Our Story

Came to Believe Recovery traces its roots to Clarence Snyder, one of the original forty members of Alcoholics Anonymous and a contributor to the first edition of the Alcoholics Anonymous. In 1966, having moved to Florida, Clarence began what became known as the Came to Believe retreats, weekend experiences designed to take participants through the Twelve Steps in a focused, immersive way.

Clarence had witnessed firsthand that when the Steps were taken as a clear, spiritual process, lives were not merely improved but rather transformed. Many who followed this approach described themselves as recovered, living in freedom rather than ongoing struggle.

As the retreats grew, Clarence’s sponsees carried the work forward. In the early 2000s, they came together to preserve what they had been taught, creating the Legacy Guide Workbook, a faithful record of the way Clarence guided people through the Steps. That guide remains at the heart of every CTBR retreat today.

While the retreats continued independently across the country for many years, leaders united in 2015 to formally establish Came to Believe Recovery as a nonprofit organization—ensuring the work could grow with clarity, consistency, and shared stewardship.

In recent years, CTBR has expanded its reach through partnerships with missions, shelters, and recovery programs, including collaborations with The Salvation Army. Today, CTBR offers its trademark in-person retreats across multiple states, within partnering organizations, and on virtual platforms that make the program accessible to individuals and families around the world.

What began as one man faithfully passing on what was freely given to him has become a growing community—sharing experience, strength, and hope so that lasting freedom from addiction remains possible for all who seek it.