22 minute read

Business Spotlight Good Landing Recovery

Restoring Hope

Good Landing Recovery exists to destroy the power of addiction by creating an atmosphere where God can restore families and lives through the body, spirit and soul.

By Angela Veugeler / Photos Courtesy Good Landing Recovery

WITH CLOSE to 20 million Americans struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, and more than 90,000 overdoses in 2020 (up from 70,000 in 2019), there is clearly a major epidemic in our country that continues to grow. According to Medscape, drug overdoses have become the No. 1 cause of injury-related death in the United States. Whether it’s a distant relative, friend, close family member or you, most of us know someone who struggles with addiction and it has affected countless families. From lying and manipulation to denial, isolation, money problems, abuse and legal troubles, addiction has negative effects on not only the one struggling with it, but all those around them. There are many treatment centers for those willing to get help, but unfortunately most of them are costly and there is a high relapse rate. According to Trey Lewis, Founder and CEO of Good Landing Recovery in Dacula, this isn’t because there aren’t good treatment options available — it comes down to pride. “Pride is the common denominator with a great failure rate. Families often don’t understand what love is supposed to look like when they have a loved one struggling. What they think they are doing in the name of love is enabling them to stay sick.”

Holly and Trey Lewis, Co-Founders Good Landing Recovery

Breaking the Chains of Addition

 Founded by Trey Lewis and Pastor Bobby Humphrey in 2017, Good Landing’s recovery program uses Christ-centered and biblically based treatments to break the chains of addiction, restore hope, and help clients experience lasting transformation. In just four short years, Good Landing has quickly grown to be the largest independent facility with a single location in the state of Georgia with 140 clients.

Before starting Good Landing, Lewis served in the Air Force and has traveled the country preaching the gospel, leading outreach initiatives and inspiring thousands through leadership conferences. Attending 10 treatment centers by the time he was 25 years old, he knows firsthand how dangerous a life controlled by drugs and alcohol can be. After being set free from this life, he was filled with a passionate calling to tell everyone about the transforming power and love that is found only in Christ.

Good Landing Recovery provides a healthy, faith-driven therapeutic environment, enhancing the recovery process and giving patients tools to help them stay strong and avoid future temptations.

According to Lewis, “The idea of Good Landing began when Bobby Humphrey called in March of 2017 and asked what I was doing with my life. I looked at it as an insult — I was making over six figures, I was doing good. He said, ‘I believe God has so much more for you.’ At the time, if I didn’t have an obligation on Saturday mornings, I would do ministry, hanging out with guys that were just trying to make it. I always had a sense that it [Good Landing] would work. I knew how my life had been impacted. I wavered in it a little bit but then doubled down and just did it. We got five or seven clients in there and then by May 2018 became licensed and then it just took off.”

“It has been completely different running point on the whole thing. But we saw the response, the lives that were changing. I always knew God had breathed on this and opened this door. We really create a life-giving environment. The culture is so important. I run it more as getting in the trenches. My office is right in the middle of the program, people are in and out of my office all the time. When I got clean, I got discipled and mentored to and we try to reproduce that here. We have incorporated the things that I felt were super important to me that will translate to other people.”

“One of those is rebuilding the body they had treated so poorly during addiction. Clients come in here one day and all they have been doing up until that point is just losing. Today maybe they can only bench press 100 pounds, but next week it will be 125 pounds, they can really progress and see it so fast.”

Good Landing has created an environment for clients that facilitates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical change. They aim to transform lives through stimulating activities, group accountability, physical exercise, biblical counseling, and above all else, a purposeful relationship with Christ. For more information on Good Landing, visit GoodLandingRecovery.com.

Danielle’s Testimony

Good Landing’s Women’s Program Tech and Admissions Specialist Danielle Brummit shared her comeback story with us.

