2026 Annual Freedom Event

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

“An Evening of Hope, Community, and Support”

Join White Horse Recovery on Wednesday, July 22 for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, community, and impact at our 2026 Annual Benefit. More than a fundraiser, this gathering is a testament to the resilience of those on the path to recovery and the power of a community united in breaking barriers and building lasting change.

Featuring keynote speaker Cheryle Pacapelli — 34+ years in recovery, advocate for 21 NH recovery centers.

Click here to learn more about our speakers.

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Tickets are $50 pp

DATE AND TIME
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

Dinner is served at 6:30 PM

LOCATION
First Congregational Church
Ossipee, NH
50 NH-16B
Center Ossipee, NH 03814

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Speakers

Cheryle Pacapelli

Keynote Speaker

Cheryle Pacapelli is a woman in long-term recovery from alcohol and other drugs for more than 34 years, and a nationally respected leader in the peer recovery field. For the past 10 years, she has served as Project Director for the Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) Facilitating Organization at Harbor Care in Nashua, NH, ensuring that high-quality peer recovery support is available across New Hampshire by developing Recovery Community Organizations.

As of 2026, 21 recovery centers operate under Harbor Care’s purview, collectively providing more than 100,000 contacts annually to individuals seeking recovery support. Cheryle brings decades of experience to this role, having previously overseen recovery housing, multiple recovery centers, and direct recovery support services in Connecticut. She is also the founder of Stepping Stone House, a transitional living home for men in recovery reintegrating into the community after treatment and incarceration.

Expanded Bio

An accomplished facilitator and trainer, Cheryle has personally trained over 1,000 recovery coaches in curricula including the Art and Science of Peer Assisted Recovery (PAR), PAR Ethics, Suicide Prevention, HIV/HEP-C Prevention, and Co-occurring Disorders. She serves as a subject matter expert and external advisory board member for the Peer Recovery Innovation Network (PRIN), an advisory board member for NH Peer Recovery Residence, and a board member of the NH Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association (NHADACA). Her contributions have been honored with the 2024 NHADACA Legislative Advocacy Award, and in 2025, Archways established the Cheryle Pacapelli Lifetime Legacy Award in her name, recognizing her exceptional service and lasting impact in advancing the peer support field.

Mitchell Hendersen

Peer Recovery Director

Mitchell Henderson is the Peer Recovery Director at White Horse. He is a Certified Recovery Support Worker in New Hampshire. He also received his Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership (MAML) from Western Seminary. Mitchell’s passion for effective communication and for equipping others to do good works in the community is on display in his role at White Horse, where he supervises THE Peer Recovery Support team and oversees operations and programming for White Horse’s four recovery centers.

Mitchell and his wife, Jessica, live in Conway, NH, with their four children, Elias, Selah, Elaina, and Abel.

Gracie Pedersen

Recovery Coach

Gracie Pedersen is a 28-year-old recovery coach currently working toward her CRSW certification. With 3.5 years in recovery, she is passionate about using both her lived and professional experience to support others navigating adversity through her work with White Horse Recovery.

Outside of her recovery work, Gracie is a homeowner and full-time primary caregiver/stepmom who values creating stability, connection, and a supportive environment for the people around her. Her journey through recovery has shaped her commitment to helping others find hope and confidence in building a better life for themselves.

Grounded in compassion, resilience, and authenticity, Gracie is dedicated to continuing her personal growth while giving back to the recovery community that helped change her own life.

Joshua Whitehead-Millar

Recovery Coach

Joshua Whitehead-Millar is a 36-year-old Recovery Coach at the Berlin Center for White Horse Recovery. Joshua finds great fulfillment in his work at White Horse Recovery because it gives him the opportunity to meet people with whom he might otherwise keep to himself in life. He genuinely enjoys helping people and meeting them where they are in their journey.

Outside of work, Joshua has a passion for old video games and is a frequent visitor to thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets, where he loves hunting for unusual items. He also enjoys restoring old electronics—whether vintage video game consoles or other devices—breathing new life into forgotten technology. He typically gives away these restored items for others to enjoy, though pieces with sentimental value end up in his personal collection.

What to Expect

Powerful Stories of Transformation

Every journey to recovery begins with a call to action. Hear firsthand from individuals who faced their darkest moments, crossed the threshold into treatment, and emerged stronger through White Horse Recovery’s programs.

A Bold Vision for the Future

We are charting a path forward, removing obstacles and expanding access to life-changing care. Together, we’re building a future where every hero’s journey in recovery has the support it needs to succeed.

Silent Auction & Giving Opportunities

Join us in supporting the next chapter of transformation. Bid on exclusive experiences and items, with proceeds directly fueling the mission to help others complete their heroic journey.

Addiction Does NOT Just Affect Individuals

It sends shockwaves through families, communities, and entire regions. But every challenge is an opportunity for growth. With your support, we continue to empower individuals to overcome their trials, restore their lives, and return as beacons of hope to those around them. Together, we can help every individual write their story of triumph.