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Eagles in Recovery

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Eagles in Recovery’s primary focus is to support UMW students in different stages of recovery from substance use, from those who are “sober curious” and exploring harm reduction and moderation. To those who have been abstinent for days, months, or years.

Eagles in Recovery works to ensure UMW students do not have to choose between their recovery and their education. We support students through their journey here at UMW with meetings and organized events, and we provide a safe space for recovery meetings and peer support.

Eagles in Recovery is available to all UMW students who want to support or sustain their recovery, or who want to help support peers in recovery. We can also assist students who are looking for ways to get help with their active addiction, and we can put them in touch with appropriate resources within or outside of UMW.

UMW students are welcome to join us for peer recovery meetings, or to attend one-on-one meetings with our Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS). Additionally, we offer “friends and family” meetings and support for students, faculty, and staff who are affected, or who have been affected in the past, by another individual’s use of alcohol or other substances.

We offer Recovery Ally and Narcan (Naloxone) Training for anyone in the UMW community who is interested in learning how to support the recovery community and save lives. Please contact us for more information. We also do outreach on campus–keep an eye out for the Recovery Coffee Bike where we serve FREE coffee, tea, hot chocolate.

We cultivate working relationships with area organizations such as the Rappahannock Area Counseling Services Board (RACSB), Pinnacle Treatment Centers, and Lighthouse. The aim of these relationships is to create more seamless transitions for students exploring recovery who might need support beyond the resources available to them at UMW.

To connect with someone in Eagles in Recovery, or if you have any questions, please contact one of the following staff members:

Meetings and Resources

Weekly Recovery Meetings

Eagles in Recovery offers year round weekly meetings. Meetings are open to all who attend UMW including recovery allies, and focus on discussion about recovery and related topics. Meetings are hybrid which means they are available in-person or virtual at the same time. To access the meeting virtually please contact the CPRS Devin Walsh dwalsh@umw.edu for zoom link.

Winter Meeting Schedule

Wednesdays starting November 26th 2025 to December 10th meetings are hybrid and start at 6pm.

Wednesday December 17th through January 7th meetings are held on zoom at 6pm.

Spring meeting schedule tbd

What to expect at a meeting

Meetings are a group setting in which people can discuss recovery-related topics and support each other in their recovery journey. Our meetings are not based on the 12-step tradition, although those following a 12-step model are welcome. Instead we embrace an all-recovery model, and all people and pathways. This is not a treatment program; this is a space to create compassionate communication and mutual respect. These meetings are student-centered, with guidance provided by a Peer Recovery Support Specialist who is also a person in long term recovery.

Family and Friends Meetings

In a Family and Friends meeting, participants can expect a safe, supportive space to explore the challenges of living with a loved one’s addiction. The group focuses on building practical skills for managing emotions, improving communication, and setting healthy boundaries. Members will learn how to care for themselves while navigating difficult situations, empowering them to create positive changes in their own lives and relationships. By connecting with others who share similar experiences, participants can find encouragement, hope, and a sense of community on their journey.

The meetings focus on general topics related to supporting others who are in active addiction or various stages of recovery from substances and self-care.

Spring 2026 meeting day and time TBD location TBD.

Recovery Coffee Bike

New in 2022, our Recovery Coffee Bike is another space in which our recovery community can connect and talk openly about lived recovery experiences. The bike also will provide an opportunity for us to get the word out about Eagles in Recovery, to reach new members, and to educate allies. There will be volunteer opportunities for students who want to get involved with the  coffee bike or just to enjoy the free coffee and making connections.

Eagles in Recovery Clubhouse

This is a safe space, located at The Link 305, for students in recovery, and it is only open to those students in recovery. Please contact Devin Walsh for access to this room.

Other Resources

Substance-Related Resources

  • 24/7 National Drug Helpline: 1-844-289-0879
  • SAMHSA’s 24/7 National Helpline: 800-662-4357
  • National Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Information Center: 1-800-784-6776

UMW Resources

  • UMW Police Emergency #: 540-654-4444
  • UMW Police Non-Emergency #: 540-654-1025
  • UMW’s Talley Center for Counseling Services: 540-654-1053
  • UMW’s Student Health Center: 540-654-1040

Crisis Resources

  • UMW Police Emergency #: 540-654-4444
  • Off-campus emergencies: 911
  • RACSB Emergency Services: 540-373-6876
  • Mary Washington ER: 540-741-1100
  • Snowden at Fredericksburg: 540-741-3900
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • National Hopeline Network Toll Free: 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
  • Crisis Text Line: text ‘HOME’ to 741741
  • Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ friendly) Crisis Hotline: 866-488-7386
  • Finding a therapist: http://www.psychologytoday.com/

Recovery Communities

Student Affairs