Laura Crawford’s recovery journey began in Carthage, Texas, a small rural East Texas community where support for substance use recovery was limited. After facing significant hardship, including temporarily losing custody of her children, Laura sought help through local systems and churches but found few resources available.
When Laura was eventually able to access support and begin her recovery, she made a commitment that no one else in her community would have to face those same barriers alone. She became a Recovery Support Peer Specialist and founded Be a Light Rehabilitation Service, transforming an old building near the Carthage city square into a safe and welcoming space for support, connection, and hope.
Through Be a Light, Laura provides peer support groups, court and CPS education classes, transportation to treatment, diaper donations for mothers and infants, and direct fundraising support to help people access needed care. Most recently, she expanded her work by opening a female sober living home for women in early recovery.
Built entirely from the ground up without grant funding, Be a Light reflects Laura’s grit, compassion, and deep commitment to her community. Her story continues to reduce stigma and bring hope to Carthage and beyond.