
KENOSHA, Wis. — Alderman Dominic Ruffalo presented Hope Council Executive Director Michelle Sandberg with a City of Kenosha proclamation Aug. 25 recognizing September 2026 as National Recovery Month, as the local organization highlighted two women whose recovery journeys now total 25 years. Hope Council thanked Ruffalo, Mayor David Bogdala and members of the Kenosha Common Council for recognizing recovery efforts in the community. Sandberg’s title and spelling are confirmed by Hope Council, which lists her as its executive director.
Hope Council employees Susan Benning and Shelly Becker are both celebrating major milestones this year. Benning recently marked 15 years in recovery, dating back to Aug. 24, 2011, while Becker marked 10 years, beginning Aug. 27, 2016. Benning said reaching 15 years is proof that long-term recovery is possible and that life after addiction can include joy, purpose, laughter and freedom. “I hope the way I live shows people how precious life is to me because I know exactly what it took to get mine back,” Benning said.


25 Years Of Recovery
Becker said recovery changed how she views herself and the world around her, crediting honesty, willingness, connection and support from others with helping transform her life. “Today, it is filled with light, hope, and possibility, one day at a time!” Becker said. The two women now use their own experiences in their work at Hope Council, helping others who are dealing with substance use and working toward recovery.
Benning said her own experience with denial, fear and excuses helps her understand what people struggling with addiction may be facing. She said she cannot make someone choose recovery, but she can continue asking questions that may help people become honest with themselves and remind them that help is there when they are ready. Becker similarly emphasized that there is no single path that works for everyone. “There are many pathways to recovery, and the right one is the one that meets you where you are,” Becker said. “It truly takes a village, and EVERYONE needs a village.”
Recovery Is Possible
Hope Council said National Recovery Month is intended to celebrate people in recovery, reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorders and encourage people who are struggling to seek help. The Kenosha organization provides services that include substance-use treatment, peer support, prevention and advocacy programs, alcohol and drug testing, family services and court-referred programs.
Benning said recovery involves far more than simply living without drugs or alcohol. “Recovery is not simply learning how to survive without substances,” she said. “It is taking your life back and building one so full of purpose, peace, and joy that you no longer need to escape from it.” Becker offered a similar message to people who may still be struggling, saying addiction does not have to define how their story ends. “Recovery is possible because I am living proof that addiction does not get the final word. WE DO RECOVER!” Becker said. “It is never too late to choose a different path, and no one is too far gone to find their way back.”
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