Recovery isn’t a linear path. Just ask Gateway participant Christie. A little over a year ago, she was living on the streets of Knoxville, battling addiction and struggling to see a way forward. Today, she’s 16 months into recovery and the smiling face behind the counter at The Gateway’s coffee shop. There, she’s serving more than coffee, she’s serving hope.
Christie’s transformation is one of many made possible through The Gateway, Metro Drug Coalition’s (MDC) recovery community center. As one of more than 100 nonprofit partners funded through United Way of Greater Knoxville, MDC receives critical support made possible by the generosity of local donors.
Through the center’s in-house coffee shop, MDC offers people in recovery a second chance. Participants who work there are affectionately called Soberistas, a reflection of both their journey and the new skills they’re building. For Christie, it became the foundation for a new life.
“Our work begins with prevention, but at The Gateway, we walk with people through every phase of their recovery,” says Courtney Fuson, Director of Communications at MDC. “We provide recovery coaching, support groups and career training. Most of all, we offer a space where people feel seen, safe, and supported.”
Christie’s Journey: Fueled by Hope, Resilience and Determination
Metro Drug Coalition’s recovery programs are changing lives. Through The Gateway, a recovery community supported in part by flexible UWGK funding, participants like Christie have found stability and purpose.
After eight years of homelessness and substance use, Christie was ready for something different. “I was tired. I wanted something else,” she recalls. A former acquaintance who found recovery through The Gateway asked her one simple question: “Aren’t you tired?” That moment sparked a transformation.
From there, Christie began making one courageous decision at a time. She completed treatment, enrolled in GED coursework, and started preparing to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. Today, she works at The Gateway as a Soberista, gaining real-world job training she can add to her resume. But more importantly, she found joy in her routine and pride in her progress. “I’m never late for work,” she says with a smile. “I love being here.”
Her recovery is inspiring others, including her own family. “Just by seeing me stay committed and doing the next right thing, my son found the courage to get clean too,” she shares. “He saw I could do it and joined me.”
Now, Christie stands as a beacon of hope for others just beginning their journey. “I know a lot of people who’ve seen how far I’ve come. I’m proud to give hope to others with my story.”

Powered by Partnership: How United Way of Greater Knoxville Fuels MDC’s Work
At United Way of Greater Knoxville, we’re proud to support the work of Metro Drug Coalition as they build pathways to recovery across our community. Through flexible, unrestricted funding, we help MDC meet immediate needs and invest in long-term solutions that empower individuals like Christie to rebuild their lives.
“Unrestricted funds allow us to act swiftly, meeting community needs the moment they arise. This is where the rubber meets the road,” explained Webster Bailey, Executive Director of Metro Drug Coalition. “We’ve been able to use these funds to help individuals in early recovery re-enter the workforce with dignity and purpose.”
Thanks to the generosity of United Way donors, recovery centers like The Gateway are able to thrive. Stories like Christie’s remind us what’s possible when we come together to lift up our neighbors and respond to the real needs of our community.