The East Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ETCADA) Recovery Department has demonstrated long-standing leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to expanding recovery support across rural and underserved communities in Texas Health Region 4. Recognized as a Legacy Recovery Support Services program, ETCADA was one of the first 22 Texas agencies to receive pilot funding through the Department of State Health Services. As oversight transitioned to the Health and Human Services Commission, the program continued to serve as a trusted and established leader in recovery services.

ETCADA serves 23 counties, many of them rural and geographically isolated, helping ensure that recovery support remains available to people who might otherwise go without care. Most participants are low-income and face barriers such as limited transportation, stigma, and a lack of local resources. Despite these challenges, ETCADA has sustained and expanded a reliable network of support centered on connection and continuity.

A dedicated team of five recovery coaches provides individualized, peer-based support grounded in lived experience. They meet participants where they are, offering encouragement, accountability, and practical guidance throughout each stage of recovery. ETCADA also facilitates four weekly support groups at its recovery center, creating a consistent and welcoming space for community and healing.

The program’s outreach extends into four county jails, where support groups serve both male and female populations at a critical point in their recovery journeys. Through legacy leadership, lived experience, rural outreach, and a commitment to underserved communities, ETCADA’s Recovery Department continues to maximize limited resources while providing high-quality, compassionate care across East Texas.

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.

Visit Be a Light Rehabilitation Services on Facebook

Visit Be a Light House of Hope on Facebook