JONESBORO, AR — (BrooklandNews.com) — Jul. 26, 2026 — Beverly Vance Aikins, mother of Vice President J.D. Vance, will speak at a recovery event hosted by Sanctuary Church of Jonesboro on July 31.
The church announced the event in a Facebook post, calling it “a powerful evening of testimony and encouragement” as Aikins shares her journey from addiction to restoration through faith. “Recovery is possible. Hope is real,” the church said in the post.
The event is set for 6:30 p.m. at the church, located at 3119 Rook Rd. in Jonesboro. Aikins’ story, the church said in the post, is “a reminder that no one is beyond hope and every life is worth restoring.”
The church, in the same post, said the event is open to anyone in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply in need of hope, and encouraged attendees to invite a friend. “Come expecting encouragement, healing, and the reminder that you are never too lost to be found,” the post said.
Aikins’ struggle with addiction, and her later reconciliation with her son, was chronicled in Vance’s bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” She has since become a recovery advocate, speaking to churches, treatment centers and community groups across the country.
Pastor Kenneth O’Connell said in a statement to Jonesboro Right Now that Aikins’ journey reflects the church’s mission. “What an amazing thing it is to see a testimony of recovery,” O’Connell said. “At Seven Recovery at Sanctuary, we believe in restoration. Beverly’s journey is a reminder to all of us that real change is possible when we look to Jesus.”