About Community of Understanding Peers (CUP)
Community of Understanding Peers (CUP) is a newly founded nonprofit organization based in Lewisburg, Tennessee, serving individuals and families across Middle Tennessee who are impacted by substance use, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster a safe, inclusive space where people with shared experiences can connect, support each other, and work toward long-term recovery — free from stigma, judgment, or isolation.
Through open communication, peer empowerment, and mutual understanding, we aim to build a stronger, healthier community where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Why We’re Needed
21+ million Americans currently live with a substance use disorder — yet only about 10% receive treatment or support. (Source: SAMHSA)
In Tennessee, more than 60,000 domestic violence incidents were reported last year alone, with many linked to untreated addiction or mental health conditions. (Source: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation)
Despite these numbers, far too many individuals and families still lack access to safe, supportive, peer-driven recovery communities. CUP was created to help fill that gap.
What We Do
CUP provides programs and resources rooted in the recovery model, which emphasizes personal strengths, resilience, and the proven power of peer support.
Our core services include:
Community Education & Stigma Reduction
Sharing personal stories and credible resources to help the community better understand addiction, recovery, and mental health.
Crisis Prevention & Respite Resources
Connecting individuals to “warm handoff” non-crisis peer support and crisis response teams as alternatives to hospitalization.
Peer Support Groups & Goal-Sharing
Hosting structured meetings where members openly share goals, challenges, and strategies — building trust and mutual accountability.
Peer Coaching & Collaboration
Offering one-on-one peer coaching, collaborative projects, and open forums to build skills, increase hope, and strengthen connections.
Our Approach
Our work is built on the belief that shared experience sparks hope — and that hope, combined with practical tools and accountability, drives real change.
Key pillars of our community:
Open Dialogue
Active Listening
Mutual Accountability
Collaboration
Growth & Resilience
Together, we can break the stigma, build understanding, and ensure no one in our community has to face addiction or mental health challenges alone.
At CUP, we believe recovery is possible for everyone — and everyone deserves the chance to reclaim their story, rebuild their future, and belong to a community that cares.