I GREW up in a pastor’s home, my parents were in ministry. It was a unique situation because everyone sees one side of it when you are outside looking in. When I was 7 years old, I found out my mom was struggling with addiction. She had experienced trauma when she was younger and never had the opportunity to deal with it. She got addicted to pain medications after having hand surgery. I remember feeling like my mom would rather fuel her needs than keep me safe. I felt that even though I still didn’t know what this was, my mom loved it more than me. Being a pastor’s wife, my mom began to wear a ‘mask.’ She was expected to be one way and be there for those struggling and in addiction but not be in the same place with them. I saw her be one way at church and then completely fall apart at home. It was very difficult for me to see. I wanted to fix it, but I didn’t know how.

When I was 16 years old, I was going to a youth leaders’ home to hang out. She had some things missing in her life, but felt accepted by us, and began to allow us to throw parties at her house and use substances in her home. She introduced me to methamphetamine. I still had that insecurity, and when I took it, I felt stronger and braver than I actually was. I was able to be someone that I wasn’t. That began a downward spiral for me, and I started to wear the same ‘mask’ my mom wore.

I would be at church and try to be what everyone expected me to be and then leave there and use illegal substances. That brought about a lot of shame

and guilt. I knew what was right, but I began to spiral out of control. I started dealing with a lot of major depression and anxiety.

When I was 24 years old, I got into a major car accident while I was sober. A semi ran a red light and hit my driver’s door going 70mph. It completely crushed my car and gave me a major back injury. My disc completely disintegrated. I was very stubborn and refused to have back surgery for a year. During this time, I became dependent on pain pills. When I finally had the surgery, I became even more dependent on pain pills until I got to the point where I couldn’t continue working.

At the time of the accident, I was a Kindergarten teacher (I thought I could quit using drugs and change my life if I had a good job). God used that accident to get me out of teaching. After the accident, I started doing administrative stuff for my dad. I wouldn’t show up to work, had an apartment with toxic people, and was in a toxic relationship. I wasn’t living anymore. I was just trying to survive. I was in and out of the hospital because I wasn’t eating. I would get fluids and go right back to using. My mom had gone through treatment so I had heard about it, but I had isolated myself from everyone that I might turn to for help.

In July of 2019, there was a lady named MJ from Georgia who came up as one of the top ‘people you may know’ on my Facebook account, even though we had no mutual friends. To this day I am still not sure what made me reach out to her, but I did. We began communicating and I ended up opening up to her about my struggles. She came to Tampa to see me. When I picked her up from the airport she just started crying. When I realized she saw how bad I was it scared me. I had never been around someone who was going to do something about helping me. I pushed her away. I left her at an Airbnb. I didn’t want help; I was terrified of being exposed. I wore this ‘mask’ for years. I was so scared of what people thought about me. I had seen the way people treated my mom and I was scared of that as well.

There was about a two-week window where she had left and then came back to Georgia. In just those two weeks, things had gotten a lot worse. I assumed MJ would leave me alone, but she didn’t. She introduced me to Trey Lewis. Trey called me; he was great, like talking to a friend. I came to Good Landing in July 2019. I knew I was going to die if I didn’t but was not 100% set on getting clean. I brought the ‘mask’ that I wore for many years, the people pleasing, to rehab with me. I left in November 2019, went back to Tampa for a few months and had the worst relapse of my whole life. I introduced myself back to the world of addiction. I picked up right where I left off, but my body wasn’t used to that; it completely ruined me. I quickly returned to Georgia. I decided I was going to live in the area but not go back to treatment. I moved to Duluth, got an apartment and continued using.

In April 2020, I reached out to Trey. My addiction was worse than it had ever been, my weight was lower than it had been, but I was terrified. I sent Trey a message and said, ‘Hey Trey, I’m struggling.’ I didn’t even expect to get a response. He quickly replied, ‘Do you want to come home?’ In this treatment center where I had made a fool of myself, the owner asked if I wanted to come home. They love you like Jesus loves you. They show you Jesus by accepting you like you are, no matter how much of a fool you have been. On April 25, 2020, I came back. I met with Trey and realized if I was really going to do this, I was going to do everything different than I did the first time. That’s what I did. I put my head down and worked through trauma with my therapist. My biggest fear was that people weren’t going to accept me if I was real, but that is why they accepted me. I realized the rules were here to help me grow. When I came back, they had open arms. They didn’t remind me of the horrible things I had done in the past, they wanted to help with my comeback story, and help me win.

