LIFT Advocacy Services
Leading Individuals Forward Together
We believe that recovery is a journey best taken with support from others who truly understand the challenges and triumphs along the way. The LIFT team provides individuals 18 and older struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) the opportunity to connect with trained peer recovery specialists who have lived experience in overcoming addiction. Our services offer hope, encouragement, and practical guidance, helping individuals to navigate the complexities of recovery and build a strong foundation for long-term sobriety.

LIFT Services
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One-on-One Peer Recovery Specialists
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Connect with a peer recovery specialist who understands your struggles and can help you set personalized goals, build coping strategies, and maintain motivation throughout your recovery.
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Relapse Prevention
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Peer recovery specialists will help you identify triggers, develop relapse prevention plans, and stay accountable to your recovery journey.
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Access to Resources
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Navigating recovery can be overwhelming, but our peer recovery specialists assist you in accessing treatment services, employment opportunities, daily necessities, and life skills trainings.
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Life Skills & Empowerment
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Through mentoring and coaching, our peer recovery specialists help you build essential life skills like emotion regulation, communication, and self-care practices to support your ongoing recovery.
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All Pathways to Recovery
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Our team believes in embracing all pathways to recovery, recognizing that each individual's journey is unique. We are committed to supporting and empowering people with the understanding that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, and that multiple paths - whether through therapy, community support, medication, or other means, can lead to healing, growth, and sobriety.
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Who can benefit from peer recovery services?
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Individuals in early recovery who need guidance and encouragement.
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Those transitioning from inpatient or outpatient treatment.
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People who have relapsed and need additional support to get back on track.
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Individuals who prefer a peer-based approach to recovery.
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Authentic Understanding
Our peery recovery specialists have walked the path of addiction and recovery themselves, so they understand firsthand the obstacles you may face - and they know what it takes to overcome them.
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Sustained Recovery
By working with someone who has been in your shoes, you are more likely to build resilience, strengthen your commitment to sobriety, and achieve long-term recovery.
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Non-Judgemental Support
Peer recovery services are built on trust and empathy. There is no stigma, and all interactions are based on mutual respect.
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Empowering Hope
Our peer recovery specialists not only offer guidance but also inspire hope. Through shared stories of triumph over adversity, they provide a powerful reminder that recovery is possible. With their encouragement and support, you'll find the strength to keep moving forward, knowing that your goals are within reach.
Meet The Team

Christina Payne, CAPRC II - MH
Peer Recovery Specialist
As a living testament to the power of recovery, I bring over seven years of personal experience and six years of professional expertise to the field of addiction and mental health support. My journey fuels my passion for empowering individuals to bridge the gap to success and find hope on their unique path to recovery. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive, regardless of where they’ve been or what they’ve faced.
I am a certified CAPRC II-MH-FS (Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach II – Mental Health – Forensic Support) and have completed specialized training through Ivy Tech Community College, earning certificates in both Mental Health Support and Addiction Studies. This combination of education and real-life experience allows me to approach recovery work with deep empathy, understanding, and practical knowledge.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working directly with individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Whether facilitating one-on-one peer recovery coaching, leading support groups, or connecting people with essential resources, I am committed to meeting individuals exactly where they are, without judgment, and walking alongside them as they navigate the road to recovery.
I understand firsthand that the journey is rarely easy, but I also know the incredible transformations that are possible when the right support, tools, and encouragement are in place. My goal is to be a steady, compassionate presence, a beacon of light, demonstrating that change is not only possible but within reach. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, and I am dedicated to helping each person I work with find the path that works best for them.
Through my work, I strive to inspire hope, foster resilience, and remind others that no matter how dark things may seem, a brighter future is always possible.
Position funded by the State Opioid Response (SOR)/Mobile Integrated Response System (MIRS) Grants.

Margaret Abbott, CAPRC I
Peer Recovery Specialist
As someone who has lived through the depths of addiction, I know what it feels like to lose everything, including the people who matter most. I spent over 17 years battling addiction, and the cost was devastating. But today, I stand as living proof that recovery is possible. I have been on my recovery journey for over seven years, and in August 2025, I will proudly celebrate six years free from IV drug use and methamphetamines, a milestone I once never believed I’d reach.
I am a Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach (CAPRC I), and my passion lies in using my lived experience to walk alongside others on their own paths to healing. One of the greatest gifts of recovery has been the ability to turn my mess into a message, a message of hope, strength, and resilience. In my role as a peer recovery coach, I meet people exactly where they are, offering compassion, understanding, and the reassurance that no one is too far gone to find their way back.
My heart is especially called to help women, particularly mothers who are fighting to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their children. I understand that specific kind of pain, the weight of guilt, the fear of not being able to repair the damage, the loss of identity as a mother. My mission is to be the support I once needed but didn’t have. I want every woman to know that it is never too late for a second chance, never too late to fight for your family, and never too late to heal. Watching women regain their strength, confidence, and sense of purpose, especially as mothers, is truly what fuels me every single day.
It is truly an honor to stand beside those still in the fight and to be living proof that even in the darkest moments, hope is never lost.
Position funded by the State Opioid Response (SOR)/Mobile Integrated Response System (MIRS) Grants.

Vanessa Marks, CPRC
Peer Recovery Specialist
As someone who has walked the path of recovery, I know firsthand what it feels like to be lost in the darkness, unsure if there’s a way out. Today, with over seven and a half years in recovery, my life’s mission is to help others find the hope and strength they may not yet see in themselves. I am passionate about guiding individuals out of the dark and into the light, because I know recovery is possible. I’ve lived it.
Through my work, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space where clients can rebuild their confidence, discover their self-worth, and learn the tools necessary to navigate their own journey. I truly believe that with the right support system, encouragement, and resources, anyone can overcome even the toughest challenges and build a life they are proud of.
I have a deep understanding of the emotional toll addiction and mental health struggles can take, not just on the individual, but on their families as well. That’s why my approach is rooted in empathy, lived experience, and a genuine desire to walk alongside those who are ready to take that first step toward healing.
Outside of my professional role, I am a proud wife and mama. My family is the greatest blessing in my life and my constant reminder of how far I’ve come. We love spending quality time together, staying active, and embracing the simple joys of life. Whether we’re working in our large garden, exploring the outdoors, or just soaking up the sunshine, nature keeps us grounded and connected.
Every day, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experience, strength, and hope with others, because no one should ever have to walk this journey alone.
Position funded by the State Opioid Response (SOR)/Mobile Integrated Response System (MIRS) Grants.
Empower Yourself
If you're ready to provide all of your intake information, please click on the "Start Application Now" button.
If you don't have all of your information, or you would rather a peer recovery specialist sit with you to fill out all of your information, please click the "Access Services" button.
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Click on the "Start Application Now" button. You will be redirected to our portal.
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Create an account, verify your email, and return to the portal to complete the prescreening application.
Choose "LIFT Advocacy Services" to begin your application.
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While we understand this is not always possible, try to ensure that the client that will be receiving services fills out or assists with the prescreening application.
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Once your application has been submitted, our team will reach out to you.

Get Started Today
You don't have to face recovery alone. Whether you are just beginning your journey or need support to stay on track, our LIFT Advocacy Services are here to help. Reach out to us today to connect with a peer recovery specialist and take the next step toward a healthier, sober future.