Presented by South Florida Wellness Network, Inc

2026 South Florida Recovery Month Award Nominations - Miami

Nominations end Friday, 07/31/2026 11:59pm EDT

About This Event

Mark your calendar! South Florida Recovery Month Broward will be held on September 26, 2026, at Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah, Florida. 

Each year at this event we proudly recognize outstanding members of the recovery community. We encourage you to nominate individuals and/or organizations/businesses whose impact is felt throughout the recovery community in Miami-Dade County.   

Listed below are the nomination categories. Submissions should be no less than two paragraphs, include a short bio, and at least one paragraph detailing why the nominated individual and/or organization/business is deserving of the award. 

Submissions are due on Friday, July 31, 2026.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Judge Steven Leifman Lifetime Achievement Award  

The Judge Steven Leifman Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose career has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing recovery, mental health, and community well-being. Named in honor of Judge Steven Leifman—a nationally recognized pioneer in criminal justice reform, behavioral health advocacy, and diversion initiatives—this award celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to creating meaningful systems change and improving outcomes for individuals and families.

Recipients of this award embody the principles that Judge Leifman has championed throughout his career: compassion, innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in the dignity and potential of every person. Through their lifetime of service, they have broken down barriers, influenced policy, inspired others, and left a lasting legacy that strengthens communities and expands opportunities for recovery, healing, and hope.

This prestigious recognition is reserved for individuals whose contributions have had a profound and enduring impact on the recovery community and whose life's work serves as an example for future generations of leaders, advocates, and changemakers.

The Tobin Brown Peer of the Year Award 

This award honors the life and legacy of Tobin Brown — a passionate advocate, peer, and friend whose presence brought hope, humor, and healing to all who knew him. 

Presented to an individual who: Has shown meaningful progress in their recovery journey, actively gives back to their recovery community, and Has maintained a minimum of two years of healing. This award celebrates the spirit of recovery, connection, and service that Tobin lived every day. 

Recovery Champion of the Year 

An individual who has demonstrated dedication to raise awareness and address barriers for individuals in or seeking recovery and demonstrated leadership in advancing multiple pathways to recovery and recovery support services. 

Family Member in Recovery 

A family member who has been instrumental in advocating and supporting a loved one with substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges in their recovery, directly impacting the family unit, bringing restoration, reunification, and change for the entire family.  

Recovery Friendly Business of the Year  

This award recognizes a recovery-friendly workplace that is committed to creating a recovery-friendly environment and promotes a culture that challenges the stereotypes associated with substance use disorders. This business demonstrates compassion, understanding, and empowerment for those overcoming challenges related to substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges by championing recovery friendly practices and initiatives. This exceptional business also promotes inclusivity, provides valuable resources, and inspires hope within their communities.  

First Responder of the Year  

An individual working as a first responder who has advocated for and supported individuals experiencing substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges and collaborated with other providers to gain education and awareness on these challenges to benefit the community they serve. 

Please submit via our website at www.sfwn.org or via email at events@sfwn.org

About This Event

Mark your calendar! South Florida Recovery Month Broward will be held on September 26, 2026, at Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah, Florida. 

Each year at this event we proudly recognize outstanding members of the recovery community. We encourage you to nominate individuals and/or organizations/businesses whose impact is felt throughout the recovery community in Miami-Dade County.   

Listed below are the nomination categories. Submissions should be no less than two paragraphs, include a short bio, and at least one paragraph detailing why the nominated individual and/or organization/business is deserving of the award. 

Submissions are due on Friday, July 31, 2026.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Judge Steven Leifman Lifetime Achievement Award  

The Judge Steven Leifman Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose career has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing recovery, mental health, and community well-being. Named in honor of Judge Steven Leifman—a nationally recognized pioneer in criminal justice reform, behavioral health advocacy, and diversion initiatives—this award celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to creating meaningful systems change and improving outcomes for individuals and families.

Recipients of this award embody the principles that Judge Leifman has championed throughout his career: compassion, innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in the dignity and potential of every person. Through their lifetime of service, they have broken down barriers, influenced policy, inspired others, and left a lasting legacy that strengthens communities and expands opportunities for recovery, healing, and hope.

This prestigious recognition is reserved for individuals whose contributions have had a profound and enduring impact on the recovery community and whose life's work serves as an example for future generations of leaders, advocates, and changemakers.

The Tobin Brown Peer of the Year Award 

This award honors the life and legacy of Tobin Brown — a passionate advocate, peer, and friend whose presence brought hope, humor, and healing to all who knew him. 

Presented to an individual who: Has shown meaningful progress in their recovery journey, actively gives back to their recovery community, and Has maintained a minimum of two years of healing. This award celebrates the spirit of recovery, connection, and service that Tobin lived every day. 

Recovery Champion of the Year 

An individual who has demonstrated dedication to raise awareness and address barriers for individuals in or seeking recovery and demonstrated leadership in advancing multiple pathways to recovery and recovery support services. 

Family Member in Recovery 

A family member who has been instrumental in advocating and supporting a loved one with substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges in their recovery, directly impacting the family unit, bringing restoration, reunification, and change for the entire family.  

Recovery Friendly Business of the Year  

This award recognizes a recovery-friendly workplace that is committed to creating a recovery-friendly environment and promotes a culture that challenges the stereotypes associated with substance use disorders. This business demonstrates compassion, understanding, and empowerment for those overcoming challenges related to substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges by championing recovery friendly practices and initiatives. This exceptional business also promotes inclusivity, provides valuable resources, and inspires hope within their communities.  

First Responder of the Year  

An individual working as a first responder who has advocated for and supported individuals experiencing substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges and collaborated with other providers to gain education and awareness on these challenges to benefit the community they serve. 

Please submit via our website at www.sfwn.org or via email at events@sfwn.org