Taking Back Ohio

Wellness & Recovery Community

Inspiring hope. Empowering Recovery. Building Community.

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Michael Werner, CPRS-S, CDCA
Founder / Executive Director
321.626.2057

Emily Werner, CPRS, CDCA
Co-Founder / Assistant Executive Director
321.626.2057

  • Who We Are

    Taking Back Ohio, Inc. is a Veteran Founded and Operated Grassroots Nonprofit Organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and trauma.

    Founded by people in recovery, for people in recovery.

    We believe that hope, connection, education, advocacy, and community are the foundations of lasting healing.

    We Provide:

    • One-on-one Peer Recovery Support
    • Group Facilitation
    • Dual Diagnosis Support
    • Wellness and Mindfulness Seminars
    • Reentry and Community Justice Programs

    We create safe, inclusive, non-judgemental spaces where recovery can thrive.

Our Signature Programs:

PAWSitive Support:
Therapy Dog Teams made up of Certified Peer Recovery Supporters and Certified Therapy Dogs provide comfort, companionship, and emotional safety to those in early recovery. This innovative, animal-assisted program reduces anxiety, stress, and builds trust in treatment settings.

Open Recovery – Taking Back Ohio:
Peer-led, judgement-free meetings/support groups welcoming all pathways to recovery – including clinical, MAT, spiritual, 12-step, and self-directed.

Family members and supporters are always welcome.

Meeting Times and Locations:

Mondays at 6 pm:
Erie County Ohio Health Dept.
420 Superior Street
Sandusky, Ohio

Wednesdays at 6 pm:
Sandusky Artisans
138 Market Street
Sandusky, Ohio

Tuesdays at 6 pm:
Oak House
62 Grande Lake Dr..
Port Clinton, Ohio

  • What is Peer Recovery Support?

    Peer Recovery Support is a non-clinical, person-centered, strength-based approach to recovery. Here at Taking Back Ohio, it’s led by state certified individuals with lived experience of substance use and/or mental health recovery.

    Peers offer emotional, practical, and informational support that emphasizes self-determination, empowerment, and connection.

    At Taking Back Ohio, our peer supporters:

    • Are Trained and State Certified
    • Encourage informed, personal recovery paths
    • Listen without judgement
    • Deliver Whole-Person Recovery strategies
    • Help set and achieve recovery goals
    • Provide hope through their lived experience
    • Assist with navigating treatment, housing, reentry, and personalized wellness plans
    • Walk alongside through progress and setbacks

    We believe recovery is not just possible – it’s powerful. Peer support helps people feel seen, heard, and not alone during life’s most challenging transitions.