About Us

Recovery House Began with the Heart of One Man

The Heart & Soul of Recovery House

In 1986, founder John Hagan opened his personal home to homeless men battling substance abuse. What started as one man’s quiet act of compassion quickly grew into a movement, one that would ripple through the Sanford community and beyond.

By 1997, Recovery House was formally incorporated, and in 2000, it earned its 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation. The mission was clear: To reduce addiction and homelessness by empowering men to become sober, self-sufficient, and spiritually grounded.

A Community-Driven Legacy

Recovery House thrives, thanks to:

  • Self-sacrificing volunteers
  • A dedicated board of directors
  • A peer-driven model that emphasizes accountability, strength, and hope

Clients are not only responsible for their own recovery, but also for supporting their peers, creating a powerful network of mutual healing.

If you or someone you love is dealing with any form of alcohol or substance abuse, we invite you to contact us today and learn more about our services. At Recovery House, we believe in hope for everyone.

Fritz Voltaire

Director of Marketing and Community Relations

A passionate community advocate with a genuine heart for helping others, Fritz supports men on their journey toward sobriety and self-sufficiency while strengthening community connections through outreach, partnerships, and mission-driven leadership. As a natural relationship builder, he plays an important role in expanding public awareness and connecting the Recovery House to the broader Central Florida community.

Known as a friend to everyone he meets, Fritz’s passion for making Sanford a better place to live, work, grow, and thrive is second to none. He is also a dedicated family man, mentor, and coach who invests in local youth through running and cross-country coaching, encouraging confidence, character, and personal growth. Fritz’s positive spirit, leadership, and winning attitude are a true asset to the Recovery House.

Julie Mantooth

Finance Director

Julie has spent the majority of her professional career as a certified paralegal specializing in bankruptcy law, working closely with Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustees. She also served as the bookkeeper for a ten-attorney law firm in Orlando, Florida.
 
Throughout her career, Julie has demonstrated a strong work ethic grounded in reliability, discipline, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.Eight years ago, at the recommendation of a board member, Julie joined Recovery House of Central Florida, Inc. Addiction is a cause that is deeply personal to her, as she understands that addiction shows no bias and affects individuals and families from all walks of life.Outside of her professional responsibilities, Julie enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially visiting her son and two grandsons in Tarpon Springs.

Edward Carr MSW, RCSWI, MCAP

Executive Director 

Edward Carr has served as the Executive Director of Recovery House of Central Florida, Inc. since 2024. Prior to that, he held several important roles over the past ten years. One notable role was as a client of Recovery House, entering the program in 2015. Edward has earned a master’s degree in social work and is a Master Certified Addiction Professional through the Florida Certification Board. He is also a Registered Clinical Social Work intern with the Florida Department of Health Division of Quality Assurance. Edward honorably served in the United States Air Force and in law enforcement.

Edward is leading the organization with a focus on strategic growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Recovery House continues to expand its mission serving Central Florida, providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. Having experienced many of the issues the clients have, Edward has developed a personal affinity for the needs of the population he serves.

 

 

Rosalyn Thomas, PhD, LCSW, QS

Clinical Director

Rosalyn brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit administration, clinical service delivery, and continuous quality improvement. She earned her BSW from SUNY Brockport, her MSW from Barry University, and her PhD from Syracuse University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Thomas has held several senior leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Continuous Quality Improvement for One Hope United, National Director of Mental Health Services for AMIkids, and Executive Director for Children’s Home Society of Tampa.

She currently serves as the Clinical Director for Recovery House of Central Florida, Inc., where she oversees clinical programming and ensures the delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑informed care.

When she’s not working, you can often find Dr. Thomas running along the riverfront on Lake Monroe, enjoying the natural beauty of Central Florida.