2025 Impact Report Barbell Saves Project

2025

IMPACT REPORT

WHY THIS MATTERS

We strengthen physical and mental well-being for individuals in recovery by providing communitybased exercise, supportive housing, and peer-led support.

Population

Adults in recovery from drug and/or alcohol use. Adolescents struggling with mental health or life skills ages 13-17.

Community

We focus on building a supportive, honest, encouraging environment for everyone that attends.

Peer Run

All staff and coaches are certified as Peer Support Recovery Specialists, meaning they have lived experience with substance use.

WHAT WE STAND FOR Health of the Whole Person

Physical and mental wellness, person-centered & sustainable recovery.

HEALING THE BODY

TO SAVE THE MIND!

Inclusivity

Non-judgmental, compassionate and loving.

Connectivity & Community

Support members, grow and build community.

WHAT DRIVES US

The Barbell Saves Project was founded in 2019 by people in recovery who experienced firsthand how movement, mindfulness, and community can change the trajectory of a life. We believe recovery is built through strength (physical, mental, and relational) and that healing happens faster when people are supported by those who have walked the same path. By combining evidence-based wellness practices with peer-led support, we create trauma-informed spaces where individuals can rebuild confidence, restore hope, and rediscover purpose. The barbell represents the work of recovery itself: showing up, lifting again, and growing stronger with each effort.

What truly drives this work forward is the partnership between courage and generosity. Every class, peer interaction, housing placement, and opportunity for growth exists because donors believe in second chances. Your support removes barriers to care and creates access to free fitness, yoga, peer support, transitional housing, and job training - meeting people where they are and supporting the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

Together, we are not just supporting recovery, we are reducing long-term healthcare strain, strengthening families, and building healthier communities. Because of you, individuals are not only surviving addiction, they are rebuilding lives and giving that same hope forward.

IMPACT YOU SEE. LIVES YOU CAN MEASURE.

743 New clients in 2025

⅓ of these came from partnering with outside agencies.

Behind every number is a person choosing recovery and a community choosing to support them. These outcomes reflect what happens when access, consistency, and peerled care come together. Because of our donors and partners, thousands of individuals have found strength, belonging, and a healthier path forward.

11,919 client signins This reflects the power of consistency and community.

1,808 Classes Held

36 classes a week.

Over 150 hours of classes a month.

Housing Initiave Launched September 2025

By expanding into recovery-focused housing, we are addressing one of the greatest barriers to sustained recovery: safe, stable living environments.

96%

98%

99%

Of people attending believe Barbell Saves supported their recoery over the past year.

Of people reported Barbell Saves improved their mental and/or emotional well-being..

Of people felt more connected and less alone in their recovery from Barbell Saves.

THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN US

WHO WE SERVE Demographics Race White - 70% American Indian - 15% Black/African American 14% Asian - 1%

Insurances

Latin / Hispanic

No - 71% Yes - 29%

AIHP Health Choice Private

AZ Complete

Banner

Mercy Care

Molina

United Health Care Uninsured

Gender

Female - 32% Male - 68%

United Health Care 6.9%

Problem with

Both alcohol and drugs - 18% Alcohol only - 32% Drugs only - 34% Drugs and Mental Healh - 25%

18-24 - 5% 24-44 - 61% 45-64 - 31% 65+ - 3%

Mat Services

AZ Complete 9.3%

Private 11.9%

Molina 3%

Age

AIHP 8.7%

Banner 17.3%

Mercy Care 31.4%

Health Choice 6.3%

No - 71% Yes - 29%

@THEBARBELLSAVES THEBARBELLSAVESPROJECT.ORG

WHERE YOUR SUPPORT GOES 2025 Donations $122,260

Donations 40000

Grant Funding 700000

Insurance $190,000

Insurance Revenue 250000

Grant Funding $728,400

$1,040,660 TOTAL REVENUE Thanks to diverse funding, every donation dollar directly amplifies our impact

EXERCISE AS EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT Cravings Financial

For every dollar invested in treatment of SUD, there is a return between $4 and $7 related to reducing justice system and criminalization costs. When savings related to healthcare are included, the savings surpass the costs of treatment by a ratio of 12 to 1.

Mental Health

Exercise has repeatedly been shown to reduce symptoms and feelings of depression and anxiety - both of which often cooccur with SUD.

Engaging in physical exercise especially in early recovery, is shown to reduce feelings of cravings.

Abstinence

Participating in an exercise program is shown to increase numbers of days abstinent.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate

Support our efforts to help others in their fight against drug and alcohol addiction through our fitness program.

(CLICK THE ICON TO DONATE)

Merchandise

All proceeds from merchandise purchased supports memberships for individuals to attend The Barbell Saves classes.

(CLICK THE ICON TO PURCHASE)

Write a Review

Share your experience with others about The Barbell Saves Project by writing a review on Google.

(CLICK THE ICON TO REVIEW)

THIS IS THE IMPACT YOU MADE

CLICK THE VIDEO TO HEAR REAL STORIES OF RECOVERY

@THEBARBELLSAVES THEBARBELLSAVESPROJECT.ORG