Today we’d like to introduce you to China Darrington
Hi China, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey is deeply rooted in personal experience and a passion for helping others find hope and healing. I’ve been in long-term recovery myself, and through that process, I discovered the power of connection, advocacy, and community in sustaining recovery. That realization inspired me to dedicate my life to creating spaces where others can experience the same support and belonging.
Professionally, I’ve worked in various roles advocating for recovery and mental health, which eventually led me to found Summit Recovery Hub in 2022. Starting this organization was a natural step in combining my lived experience with my professional expertise. We began as a small team with a big vision: to provide free, accessible recovery services and create a judgment-free, inclusive space for our community.
Since then, we’ve grown tremendously. We’ve expanded our programs, opened a drop-in recovery center, and launched initiatives like SummitPEERS and SummitROAD. It’s been an incredible journey of building partnerships, fostering community, and seeing lives transformed. Every step has been guided by our core values of recovery, compassion, and dignity.
For me, this work is deeply personal. It’s about giving back, creating opportunities for others, and showing that recovery is not just possible—it’s powerful. I’m proud of where we are today and excited for the future, as we continue to grow and dream big, like opening a mental health clubhouse and expanding our capacity to serve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s safe to say the road has been anything but smooth, but those challenges have shaped who we are as an organization and strengthened our commitment to the work we do. Starting Summit Recovery Hub came with its share of hurdles, from building awareness in the community to navigating the complexities of launching a nonprofit organization.
One of our biggest struggles has been securing sustainable funding. While we’re fortunate to have an annual contract with the County of Summit ADM Board and additional program funding, we’re still new to fundraising and learning how to diversify our revenue streams. It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for growth as we work to ensure our long-term financial stability.
Another challenge has been meeting the overwhelming demand for services. Our drop-in recovery center, which opened in January 2024, has been a lifeline for many, but we quickly realized the need to expand. Currently, we can accommodate 50 people, but we’ve opened our Summit Recovery Annex which doubled our space and allows us to bring over 100 people together at once for events. Balancing growth with maintaining the integrity of our services is a constant focus.
On a personal level, I’ve faced the challenge of staying grounded and taking care of myself while managing the many moving parts of the organization. Recovery work is deeply emotional, and it’s easy to pour everything into helping others while neglecting your own well-being. I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, even if it’s something as simple as taking a daily walk.
Despite these struggles, every challenge has been a lesson. The resilience of our team, the support of our community, and the transformations we see in those we serve make every obstacle worth it. The road may not be smooth, but it’s meaningful, and we’re excited to keep moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Summit Recovery Hub, we’re all about creating a space where recovery is not just supported but celebrated. As the CEO, I’m proud to lead an organization that focuses on providing free, accessible services to adults in Summit County who are navigating substance use and mental health challenges. We specialize in Enhanced Peer Recovery Support, harm reduction, anti-stigma advocacy, mental health services, and survivor-led human trafficking support. These programs are designed to meet people where they are and provide the tools and community they need to thrive.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the growth we’ve achieved since our founding in 2022. Opening our drop-in recovery center in January 2024 was a huge milestone. It’s become a hub for connection and healing, offering nine weekly support groups and serving 50 individuals regularly. We’re doubling that capacity now and can bring together over 100 individuals at once which speaks to the incredible demand for what we offer. Receiving the 2024 ADM Trailblazer Award for innovation was a moment of validation for me and the work we do.
What sets us apart is our inclusive and compassionate approach. We understand that recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and we honor each individual’s unique journey. Our services are free, thanks to the support of the County of Summit ADM Board and various grants, ensuring that no one is turned away. We’re also deeply rooted in the community, working alongside local organizations and volunteers to create a network of support.
Our core values—Recovery, Community, Inclusiveness, Compassion, and Dignity—are at the heart of everything we do. They guide us in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. For me, this work is personal. It’s about building a community where everyone has the opportunity to find hope, healing, and a sense of belonging.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis taught us so many valuable lessons, especially about the importance of connection in recovery. The pandemic disrupted the foundation of recovery support services—disconnecting people from their usual meetings, groups, and support systems. That lack of connection, combined with the stress of such an uncertain and overwhelming time, led to increased mental distress for so many individuals. It was hard to maintain a sense of community when everyone was forced into isolation.
One of the most significant challenges we’ve faced coming out of the pandemic is addressing the complacency that isolation created. Many people grew accustomed to being on their own, and coaxing them back out into a healthy recovery community has been a delicate process. Recovery thrives in connection, and rebuilding that sense of togetherness has been one of our top priorities.
At Summit Recovery Hub, we’ve worked hard to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where people feel safe reconnecting with others. Our drop-in recovery center has been a lifeline for those seeking community again, and our peer support services have been instrumental in helping individuals navigate the lingering effects of the pandemic. The crisis reinforced for us how critical it is to have flexible, accessible support options—whether that’s in person, by phone, text, or Zoom.
Ultimately, the pandemic reminded us of the resilience of the recovery community. Despite the hardships, people are finding their way back to connection, and we’re here to walk alongside them every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://summitrco.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summitrecoveryhub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummitRCO
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/summit-recovery-hub
