SEEDS
of Hope
Agency Newsletter | Summer 2026
One Step At A Time: Jacob’s Journey of Recovery and Hope Every Sunday evening in a garage in New Philadelphia, OH, Jacob Baker sets up tables, arranges chairs, and welcomes individuals seeking support through “Clean and Serene,” a 12-step meeting he founded after a severe snowstorm left many people in Tuscarawas County unable to travel to recovery meetings. What started to ensure people could access support has grown into one of the largest recovery meetings in the region. During the week, Jacob manages a local business while staying connected with more than 100 people each day, offering encouragement and support on their recovery journeys. His life today is one of purpose, service, and hope, but that wasn’t always his story. Jacob’s substance use began at 12 years old with marijuana. After a serious injury at 18 led to a prescription for opioid pain medication, his substance use escalated to include fentanyl.
At the same time, Jacob shared that he was navigating the challenges of an Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis and cervical dystonia, an extremely painful neurological condition. Despite these obstacles, Jacob found hope while caring for his terminally ill father, beginning his recovery through Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). But after his father’s passing, the weight of grief contributed to a relapse. His addiction unraveled nearly every aspect of his life, bringing legal, financial, and personal hardships, including his arrest. During a pre-sentencing interview with his parole officer, Jacob made a life-changing decision that changed everything: he admitted he needed help and asked for treatment. That decision was the first step toward rebuilding his life and brought him to OhioGuidestone’s Stillwater Crossing Men’s Residential Treatment Facility in continued on page 2