The journey of Fresh Coast Alliance began in 2013 with a desire to meet community-identified needs. Pastor Joe Whalen and a few people from his church met to establish a path for meeting those needs. While working toward that goal, Joe met Nate Johnson. Nate had just been released from the Michigan Department of Corrections after serving 12.5 years- while in prison Nate had promised himself that he would “help clean up what he messed up.” The pastor and the felon began a friendship.

In 2014, Joe joined the team at EXIT (Empowering Ex-Offenders in Transition), which had just been launched by 70x7 Life Recovery Holland. Nate volunteered with EXIT and became a powerful voice helping men clean up their lives. During this time Joe and Nate learned about justice-involved programs, including the significant overlap between incarceration and substance abuse. 

70x7 Life Recovery Muskegon was formed in 2016 to tackle the overlap of incarceration and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Initially, they focused on helping men returning from prison find jobs, mentors, and social support to reduce recidivism. They expanded to serve women who were dealing with the same challenges. After one year it became clear more needed to be done. In December 2018, Fresh Coast Alliance (FCA) was born.

Today, FCA partners with over 30 agencies, 18 employers, and 14 churches. We provide holistic programming, experienced coaching, and accredited safe and sober housing*. FCA also owns and operates ACAC (Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Consultants) which provides licensed, professional therapy for mental health and SUD. ACAC is one of the few providers in the county that accepts Medicaid to treat SUD. FCA and ACAC will continue to expand quality evidence-based substance abuse treatment to those with little to no access.

*Michigan Association of Recovery Residences