About Us
"Peace starts with suffering. Freedom starts with confinement. Courage starts with fear. Strength starts with surrender. Every Mountain starts from beneath the earth, and you too, shall rise."

Our Story
At a pivotal moment in our recovery journey, Kallup and I, both nine months into our recovery after completing a Peer Support training in North Carolina, felt a deep calling to create something meaningful to support others who, like us, had faced the darkness of addiction and needed a guiding light. Driven by the desire to be the mentors we wished we had during our own struggles, we founded RezHOPE (Healing Our People Everyday) Recovery & Consulting Services.
Recognizing a common challenge faced by many in recovery - the lack of a supportive environment post-treatment, we transformed a former party house in our community into a beacon of hope. While we were fortunate to have supportive families, we understood that not everyone had the same privilege. Our mission was clear - to provide a safe haven for individuals seeking a fresh start on their recovery journey.
Drawing from our personal experiences, we discovered the transformative power of faith and fitness in our recoveries. Embracing activities like weight training and participating in ultramarathon events, we found a sense of community, growth, and purpose that surpassed our expectations. As members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, we also recognized the importance of nurturing our physical well-being alongside our mental and spiritual health, reconnecting with our cultural identity, to make a positive and healthy impact within the next seven generations.
Through the holistic approach of strengthening our mind, body, and spirit, we uncovered a sense of peace, identity, and freedom that eluded us during our struggles with addiction. Our journey has taught us that true healing comes from within, and we are committed to sharing this message of hope and empowerment with all those who walk through the doors of RezHOPE.
Meet The Team

KALLUP MCCOY II
Founder
Kallup McCoy II, who once battled a 15-year meth and opioid addiction, is the visionary founder of RezHOPE and the proud owner of Lionsden Fitness and Running LLC. With a passion for fitness and a heart for inspiring others, Kallup is an ACE certified personal trainer and a run coach. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith and fitness, which have been instrumental in his own life and recovery.
Kallup's impressive running achievements include running a remarkable 2:40 at the Boston Marathon, conquering a half Ironman, completing numerous ultramarathons, including a hundred miler, and running 800 miles in his early recovery, retracing the Trail of Tears from Cherokee, NC to Tahlequah, OK to raise money for the organization and awareness about stigma and recovery. His remarkable story has been featured in Men’s Health magazine and various podcasts, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Believing in the profound impact of storytelling, Kallup is dedicated to using his experiences to inspire and uplift others. He firmly believes that our trials can be transformed into triumphs and that our pain can be a source of purpose. Kallup's mission is to serve his community and shine as a beacon of hope for all those he encounters.

KATELYNN LEDFORD-MCCOY
Co-Founder
Executive Director
Meet Katelynn, a beacon of resilience and hope, who has triumphed over meth and opioid addiction to emerge as the co-founder and Executive Director of RezHOPE. As a proud member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Katelynn treasures the delicate balance between spirituality and community connection, finding the essence of her identity within this harmony.
Utilizing her North Carolina Peer Support Specialist certification and an AA in Human Services Technology coupled with an addiction studies certificate, Katelynn is on a mission to uplift and empower communities affected by Substance Use Disorder and mental health challenges. Her dedication to service is unwavering, driven by a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful impact.
In addition to her advocacy work, Katelynn has discovered a newfound passion for fitness, standing shoulder to shoulder with her husband in the world of endurance sports. An accomplished Ultra-Marathon runner, Ironman triathlete, and CrossFit and Spartan competitor, Katelynn embodies strength and determination in every stride.
Katelynn firmly believes in the power of storytelling, recognizing that each of us carries a unique narrative that shapes our experiences. By meeting individuals where they are and fostering compassion, she envisions a world where understanding and healing can flourish, acknowledging the profound impact of trauma, colonization, and our upbringing on our shared humanity.

Ruth McCoy
Lead Residential Support Specialist
Ruth is a dedicated advocate and supporter of positive change. Proud member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Ruth brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role. With a background in Electro diagnostics, Real Estate, Peer Support, and Recovery Coaching, Ruth's journey is defined by her commitment to helping others overcome life's challenges.
Drawing from her own experiences, Ruth has worked tirelessly in various settings, including Unity Treatment Center, Job Corps Program, and Hawthorne Heights, where she empowered at-risk youth. Ruth's passion for advocacy shines through in her dedication to addressing social and economic determinants, making her a valuable asset in our mission to make a difference in the lives of others

Brant Grant
Residential Support Specialist
Meet Brant Grant, a dedicated and compassionate member of our team at RezHOPE Recovery & Consulting Services. Brant is a proud member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who loves his community.
Brant holds a certification as a NC Peer Support Specialist and is also a certified Recovery Coach and QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer. With a passion for making a positive impact, Brant goes above and beyond to support individuals on their journey to recovery.
As the host of the inspiring podcast "Firekeeper Recovery," Brant provides a platform for individuals in recovery to share their stories, spreading hope, understanding, and inspiration. Through his work, Brant aims to uplift others and foster a sense of community within the recovery space.
Brant's leadership shines through in his role at the RezHOPE Gadugi House, where he guides and supports our participants with empathy and encouragement. His dedication to helping others and his commitment to promoting wellness make him a valuable asset to our team.
Get to know Brant Grant – a true beacon of positivity and strength in our community.

Earl Ammons
Residential Support Specialist
Earl is a dedicated member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a beacon of hope many individuals in recovery. He utilizes his personal experiences to uplift those he serves at the Gadugi House, demonstrating a profound passion for helping others.
Earl holds several skills and training, including Motivational Interviewing, Galvgwodiyu Learning Circle Leader, Soft Skills Training, and is CPR Certified. He is also trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention and is currently pursuing his Peer Support Specialist certification, further enhancing his ability to support the community.
With a strong faith in Christ and a belief in the importance of fitness as a foundation for successful recovery, Earl exemplifies the values of generosity and humility. His work at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority underscores his commitment to serving those in need.
We are truly honored to have such a loving father and dedicated professional on our team.

Jesse Young
Residential Support Specialist
Meet Jesse, a dedicated member of our Cherokee Community who has made strides in his recovery journey. Formerly from Hickory, NC, Jesse has embraced the opportunity to flourish within this supportive environment.
His empathy and unique ability to connect with those he serves at the Gadugi House truly set him apart. By sharing his own lived experiences, inspires the men he supports to pursue their goals relentlessly and reminds them that recovery is a journey worth taking.
Jesse has worked tirelessly on his own recovery, focusing on repairing his relationship with his son and achieving numerous personal milestones. His commitment to growth is evident in his accomplishments, including obtaining his Recovery Coach Certification, QPR Suicide Prevention training, CPR/Basic First Aid, and completing the Galvgwodiyu Intensive Trauma Training. These qualifications not only enhance his but also demonstrate his dedication to helping others.
We are incredibly grateful to have Jesse as a part of our team. His passion for uplifting others and fostering a sense of community makes a lasting impact, and we look forward to seeing the positive change he continues to create in the lives of those around him.

