by Jane McClure
Café Members, Tynikki (pronounced Ten-eek-a) Arnold and long-time partner Sean Marleau, were featured in KUOW’s “Swimming Upstream” three-part series in 2022. This special couple was spotlighted for the work they’ve done and are doing as they rebuild their lives after the setbacks of lives affected by substance use and trauma. Their firsthand story of resiliency highlights the dynamic impact peer-led support can have in our community that makes recovery outcomes possible.
While Tynikki and Sean began their recovery journey in Seattle, they are continuing their on-going recovery work as active Members of Everett Recovery Café. The Café provides a safe connection, practical resources, and an all-important sense of belonging that helps prevent isolation — a known primary risk factor for relapse.
“I never thought my story would matter to anyone—until people at the Café and the listeners from KUOW showed me that what I’ve lived through can help someone else keep going.” — Everett Recovery Café Member
Mainstream coverage, such as the “Swimming Up Stream” series helps correct misconceptions about addiction and recovery by showing that real people are finding constructive ways forward, and that recovery is possible. Shining a light on the issues of homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance abuse recovery increases public understanding and trust that solutions exist, which in turn encourages others who are struggling to reach out for help.
Everett Recovery Café demonstrates that when peers lead, recovery can be a communal pool of care — upstream, preventative, and deeply human.
Check out KUOW’s series by clicking the button below.
