My name is Justin Smitter, and I am a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS). I was proudly born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more than 20 years, addiction controlled my life. I experienced the pain, isolation, hopelessness, and loss that so many individuals and families in our community face every day. I also witnessed firsthand how addiction affects not only the person struggling, but their loved ones, neighborhoods, workplaces, and our community as a whole.

By the grace of God and with the support of people who believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself, I found long-term recovery. Treatment centers, 12-step programs and God are a part of my story. That journey transformed my life and gave me a purpose far greater than I ever imagined.

Today, I dedicate my life to helping others find the same hope that was given to me. Although more treatment programs, recovery services, and community resources exist today than ever before, many people simply don't know they are available or don't know how to access them. Too often, people continue to suffer because they don't know where to turn.

My mission is simple: meet people where they are, remind them they are never alone, and connect them with the resources, support, and encouragement they need to begin a new life free from active addiction. Every conversation has the potential to save a life.

Through Peace & Love Recovery Drop-In Center, my vision is to create a welcoming safe space in Ft. Lauderdale, where anyone can walk through the door and ask for help entering a treatment center for detox or residential substance use care the SAME DAY! without fear of judgment. They can talk with peers, a therapist or a case manager while they wait for the substance use treatment facilities they chose to come pick them up. Within only an hour or two of wait time, they can receive a hot meal, a shower, a fresh set of clothes and most importantly kindness and compassion. A fresh confidence and sense of peace. A place where hope is restored, recovery is celebrated, and every person is treated with dignity, and respect.

The stigma surrounding addiction still exists, but recovery is changing that story every single day. Together, we are proving that people recover. We are rebuilding lives, restoring families, and strengthening our community, one person at a time. We cannot do this alone. Thank you for taking the time to read my page and thank you for your support. This is my passion and this is my purpose.

All funds raised will go directly toward the startup costs for Peace & Love Recovery Drop-In Center, including professional nonprofit formation services, required application and filing fees, and the process of obtaining federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Your support will help us build the legal and organizational foundation needed to begin serving individuals and families affected by addiction in our community.