Joshua Clark, substance use director at Rockbridge Recovery, has been named the 2026 Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) Peer of the Year, a statewide award honoring the individual who best demonstrates outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact in the field of addiction recovery.
It had been announced in March that he was a finalist for the award.
The SAARA Peer of the Year Award recognizes peer recovery specialists across Virginia who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Clark was selected from a competitive field of nominees representing recovery organizations across the commonwealth.
Clark’s path to this recognition is itself a powerful testament to the transformative power of recovery, said a spokesperson for Rockbridge Recovery. His journey — from incarceration, to certified peer recovery specialist, to substance use director — embodies the very mission he now leads at Rockbridge Recovery.
“Recovery is about more than sobriety — it’s about rebuilding purpose, connection, and hope,” Clark said. “This recognition reflects the strength of our entire community and the people we serve.”
Under Clark’s leadership, Rockbridge Recovery has expanded critical support services across the region, including specialized recovery programs for justice-involved individuals reentering the community and mentorship opportunities for youth facing substance use challenges. His programs emphasize accountability, mentorship, and long-term support, and have made a measurable impact on individuals, families, and the broader Rockbridge community, said the Rockbridge Recovery spokesperson.
Clark has been especially recognized for his work creating pathways from incarceration to recovery — helping individuals transition successfully back into society and rebuild lives of purpose. In addition to serving adults, he has prioritized early intervention by mentoring young people at risk of substance use, offering guidance and support during critical stages of their lives.
Lori Turner, administrator at Rockbridge Recovery, praised Clark’s leadership and character: “Joshua is the real deal. He doesn’t just talk about recovery — he lives it, breathes it, and pours himself into every single person who walks through our doors. He leads with humility, heart, and a kind of hope that’s contagious. Joshua has transformed not only the lives of the individuals he serves, but the entire culture of recovery in our region. He is a mentor, a leader, and a light — and there is no one more deserving of this honor.”
Rockbridge Recovery, headquartered in Buena Vista, is a peer-driven recovery support organization serving Rockbridge County and the surrounding region. The organization provides peer recovery services, community education, family support, and pathways to long-term recovery for individuals affected by substance use disorder. This includes a Community Outreach Peer Drop-In Center, a harm reduction program, recovery groups, a care kit program, and recovery housing for men and women.
To learn more about Rockbridge Recovery’s programs and services, visit www.rrhopehouse.org. To support its mission, donations can be mailed to Rockbridge Recovery, P.O. 583, Buena Vista, VA 24416.
