of all that has been done for me. This time of year, we are so filled with gratitude. Jesus Christ is the only way to come out of hopelessness. Mrs. Byrd wasn’t hopeless, but she was physically challenged from doing all she wanted to do in her yard when the grandkids visited. Reviving her dreams for the yard will be a fun project for the whole year.”
RCO resident Jereme Buffuna said he really enjoyed giving to others. “We get so much community support; giving back is fun. Our community work is changing people's perceptions of RCO and our efforts to beat addictions. This program is making a difference in us, and we are making a difference in the community.”
Beaver said, “We are grateful to those who sent in nominations. It’s such an important part of the recovery process to be a part of a program to give back. I say it often. But for so long, we were a stain on the community. Now, through the recovery process, we can be a part of cleaning up that stain and helping others.”
For more information about assisting RCO or getting help with addiction, visit reozarks.org or call 870-280-8089. Volunteers are always welcome and meetings are held at 824 N. Main Street. RCO is a non-profit 501(c),3, and donations can be made to P.O. Box 937, Harrison, AR 72602.
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