06/09/2026
As the 2026 WAQRR Leadership Summit comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on just how far this community has come.
In 2021, WAQRR accredited 8 providers operating 38 recovery residences with 330 beds across Washington State.
Today, that community has grown to 66 accredited providers, 258 recovery residences, and more than 2,000 recovery beds serving thousands of individuals each year.
But this Summit wasn’t special because of those numbers.
It was special because of you.
To every recovery residence operator, house manager, staff member, peer, supporter, advocate, partner, presenter, exhibitor, volunteer, sponsor, and community member who joined us in Bremerton—thank you.
Throughout the weekend, we heard the same thing again and again:
“This was the best Leadership Summit yet.”
Not because of WAQRR.
Because of the people in the room.
Because of the willingness to share knowledge, support one another, ask difficult questions, celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and continue raising the standard for recovery housing across Washington State.
We witnessed meaningful conversations, new partnerships, moments of laughter, moments of reflection, and countless reminders of why this work matters.
We celebrated the growth of recovery housing across our state, honored leaders who have helped move this work forward, and were inspired by the passion and commitment that continues to drive this community every day.
One particularly memorable moment came when Hussein Ugas surprised Jason Bliss with the Community Hero Award, recognizing years of dedication to the recovery housing movement and the people it serves.
Most importantly, we were reminded that the strength of WAQRR has never been found in policies, programs, conferences, or statistics.
It has always been found in people.
People who open their doors to those seeking a new beginning.
People who answer late-night phone calls.
People who celebrate recovery milestones.
People who continue showing up, even when the work is difficult.
People who believe everyone deserves a safe place to recover.
To our incredible emcee Ty Reed, our presenters, moderators, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, board members, and partners—thank you for helping make this Summit possible.
And to our Platinum Presenting Sponsor, the Washington Recovery Alliance, thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening recovery communities throughout Washington State.
Four years ago, this community was small enough that most people knew everyone in the room.
Today, WAQRR’s network spans every corner of Washington State.
Yet somehow, the feeling remains the same.
A community willing to share ideas.
A community willing to support one another.
A community willing to raise the standard together.
That is the true legacy of this Leadership Summit.
Not the presentations.
Not the awards.
Not the numbers.
The people.
Thank you for being part of it. 💜
If you attended the Summit, we’d love to see it through your eyes. Share your favorite photos, memories, and moments in the comments below.