Now I am a house manager and I help with admissions. I get to see girls come in wearing the ‘mask.’ It is really healing to be what Good Landing has been to me to other people. I feel like I am directly in the center of God’s will here. It has been life changing and great. The big difference I have seen here is the love Good Landing has for people; they are willing to work with you and love you no matter where you are in your addiction. In here, it’s all about connecting, which is 100% because it is Christ centered. We are like a big family. That was the difference for me, I needed to be shown Jesus. I had heard about it my whole life, but I was never shown Christ like I was shown Christ here. They say, ‘I love you and I’m going to be here with you.’ That’s exactly what Christ’s love is, and I needed that. I know 100% the reason why I am sober today is because of my relationship with the Lord. Every day I get up and I don’t choose drugs anymore, I choose the Lord and in that I have true identity.” ■

“My biggest fear was that people weren’t going to accept me if I was real, but that is why they accepted me.”

5 Home Heating Tips

WITH WINTER RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GET YOUR HOME PREPARED FOR THE COLD WEATHER THAT’S COMING. THESE FIVE HOME HEATING TIPS ARE YOUR

GUIDE TO STAYING COZY INSIDE BEFORE THE FIRST FREEZE HITS.

BY MATTHEW HOLTKAMP

Matthew Holtkamp is the President of Holtkamp Heating & Air Conditioning which provides awardwinning air conditioning and furnace/heat pump repairs, replacement and maintenance to Gwinnett County and surrounding areas from its Suwanee headquarters. FRESH FILTERS Change your filter every 60-90 days, or every 30 days if you have pets. A clogged filter makes your system work overtime, driving up energy bills and decreasing air flow. PROPER AIR FLOW Make sure you aren’t covering your home’s air vents and returns with furniture, rugs or drapes. Proper air flow helps prevent hot and cold spots in your home. SEAL GAPS Take a walk around your home’s interior and exterior, looking for leaks and gaps around doors and windows that could be sealed or fixed. Don’t let the air you’re paying to heat escape your home! INSPECT DUCTWORK Speaking of air escaping, when’s the last time your ductwork was inspected? According to the Department of Energy, an average of 30% of all heated and cooled air escapes into attics, crawlspaces and basements due to leaky ductwork. Yikes! Heating these spaces is simply throwing money away. PREP YOUR SYSTEM You wouldn’t let your car go a year without maintenance, and you shouldn’t let your HVAC system do the same. A tune-up is the easiest and most affordable way to keep it in tip-top shape and avoid major repairs when temperatures plummet. Gas furnaces also need to be inspected for microscopic cracks for safe heating. Plus, you can have us inspect your ductwork while we’re at your home.

BONUS TIP: Never pay for repairs again. That’s right, with our new System Care Program, you’ll never pay for repairs, maintenance, service or filters ever again. All for a low monthly payment, you’ll have the ultimate piece of mind. And that low payment includes a brand new energy-efficient system!

 To schedule maintenance, a ductwork inspection or get a free estimate for your System Care Program at a low monthly payment, please call 770-271-7511 or visit HoltkampHVAC.com today. We’ll keep you cozy all winter long!

Q: IS INVESTING IN THE STOCK MARKET LIKE GOING TO VEGAS?

