Memphis Recovery Centers, Inc. was founded in 1970. The Reverend Jack Symonds of Grace St. Lukes and a group of other Memphis ministers were concerned with drug use by young people in the "Highland Strip." These enthusiastic and devoted people solicited donations and help from five congregations and began a therapeutic community and crisis intervention center located in a cottage owned by St. Lukes Methodist Church. The Junior League also supplied a generous three-year grant.

It soon became evident that a drop-in center could not meet the needs of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. "Highland House" remained open and an additional residential program, Memphis House, was begun at 2262 Union with the Reverend and Mrs. Barry Boggs as co-directors. By 1973, Memphis Police had cleaned up the "Highland Strip," but drug use had scattered all over the city and drug abuse became a less apparent but insidious and growing problem. "Highland House" closed and merged with Memphis House, which by now had moved to 1642 Poplar. Allen McMurtry became director of Memphis House and remained until 1976. During the mid-seventies, Memphis House began to be partially funded by United Way and state and federal alcohol and drug block grant funds.

Under pressure of a lost lease at the 1642 Poplar address, Memphis House purchased a new home at 1234 Poplar in December of 1979. The program had been evolving from a volunteer non-professional program into a professional treatment program with a full time paid staff under the direction of John Foote. This program became a highly structured residential treatment program for young adult addicts.

In January of 1986 a second 20 bed residential treatment program was opened at 1170 and 1172 Vance to focus on youths ages 13-17. In June of 1990, the Board of Directors approved a name change from Memphis House, Inc. to Memphis Recovery Centers, Inc., and in August, 1990 opened its attractive, new facility at 219 N. Montgomery. With the addition of good new space the agency was able to add treatment for adults of all ages, including outpatient treatment for working people. The 1234 Poplar facility became the home of our Youth Development Program, a program for addicted adolescent boys who are in state custody. Memphis Recovery Centers, Inc. now encompassed three distinct programs— adult, youth, and youth development.

John Foote remained as Executive Director and guided the agency through a tremendous period of growth until his retirement in 1999. Mike McLoughlin. the first program director of the "Youth House" took the reins in 1999.