From Meals to Miracles: Richmond’s Recovery Church

Four months ago, The Salvation Army Richmond Community Church opened its doors to the Recovery Church, a transformative Sunday evening service designed to offer human connection, support, and God’s love to those navigating the challenges of addiction. 

Every week, nearly 30 guests fill the dining hall eager to enjoy a hot meal, meaningful conversations with peers, and the spiritual care offered through the Church. Recovery Church provides a welcoming space where individuals can share both victories and struggles, knowing they are surrounded by a community committed to walking with them toward sobriety. 

Auxiliary Captains Steve and Florence Yau, Corps Officers at The Salvation Army Richmond Community Church, recognized that Richmond needed a program that went deeper than meal service alone. For the past three years, the Mobile Feeding Program has continued to provide hot meals five times a week, giving volunteers and staff the opportunity to build trust with those who visit the food truck regularly. These relationships laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Recovery Church. 

“It’ll be tragic if we just feed for the rest of our lives,” shares Aux. Captain Steve Yau. “It’s a second step from the feeding now to the recovery. We’re praying and believing that a lot of them will recover, be delivered from their addiction, come clean and eventually help others.” 

For some, like Dan, Recovery Church has become a lifeline. A longtime supporter of The Salvation Army, he never expected to be in need of our services. “I didn’t know 40 years later I would be here for help,” he shares. For Dan, the program has strengthened him both physically and spiritually. 

“It helped me keep physically strong, to keep my body working like it should by having proper, balanced meals at regular times. I’m very grateful for that, because sound body, sound mind are very important. And having faith is the best thing.” 

For others, the greatest impact comes through community. Since the launch of Recovery Church, Chris and Dwayne have rarely missed a Sunday. For Chris, the gathering provides a grounding sense of connection, “Coming here, it’s a strong sense of community, and helps me get out of my head, and be around people”. Dwayne shares that the program has given him a network he can trust, “Now I’ve got people I can lean on”. 

Just as Recovery Church first opened its doors to offer connection, support, and God’s love, its atmosphere continues to nurture that same spiritual care, encouraging guests to grow in faith, build community, and pursue freedom from addiction. Through prayer, worship, and messages of God’s love, guests are reminded that they are not alone and that hope is always within reach. 

To learn more about the programs and services offered at The Salvation Army Richmond Community Church and to donate visit salvationarmyrichmond.ca 

By Julianna Acosta