Newsroom

OPERATION EMPOWER: Liberty Recovery

[Photo credit: Benjamin Fisher.]

February 4, 2025

Hinson talks federal spending, local program benefits at Dubuque-area stops

by Benjamin Fisher

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, visited two Dubuque residential programs Monday and voiced her intent to advocate for their causes — and their clientele — as officials in Washington, D.C., push to reduce federal spending.

The Dubuque stops highlighted efforts by Operation Empower’s Liberty Recovery & Training Center, a substance-use recovery facility ...

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[Paywalled.]

February 3, 2025

Congresswoman Hinson visits Operation Empower

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson: "Today, I visited Operation Empower’s Liberty Recovery Center, where I had a great discussion about the impact of their residential recovery housing programs. These programs provide essential services to those with substance abuse issues and are essential in our fight against the drug epidemic that has wreaked havoc across our country. I appreciate the incredible work Operation Empower is doing in the Dubuque community!"

Operation Empower: "... we were honored to welcome Congresswoman Ashley Hinson to Liberty Recovery. She took the time to hear firsthand from our tenants and staff about their journeys — stories of strength, perseverance, and hope. Her willingness to listen and engage means so much to our community as we continue our mission of providing support, stability, and second chances. Thank you, Congresswoman Hinson, for your time and support!"

#LibertyRecovery #RecoveryJourney #HopeAndHealing #CommunitySupport

November 30, 2024

Dubuque recovery center set resident on path to success

by Maia Bond

When Randy Grutz sat in jail, facing up to 144 years in prison for a laundry list of mostly drug-related charges, it finally hit him.

“I realized that I had to get my life together ... I’ve never been to prison, and I don’t plan on going,” he said.

Due to a lack of prior convictions, Grutz ultimately stayed out of prison but served several months in jail before being released.

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[Paywalled.]

[Photo credit: Maia Bond.]

November 9, 2024

Dubuque nonprofit's improvement projects pave way for increased services

by Maia Bond

A Dubuque nonprofit recently completed several projects to upgrade its building in preparation for expanded programming. ... Landscaping, fresh paint, repairs to concrete in the parking lot, a new sign, new furniture, windows, blinds, and a heating and cooling system were all recently completed at the training center with the help of an approximately $97,000 grant from the Lowe’s Hometowns Grant Program.

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[Paywalled.]

Editorial Board

February 2, 2024

Our opinion: Liberty Recovery Community fills a void in Dubuque area

by the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board

After two years of serving the Dubuque community, Liberty Recovery Community has filled a void in substance abuse services and has been a literal lifesaver for participants.

READ FULL TELEGRAPH-HERALD OPINION

[Paywalled.]

[Photo credit: Dave Kettering.]

January 12, 2024

'There's nothing like this': Local recovery housing celebrates 2 years of operations

by Maia Bond

“If you were to have places like this maybe 30 years ago, maybe I would have gotten sober sooner, maybe I could’ve stayed married,” (Dave) Haferbecker said. “But that’s in the past.”

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[Paywalled.]

[Photo credit: Dave Kettering.]

January 12, 2023 / updated February 16, 2024

Ernst visits Dubuque sober-living center

by John Kruse

(Troy) McMurray said meeting the senator was a highlight for him since he first arrived at Liberty Recovery Community, 2216 White St., about four months ago as part of his recovery from alcoholism.

“I have been an alcoholic for many, many years, since I was 12,” McMurray said. “If it wasn’t for this place, I wouldn’t be here today.”

READ FULL TELEGRAPH-HERALD ARTICLE

[Paywalled.]

October 12, 2022

New substance abuse care facility in Dubuque pioneering new style of treatment

by Max Tedford, KWWL

DUBUQUE, Iowa(KWWL)-- Governor Kim Reynolds was in Dubuque Wednesday to help unveil a new facility that is piloting a new style of care in Iowa. Staff there say it could help keep people with substance abuse disorders off the streets.

Staff at the Liberty Recovery Community say they hope to help people recovering from substance abuse return to living life sober by providing a community of peers to people recovering from substance abuse.

READ FULL KWWL ARTICLE

[Photo credit: Jessica Reilly.]

February 22, 2022

'This is a solution': Dubuque sober-living community opens

by Bennet Goldstein

It started with finding a location, negotiating a purchase and soliciting the millions of dollars needed to build a facility. There were doubters, but time after time, things fell into place.

The serendipity could not have been anything other than a miracle, said Michelle Mihalakis. Four years of miracles.

Michelle Mihalakis, executive director of Operation Empower, describes a new sober-living complex at 2216 White St. known as Liberty Recovery Community, which welcomed its first residents Tuesday: