The one-year anniversary of John’s Place was not only a celebration of its impact on Clarendon County’s recovery community, but also a moment to honor two beloved individuals whose legacy continues to shape its mission.
On May 11, dozens gathered at the facility, which is part of the John Landon Black Foundation, to recognize a year of providing vital support group meetings and counseling services for those impacted by addiction. During the event, a conference room was formally dedicated to the late June Cottingham Briggs, a devoted board member and pillar of the Manning community. The occasion was further marked by a $10,000 donation from Kent Law Firm, presented by attorney Jack Furse in honor of both Briggs and the late John Landon Black.
Amy Anders Land, board chair, welcomed the crowd and introduced the board of directors before turning the program over to Executive Director Terri Jo Gregory. Gregory thanked the community for its support, especially through donations that sustain weekly meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, the faith-based group Abundant Acorns, and the growing prayer and support network MoMA—Moms of Manning Addicts.
“We could not do it without the support of our great community,” Gregory said. “We have received so much during our first year. It helps us continue to offer all these meetings to everyone.”
Kristen Morgan, founder of MoMA, shared her deeply personal story of navigating her sons’ addictions, her calling to start a support group, and how John’s Place has provided a space of safety and healing.
“The first night we met here, one mom walked in and said, ‘I have been waiting 30 years for this group,’” Morgan said through tears. “This place is allowing us to pray, cry, and hope together.”
The event took an emotional turn as Jeff Black, father of John Landon Black and founder of the facility, introduced Furse of Kent Law Firm, who presented the donation. Furse, who was once a role model to John Landon, recalled a memory shared by his mother, who taught John Landon in school.
“She told me, ‘Jack, John Landon really looks up to you.’ And I remember thinking, I wasn’t the best role model at that moment. But it’s things like this we do now that allow John Landon’s memory to go on forever,” Furse said.
The facility’s newly named “June Cunningham Briggs Board Room” was unveiled during a dedication ceremony that followed. Briggs’ sons, Coty and Robbie, spoke with deep emotion about their mother’s generosity, fierce love, and lasting influence.
“She loved hard,” said Coty Briggs. “And if you knew my mom and she loved you, you knew it.”
Robbie Briggs echoed that sentiment, recalling her passionate support in every facet of their lives—whether cheering from the stands or calling out referees. “Next week will mark three months since we lost her,” he said. “She and JL (John Landon) were 50 years apart, but they shared a heart for people, especially the overlooked. Their spirits are still in this place.”
In a touching moment near the end of the event, an AA member took the mic, thanking the foundation for providing a beautiful space to have meetings. She also publicly credited John’s Place for saving her life.
“This building, this place, this spirit—has saved my life,” she said.
John’s Place, now marking a year of serving as a refuge for recovery and resilience, continues to grow in both outreach and impact, living up to the vision of its namesake and those who helped build it.
More information about the foundation can be found at jlblackfoundation.org.
