Meeting People Where They Are: Lindsey Humphreys on Recovery Access & Innovation

In this inspiring episode of Finding New Waters, we sit down with Lindsey Humphreys, founder of Illuminate North Carolina and Bob’s Way Recovery Center. Lindsey shares her journey from public service to recovery advocacy and talks about the powerful legacy of her grandfather, Bob Goodell—a pioneer in the local recovery community. She breaks down the work Illuminate NC is doing across harm reduction, sober companionship, and rural outreach through Bob’s Way, a new peer-run center providing low-barrier support in underserved Vance County.From distributing life-saving naloxone throughout Wake County to eliminating childcare and scheduling barriers in IOP programs, Lindsey is shifting how recovery is accessed and experienced. If you're passionate about inclusive recovery, harm reduction, or family-led change—this one's for you.[00:00] Introduction – Meet Lindsey and learn about her grandfather Bob’s legacy[03:00] What Is Bob’s Way? – A peer-run center offering free recovery resources[07:00] The Importance of Henderson County – Why rural access to recovery matters[10:00] What is a Sober Companion? – Bridging high-stress transitions with live-in support[14:00] Recovery Beyond the Individual – Serving families, single parents, and professionals[18:00] Harm Reduction in Action – Naloxone distribution boxes across Wake County[22:00] Childcare, Night IOPs, and Flexibility – Removing the real-life barriers to healing[26:00] Building a Culture of Access – From Scranton roots to North Carolina reform[30:00] How to Connect – Contact info, websites, and moreLow-Barrier Recovery Access – Creating programs that adapt to real life—not the other way aroundHarm Reduction with Heart – Naloxone boxes placed across Wake County save lives, no questions askedSupport for the Whole Family – Onsite childcare, night IOPs, and family-focused recoveryThe Role of Sober Companions – Walking beside people during their most vulnerable transitionsLegacy and Leadership – How Bob Goodell’s recovery values continue to shape the futureLindsey HumphreysFounder of Illuminate NC & Bob’s Way Recovery CenterLindsey Humphreys is the Executive Director of Illuminate North Carolina, a nonprofit that offers harm reduction services, sober companionship, and rural recovery programming. She also founded Bob’s Way, a peer-led recovery hub in Vance County named after her grandfather, Bob Goodell—a revered figure in the North Carolina recovery community. With a background in HR and government health services, Lindsey now leads innovative programming focused on accessibility, dignity, and meeting people where they are.📞 Call: (919) 522-5990 (Bob’s Way main line)🌐 www.illuminatenorthcarolina.org🌐 www.bobsway.orgIlluminate North Carolina: https://www.illuminatenorthcarolina.orgBob’s Way Recovery Center: https://www.bobsway.org12-Step Meeting Finder: https://www.aa.orgCircle of Security Parenting: https://circleofsecurityinternational.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecoveryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecoveryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recoveryTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_ncPodcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5GjwApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXwYouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn#LindseyHumphreys #BobsWay #IlluminateNC #HarmReduction #SoberCompanions #FamilyRecoverySupport #FindingNewWatersPodcast #RuralRecoveryAccess"We don’t need people to be perfect. We need them to stay alive long enough to get better." – Lindsey Humphreys