We are a dedicated non-profit organization driven by a shared mission to transform lives through resilience and recovery. Founded by individuals who have faced and overcome their own struggles, our program was inspired by a powerful question: Can our collective experiences be the catalyst to guide others in recovery toward a brighter future?
Tim McDowell has been living proof of the power of transformation, celebrating long-term recovery and sobriety since September 15, 2017. After seventeen years of battling opiate addiction, Tim never imagined he could make it this far. Yet, his journey has shown him that with the right support, profound change is not only possible—it’s within reach.
When the world came to a standstill during the COVID pandemic, Tim discovered a new passion: boxing. What started as a way to stay active soon became something much deeper. Boxing evolved into a vital part of his recovery—a space where discipline, resilience, and community came together. In the gym, Tim found more than just training partners; he found a brotherhood. The sport pushed him to grow into a better man, father, and friend, showing him the power of teamwork in self-discovery and healing.
Inspired by his experiences, Tim envisioned a way to give back. Together with Christian Steele, a former professional boxer, and supported by Jeremy Daniels and Joshua Rodriguez, he founded the Standing8 program. Standing8 combines the principles of boxing and recovery to inspire strength, growth, and resilience in others. It’s more than a program; it’s a movement, driven by a team dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives and unlock their potential.
Tim’s story reminds us all that recovery isn’t just about overcoming the past—it’s about creating a future filled with purpose and connection.
Christian's connection to addiction is deeply personal. Born during the "Crack" epidemic of the 1980s to a mother who battled addiction, he witnessed firsthand the profound impact of substance use on families, particularly children. Despite these challenges, Christian found resilience and healing through boxing, which became a refuge and shaped him into the man he is today.
Inspired by his experiences, Christian is passionate about helping others overcome adversity. He has partnered with Tim, Jeremy, and Joshua to create a transformative program that inspires hope and provides resources to children and individuals in recovery. Christian is committed to showing others that their circumstances do not define them and that brighter futures are possible. Through his work, he strives to empower others to become the best versions of themselves.
Joshua grew up in big-city neighborhoods during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a time when drug epidemics dominated headlines. At home, he faced significant challenges, including an alcoholic father and a brother battling addiction. Despite these struggles, Joshua found solace in sports and eventually discovered his purpose in boxing.
For Joshua, boxing was more than just a sport—it became his sanctuary, his support system, and his source of unshakable resilience. The discipline and determination he forged in the ring empowered him to rise above life’s toughest challenges with strength and purpose.
Now a father, skilled boxer, instructor, and working professional, Joshua draws on his experiences to inspire and support others. By sharing the lessons he learned through adversity, he helps others find strength, focus, and hope through the transformative power of boxing.
We believe in the strength of the human spirit—that everyone possesses the courage to rise again. Together, we fight for hope, healing, and a better tomorrow. Because everyone has one more fight within them!
