About Us
From Grief to Lives Changed
A Story of Redemption
Nick’s New Beginnings’ mission is simple: to love and support all individuals where they are in their recovery journey, offering hope and guidance through every stage of the process. The organization's founders, Garret and Christina Vandever, understand that addiction doesn’t discriminate and that every individual’s path to recovery is unique. Their commitment stems from a deeply personal journey. Their son, Nick, was the embodiment of the all-American dream: a talented athlete who thrived in multiple sports and was surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends. After high school, he earned a baseball scholarship to college, where a shoulder injury while pitching led to an opiate prescription for pain relief. Like so many others, that prescription ultimately led to addiction. Nick went from a promising college baseball player to a young man trapped in a cycle of rehab stints and involvement with the criminal justice system. In 2014, at just 23 years old and a new father, he tragically lost his life to a heroin overdose.

Nick Vandever
Nick’s untimely death became the catalyst for the Vandever family’s unwavering mission: to advocate for prevention, provide support, and offer a guiding light to others, ensuring no other family has to endure the same devastating loss. In 2015, Garret and Christina began their work in recovery support with “The Reason” program focusing on prevention and awareness, followed by the creation of Nick’s House, a recovery residence. They later moved to Flovilla, Georgia, where they identified a lack of recovery services in Butts County. This realization led to the establishment of Nick’s New Beginnings in 2022, offering support through sober events, all-recovery meetings, Narcan training sessions, and educational outreach.
Nick’s New Beginnings honors Nick’s memory by providing resources, connections, and compassionate support to those struggling with addiction, as well as their families. Their journey and continued work embody a vision of hope and healing, helping individuals reclaim their lives and build new beginnings. Please reach out to NNB at 478-999-6425 if you or someone you know may need help.

Garret & Christina Vandever
Co-Founders