The Founder of RU Recovery Ministries in Rockford, Illinois
Steve Curington grew up in a Christian home and graduated from North Love Christian School in 1984. After high school, Steve started a 10-year addiction to alcoholism and cocaine. After a serious car accident, Steve found complete sobriety through his relationship with Jesus Christ. After his recovery in 1996, Steve began RU, a faith-based addiction ministry. What started as a humble, Friday night addiction class with four regular attendees in Rockford, Illinois, quickly exploded to a class of more than 300 people from the community.
As word spread, others began inquiring how to bring this program to their community. Soon, a national organization was launched; and shortly after that, the international arm was born. Today, there are more than 2,000 chapters throughout the world, including dozens of foreign countries.
The founder of RU died suddenly on October 30, 2010. His unexpected death cast a vibrant ripple affect across the RU nation of students, directors, leaders, disciples, and well-wishers. Mr. Curington was a powerful force. Curington, a husband and father of five children, was so young to die. He was only 45, but he accomplished more in his 15 years of ministry than many do in a lifetime. Along with the thousands of individuals who have been impacted by RU, we mourned the loss of Steve Curington. But we know his work, his writing, his voice, and his reach continue to live on today as we celebrate over 20 years of God restoring families and changing lives and hearts through the ministry of RU.