OUR VISION is a community that views and treats addiction as a chronic condition and those affected with dignity and respect.
OUR MISSION is to serve individuals and families impacted by addiction, connecting them to resources and removing barriers to lifelong wellness.
Essential Elements for Lifelong Recovery
At Navigate Recovery, we believe that lifelong recovery is built on three essential elements: physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and spirituality. Think of these elements as the legs of a sturdy stool. If any one leg is missing, the stool cannot hold the weight of lifelong recovery—and lifelong recovery is our ultimate goal! This framework offers a holistic approach to understanding and achieving recovery wellness.
Physical Health: The Foundation of Recovery
Addiction and substance misuse are recognized by the medical community as a chronic condition that impacts both the brain and body. Prolonged substance use can alter neural pathways, making recovery a complex but achievable process. Research has shown that physical health plays a critical role in this healing process.
Studies indicate that the brain requires up to two years to fully heal from the effects of addiction. By prioritizing physical health, individuals can accelerate their recovery and improve overall quality of life.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Tools for Living
Mental and emotional well-being are integral to navigating the challenges of recovery. Addiction often stems from underlying pain or trauma, making it essential to address these issues in a structured and supportive environment.
The journey to mental and emotional health takes time and practice. Developing these skills creates resilience and empowers individuals to live a successful recovery lifestyle.
Spirituality: The Anchor of Hope
Spirituality is often described as the "anchor" of recovery because it provides a sense of purpose, hope, and connection. For many, this involves building a relationship with God or a higher power.
- Hope and Resilience: Believing in the possibility of change fosters determination and strength.
- Forgiveness and Healing: Letting go of past grievances—whether toward oneself or others—is a transformative part of recovery.
- Inner Peace: Spirituality helps individuals find acceptance and peace, reducing the desire to seek solace in substances.
As a ministry, we believe that wholeness of spirit is an often neglected aspect of successful long term recovery from addiction. Spirituality is deeply personal; the key is finding a source of inspiration and strength that supports recovery goals.
Together, these three elements create a comprehensive and balanced foundation for recovery. At Navigate Recovery, we are dedicated to providing education, resources, and support to individuals and families. By embracing this holistic approach, we can work together to build a future full of health, hope, and possibility.
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
The FOUNDERS
Susan Barge | CO-FOUNDER
Susan, one of Navigate Recovery Gwinnett's co-founders, is a person in long term recovery. She has worked in the private sector as human resource director for a local technology company and in various industries in other management positions. Along with her husband Farley, she has also served as a support and recovery ministry leader in the faith community for many years. Susan received training from the Georgia Council of Substance Abuse and is a C.A.R.E.S 17 graduate.
Farley Barge | CO-FOUNDER
Farley Barge is the President Navigate Recovery Gwinnett and acting Executive Director. Farley is a person in long term recovery (18 years) who has worked in the audiovisual industry for over 30 years serving in a variety of middle and senior management positions. Along with his wife Susan, he has served as support and recovery ministry leader in the faith community for the past 12 years. Farley has also received training from the Georgia Council of Substance Abuse and is a C.A.R.E.S. 20 graduate.
Our Board of Directors
Farley Barge | BOARD MEMBER | PRESIDENT
Farley Barge is a person in long term recovery and the co-founder, along with his wife Susan, of Navigate Recovery Gwinnett. Prior to his involvement with Navigate Recovery, he worked as an audiovisual professional for a international company and has served as support and recovery ministry leader in the faith community and is the President of Sojourn Ministries, Inc., the parent organization of Navigate Recovery Gwinnett. He is a father to two daughters, three step-daughters and a grandfather of two (soon to be three) grandchildren. Because of his recovery, he is a better husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and citizen of Gwinnett. He is an advocate for addiction recovery services in the community and region who believes in living his recovery out loud so others can see that addiction recovery is possible for everyone who is willing. Farley received CARES training from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and serves as co-leader of the Gwinnett Healthcare Roundtable Mental and Behavioral Health and Addiction Recovery Action Group at the Gwinnett Coalition.
Susan Barge | SECRETARY | CEO LIGHTWAY
Susan Barge is a person in long term recovery, co-founder of Navigate Recovery Gwinnett and the CEO of Lightway Recovery for Women. She is the Secretary of Sojurn Ministries, Inc., the parent organization of Navigate Recovery Gwinnett. Prior to her involvement with Navigate Rececovery, she worked in the private sector as a human resource director for a local internet company with excess of $20 million dollars in annual revenue and over 50 employees, and as a support and recovery ministry leader in the faith community for the past 12 years. She is the mother of three daughters and two step daughters and a grandmother of two (soon to be three) grandchildren.Susan has also received training from the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse and is a C.A.R.E.S. 17 graduate.
Jace Brooks | BOARD MEMBER
Jace Brooks serves as Director of the Gwinnett Workforce Initiative at the Georgia Center for Opportunity. He comes to GCO with a deep-seated passion for bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and schools to help disadvantaged populations find employment and ultimately achieve a flourishing life. A native of Louisiana, Jace and his family have called Gwinnett County home since 1994. Jace has served on the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners for eight years and for 10 years on the Suwanee City Council, including multiple terms as mayor pro tem. Jace previously ran his own consulting firm, E4 Consulting, and served as Business Manager for Table Group Consulting, Atlanta.Jace holds a Bachelor’s degree in finance from Louisiana Tech University, a Master of Arts in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and an MBA in marketing from Georgia State University. Jace and his wife have a passion for loving and caring for others through their local church, Gwinnett Church. They have two children, twins Ally and Aidan, who are both attending college.
