Recipient of the 2024 Recovery Services Award
Congratulations to Sarah Matlock Sneed of Empower House/ReLaunch for winning the Recovery Services Award at the 11th Annual Community Champion Awards. This award is presented to a treatment professional or organization that has expanded services and/or reduced stigma facing people with addictions.
About Sarah
Sarah Matlock Sneed is a driven small business owner, nonprofit advocate, and student dedicated to making a difference in her community. With two associate degrees under her belt and 7.5 years clean from substances, Sarah combines a strong academic foundation with real-world experience to create meaningful change.
As the secretary of Empower House Recovery, Sarah helps provides transitional living solutions for men, helping them build stability and achieve personal growth. Through the nonprofit, Relaunch, she is actively raising funds to establish a low-barrier shelter to address homelessness and support vulnerable populations.
Balancing education and entrepreneurship, Sarah demonstrates a commitment to learning and service. Her vision is to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and pave the way for a brighter future. Whether in the classroom or the community, Sarah is dedicated to creating opportunities and inspiring others to succeed.
Word From Sarah’s Nomination
It is important for persons with Substance Use Disorder to be able to have housing in order to work on their other psychosocial needs. [Sarah’s] ReLaunch program will help persons with those psychosocial needs including clothing, food, employment and more… Her non-profit is being developed to break down those barriers and allow people a safe place to begin their life journey.
Thank you, Sarah, for the important work you are doing in the Knoxville community!