No. At a casino, your odds are always less than 50%. According to Wizard of Odds, the worst odds are with Keno. Statistically, you will lose 77% of your Keno bets. They rate the odds of losing at other casino games as follows: • Slots 60% • Roulette 55.3% • Poker 53.4% • Blackjack 52% • Craps 51.4%

It may be entertaining to gamble at a casino, but it is certainly not a place to play with your investment funds. On the other hand, the U.S. stock market (Dow Jones) has provided investors with mostly positive returns for many decades (1901-2020). The longer one has held their investment in the stock market the higher the percentage of positive results: • 1-year periods were up 74.2% of the time. • 3-year periods were up 86.5% of the time • 5-year periods were up 90% of the time • 10–year periods were up 97% of the time • 15– year periods were up 99.9% of the time

Investing in the stock market is not akin to gambling. While the markets are not guaranteed to produce positive results, and past performance is not a predictor of future performance, the historical record shows that a long-term stock market investor has had an extremely high percentage of positive returns.

A conversation with your trusted advisor about your nongambling, long-term investment money is usually time well spent — especially in the tumultuous times in which we are now living. ■

Source: Invesco Funds – Navigating Volatility https://www.invesco.com/us-rest/contentdetail?conte ntId=022984ddcac1e610VgnVCM1000006e36b50aRCRD. Page 5. Accessed 09/27/2021.

All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Securities and advisory services offered through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and Aileron Investment Advisors are not affiliated entities.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@ SuwaneeMagazine.com

2021

ur annual Holiday Gift Guide features gift ideas and exclusive deals to help make your holiday shopping easier. Local businesses have given us their top picks for the best gifts this season that run the gamut of fashion and accessories, health and wellness items, gift cards to local restaurants and more! No matter who’s on your list this holiday season, you’re sure to find something to please (and surprise!) everyone.

GIFTS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING

Living Well Farmers Market is the place to go to find a wide variety of gifts to promote healthy living! They support our hardworking local farmers and vendors by providing specialty natural foods that focus on nonGMO, organic, and local items. They are conveniently located in Siena Suwanee Town Center.

400 Buford Highway, Ste 1102 470-238-3419 LivingWellGA.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY AUTHENTIC CELTIC GIFTS

Eco-Friendly Crafts is a specialty arts & craft store located on Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, across the street from Blue Pearl Animal Hospital. They carry a wide range of fine art supplies, yarns, HTV, vinyl, craft kits and more. They also offer a variety of classes and workshops for children and adults featuring art lessons, knitting and crochet lessons and craft workshops. Gift certificates can be used online or in store, for products or classes.

2001 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Ste 104, Suwanee EcoFriendlyCrafts.com

GIFTS FOR THE HOME

Give the best gift ever — a gift certificate from Queen of Hearts. 500+ booths filled with old and new furniture of every style, home decor accessories, collectibles, sports memorabilia, inspiration and so much more! Three locations: Buford, Alpharetta, Marietta

4125 GA-20, Buford

678-714-0643

QueenofHeartsAntiquesInteriors.com

Celebrate Christmas with authentic Celtic-style ties, scarves, shawls and much more. Located near Suwanee Town Center, Atlanta Kilts offers the kilt, tartan, or Celtic accessory to make the perfect gift! Reasons to wear a kilt: golf, weddings, cruises, proms, football games, Celtic events, memorials, holidays, celebrations, just for fun or at work!

1275 Buford Highway, Ste 105, Suwanee 877-411-KILT (5458) AtlantaKilts.com

ONE-STOP SHOPPING FOR FUNKY TRENDY GIFTS

Parsons Gifts is your go-to store in Suwanee for fun, trendy and exciting one-stop gift shopping! They stock all your favorites and exclusive brands including Brighton, Vera Bradley, e Newton, Spartina, Mud Pie, Spanx, Ronaldo Jewelry, and Tyler Candle.

Located near Fresh Market 1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee 770-271-7735 Parsons-Suwanee-GA.com

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS MERRY AND LITE WITH A PLANET SMOOTHIE GIFT CARD

Suwanee’s Planet Smoothie is focused on delivering great-tasting smoothies in a wide variety of options to fit the unique needs that your taste and lifestyle demand. That’s why gift cards are a perfect present or stocking stuffer for the person in your life who’s always on the go.

