Professional development in recovery, mental health, and community services is no longer optional,it is essential. Teams are navigating increasing complexity, higher emotional demand, and growing expectations from the communities they serve. The Southern Alberta Regional Recovery Conference (SARRCon) exists to meet that reality head-on.
Hosted by Our Collective Journey, SARRCon is designed as a high-impact professional development experience for individuals, teams, and organizations working in addiction, mental health, education, social services, and community support across Southern Alberta.
Too often, professional development feels disconnected from real-world practice. SARRCon is intentionally different.
Attendees earn 12 CACCF-approved Continuing Education hours in just two days, eliminating the need to piece together multiple trainings over time. But SARRCon goes beyond credentialing. It offers learning that strengthens how people show up in their roles emotionally, professionally, and systemically.
For individuals, this means practical tools and renewed clarity.
For teams, it means shared language, aligned approaches, and stronger collaboration.
For organizations, it means investing in staff sustainability, leadership capacity, and retention.
SARRCon is particularly valuable as a team development opportunity. When staff learn together, they return to work with a shared framework and stronger connection to one another.
Organizations that send teams to SARRCon benefit from:
This makes SARRCon an efficient and cost-effective way to train multiple staff members at once while strengthening organizational culture.
SARRCon 2026 features a keynote experience intentionally chosen to support leadership and long-term effectiveness in high-stress roles.
Dr. Jody Carrington brings a powerful focus on connection, belonging, and nervous system regulation which are critical elements for both staff wellbeing and effective leadership. Her work resonates deeply with professionals who support others while managing their own emotional load.
Jill Drader leads a two-hour immersive workshop grounded in Knowings: Where Logic and Intuition Meet. This deep-dive experience replaces traditional breakout sessions and allows participants to develop self-awareness, intuition, and clarity; skills that directly support decision-making, leadership presence, and resilience.
Together, these sessions equip attendees with tools they can bring back to their teams immediately.
Recovery does not happen in silos. SARRCon brings together professionals from education, health, social services, peer support, and community organizations to strengthen collaboration across systems.
For teams, this means:
This cross-sector learning is especially valuable for organizations serving youth, families, and individuals with overlapping mental health, addiction, and social needs.
With budgets tight and demands high, organizations must be intentional about where they invest professional development dollars. SARRCon offers strong return on investment by combining:
Instead of sending staff to multiple disconnected trainings, SARRCon consolidates learning into one meaningful experience that benefits both the individual and the organization.
SARRCon is not just about information, it’s about strengthening the people and systems that support recovery in Southern Alberta.
For professionals, it offers growth, clarity, and connection.
For teams, it builds shared understanding and resilience.
For organizations, it supports sustainable leadership and effective service delivery.
As the demands on recovery-focused professionals continue to grow, investing in meaningful, aligned professional development has never been more important. SARRCon provides that opportunity intentionally, collaboratively, and with lasting impact.
SARRCon 2026 takes place March 19–20 in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
To learn more about registration, team attendance, or vendor opportunities, reach out to us at info@ourcollectivejourney.ca or head over to our Eventbrite Page to buy now.
As Our Collective Journey (OCJ) wraps up Season 5 of the From Darkness to Life podcast, we’re reflecting on how far this powerful platform for healing and hope has come and looking ahead to an inspiring new chapter.
Season 5 closes with a heartfelt and deeply personal episode featuring OCJ founder Ryan, who shares his story of trauma, addiction, and the transformative journey that led to the creation of Our Collective Journey. His courage to step into the light and his belief that no one should walk through recovery alone has built the foundation for a movement that continues to grow stronger every day.
Now, as we turn the page to Season 6, Ryan passes the torch to a familiar voice and longtime friend of OCJ- Craig “Poncho” Parker- who is returning as the new host of From Darkness to Life.
At the inception of OCJ, the founders reached out to their friend in radio to help launch a podcast that would share real stories of struggle, resilience, and recovery. At the time, no one realized just how deeply Poncho resonated with the message.
After a hiatus, Poncho is back behind the mic, ready to guide conversations that continue to break stigma and remind listeners that no one is ever truly alone.
In his own words:
“The stories- the common thread- is that everyone has gonethrough their own thing. Whether it’s drugs, booze, abuse, or just searchingfor perspective, we all have our personal torture. When people share who theyare and face their demons, they feel lighter and it inspires others to realizethey’re not alone. That’s why I wanted to be part of this again… to help getthe word out.”
Poncho’s return represents more than just a change in voice,it’s a continuation of OCJ’s mission: to close the gaps in the system, to meetpeople where they are, and to remind our community that recovery, connection,and hope are possible for everyone.
“Nobody wakes up and decides, ‘I want to be an addict.’ OCJwas started because we saw the cracks and if we can help even one person gettheir life back on track, that’s worth everything. We are stronger togetherwhen we pull together, and OCJ is proof of that.”
Season 6 of From Darkness to Life promises to deliver even more raw, honest, and inspiring conversations from people who have faced their darkest moments and found their way to the light.
From community members and recovery advocates to OCJ founders and friends, each episode continues to explore the power of vulnerability, connection, and collective healing.
As Poncho steps into the role of host, he carries forward the spirit of authenticity and compassion that has made From Darkness to Life a cornerstone of OCJ’s outreach and impact.
Catch up on past episodes of From Darkness to Life and listen to the Season 5 finale featuring Part 1 of Ryan’s episodes, then stay tuned for the launch of Season 6 with Poncho Parker as host as we complete Part2 of Ryan’s powerful story..
Together, we continue to prove that no one needs to walk their path alone, because healing happens when we share the journey.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