Rebecca Weidler | BOARD MEMBER
Rebecca (Becky) Weidler is the Director of Emergency and Trauma Services at Northside Hospital Gwinnett and Duluth. She earned her Bachelors of Nursing at Georgia State University, Masters of Nursing at Medical College of Georgia, and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Mercer University. Over her 29 years at Northside (formerly Gwinnett Medical Center), she has served in many roles and leadership positions, allowing her extensive experience in dealing with patients and families during medical, physical, and emotional crisis. Becky is actively involved with many community and hospital based committees to eliminate disparities and improve access to health care for all patients. Becky has a daughter who attends Hebron Christian Academy and enjoys spending time with her daughter and their Boston terrier. Becky enjoys any outside activities with family and friends and is an avid reader.
Brent Hoffman | BOARD MEMBER
Brent is a medical malpractice claims consultant for the MedPro Group for whom he has worked since 2003. He previously worked for other companies in a similar capacity for over 21 years. Brent is a native of Wisconsin and a graduate of Winona State University in Winona, MN. His first employer transferred him from Minneapolis to Savannah, GA in 1983 where he met his wife – Evie – “a Jersey girl” – who had come to Savannah to visit a college friend but ended up staying. Brent and Evie have been married since 1985 and have three adult children and two dogs. Brent was transferred to his employer’s Atlanta office in 1993 and his family settled in Lilburn where they continue to live. Brent and Evie became involved in the recovery community over 8 years ago to support a family member that was struggling with drug addiction. They have volunteered and supported Navigate Recovery Gwinnett for many years. Evie has won the Women’s division of the Navigate Recovery’s annual 5K Run for Recovery several times. The Hoffmans have been members of Harmony Grove United Methodist Church since moving to Lilburn. Brent enjoys reading and his daily 5 mile walk while listening to podcasts or 80’s music.
Tom Branch | BOARD MEMBER
Tom Branch, Jr. has had a diverse journey from his beginnings in Miami, FL, to his current role as an Opioid Surveillance & Prevention Specialist for GNR Public Health. With over 30 years in public safety, much of it spent with the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, he's held various roles including Medical Supervisor, Flight Medic, and Technical Rescue Team member. Even after retiring in 2013, Tom's commitment to community service remains strong. He's stayed active with the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team and serves as a resource for the Fire Chief. In his current position, Tom focuses on battling the opioid epidemic, collaborating closely with law enforcement and community partners across Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale counties. Outside of work, Tom finds joy in his family life. He and his wife, Kim, who is a retired Neuro-Trauma nurse, have been married for 18 years. They live in Pendergrass, GA, with their dog Eli. Kim is involved with Lightway Addiction Recovery Wellness Center in Flowery Branch. Family is central to Tom and Kim's life. They have two daughters and two sons between them, as well as four grandchildren. Their shared faith is important to them, as active members of White Plains Baptist Church in Jefferson, GA. Tom's journey reflects a deep commitment to serving others, both professionally and personally.
Our Team
Chris S | Recovery Coach, Lifeline Team
I am a person in long term recovery and my sobriety date is June 6th, 2014. My drug of choice was whatever I could get my hands on to "take the edge off." Alcohol and marijuana were consistently present throughout my using and drinking days, but I also took any pills of any kind and frequently used methamphetamine. During my time in recovery I have gained trust from a family that disowned me, found the true meaning of friendship and love, and have gained a relationship with a power that is greater than myself. I worked as the Director of Operations for a dual diagnosis rehab in San Juan Capistrano, CA, for a number of years. During my time with them I learned about the condition of addiction and alcoholism. The facilitation of client family groups, accountability groups, and open topic groups was an amazing experience at and I look forward to the opportunity of implementing things I learned there, and new things that I am still learning at Navigate Recovery Gwinnett.
Nora B | Recovery Coach, Lifeline Team
My name is Nora Berger and I have been in recovery since January 5th, 2021. My drug of choice was IV crystal meth. I first found recovery through the Gwinnett County Accountability Court Program which gave me the structure and support I needed to learn how to live again. I spent 18 months in a sober living residence and found hope through multiple 12-step fellowships, as well as through non-12-step programs. I have been working for Navigate Recovery Gwinnett as a recovery coach since December 2022 and have been a certified peer support specialist since June 2023. My objective is to provide you with empathy, support and assistance in reaching your recovery goals, whatever that may look like for you. I am an advocate for all pathways to recovery and I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Amber S | Recovery Coach, Lifeline Team
Jessica S | Recovery Coach, Safe Harbor Team
Hello, my name is Jessica Salinas and I am a person in long-term recovery from IV crystal meth. My recovery begain on a jail house floor November 16th 2016. I did not find my recovery through 12 steps or a recovery treatment center but out of pure strength and will power to make a change in mine and my kids lives.