320 Town Center Ave., Suwanee 770-945-8785 PlanetSmoothie.com/ stores/19036

THE GIFT OF HEALING

Chances are someone you know is in much need of stress or pain relief. Give the gift of healing with CBD tinctures, gummies, topical creams, and beauty products. Whatever form you choose, Relax+Releaf can help with your holiday shopping needs. Now offering massage therapy with a range of services. Gift cards also available!

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Ste. 140, Suwanee 678-765-7020 Relax-Releaf.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF A HEALTHY HOME

Grab a Thieves Bundle from Suwanee Spine and Healing Center! The Thieves line from Young Living is a powerful cleaner that actually works! With essential oils like lemon, cinnamon, and clove, you can clean your house and disinfect your environment without using harsh, dangerous chemicals. The Thieves Bundle includes Thieves Household Cleaner, Thieves Spray, and Thieves Hand Soap. A great value for $50!

4300 Westbrook Road, Suwanee 678-765-8494 SuwaneeSpine.com

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT

Give the gift of fine dining this holiday season! Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary or holiday present, Frankie’s is the perfect gift for any occasion.

6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy. Floor 3, Duluth 678-395-6447

GIFTS FOR THE LOVER OF THE ARTS

As the hub of Suwanee’s bold & artistic atmosphere, Suwanee Arts Center is home to artist & patrons alike, providing gallery space for exhibits & classes. Please join them on Sunday, December 5 from 1-4 pm for the opening of their Holiday exhibit. Enjoy an afternoon of arts, conversation & refreshments. Browse a variety of unique and distinctive gifts.

Town Center at 3930 Charleston Market St., Suwanee 678-878-2818 SuwaneeArtsCenter.org

FOR EASY SHOPPING, COOL STUFF AND HELPFUL FOLKS, ACE IS THE PLACE

Shop S&S Ace Hardware in Buford for holiday lighting and hook-up, gift gadgets, tools and hearth items, outdoor cooking and games and much more! They also feature quality premium branded products.

4160 Buford Drive, Buford

770-932-1458

SSAceHardware.com Give a gift card for THE NEXT GREAT WELLNESS TREND: STRETCH and take advantage of a limited time offer while it lasts: 3 stretch sessions for only $99. Makes a perfect gift for anyone on your list, or even for yourself. Contact the studio to purchase and for additional details.

425 Buford Hwy., Suwanee 678-541-5956 StretchZone.com

BESPOKE PAPER FLOWERS MAKE GREAT GIFTS

Choosing to have paper flowers is a unique alternative to real flowers that allows you to have any flower, during any season, in any shade that will last. Each bloom is lovingly hand crafted, petal by petal resulting in a one-of-a-kind paper floral piece to capture a special moment in time, celebrate an occasion together, or to adorn your home with everlasting florals. Just as real flowers are perfect for any occasion, paper flowers will last beyond. Contact Carol to start planning your design.

678-460-6469 carol@petalsandpearlsdesign.com PetalsandPearlsDesign.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF FINE DINING

Bottles & Bones is the answer to the traditional steakhouse: A modern American chophouse that’s sophisticated yet approachable, chef-driven and customer-focused, high quality and high energy, delivering an experience that transcends 90 minutes of fine dining.

400 Buford Hwy N.E., Suwanee 678-804-9447 BottlesandBonesGA.com

THE GIFT OF CLEAN AIR

Respiratory illnesses affect us all. With 90% of our day spent indoors, Core Air reduces pathogens and allergens that cause inflammation and infection, giving your lungs a BREATH of FRESH air! Core Air Pod personal air purifier produces millions of ions per cubic foot using pulse tip technology. It is proven to reduce allergens (dust, dander, pollen, smoke, mold spores) that trigger asthma and allergy attacks and is effective against viruses, bacteria, voc's, and odors. The negative ions produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy. It works indoors and outside, has a two-hour charge, a 48-hour battery life and a 3-year warranty.

800-291-9921 CoreAirPurification.com

PHOTO BY CHRIS BARTELSKI PHOTO BY CHRIS BARTELSKI