Zaynikka (Zay) Davenport, 28, originally from St. Joseph, Mo., has chosen Maryville to begin a new life for herself, one of work and sobriety. She and her husband of four months, Chris Davenport, 44, are navigating both married life and recovery by seeking a fresh start after being temporarily homeless. After finally finding an apartment close to the campus of Northwest Missouri University, Chris found a job preparing meals in the Student Union. Zay works hard to stay on track in her recovery. She counts her mental health therapy, medication and Bible study at their neighboring church as all major contributing factors that are helping her to build the life that she wants for herself. She recently started working to help the disabled in a local center. Chris faces the same sobriety challenges as Zay, coupled with navigating life after incarceration for 15 years. Both faced addiction as children within their family home lives and although starting out with the resolution not to follow in their parents’ footsteps, both have had to face the disease themselves as adults and continue to do so on a daily basis. Zay has been clean for one year and Chris, after two relapses, managed five years in recovery. 

After living in their apartment for only a month, and still seeking to furnish it, a trip home to pick up belongings led to a domestic dispute between the couple. But like any newlyweds, they are riding the ups and downs in building a life together while supporting each other to heal from the past and build a healthy and clean future.