John McCain has always lived life with passion. Whether managing bustling restaurants, exploring the outdoors, or pursuing recovery with quiet determination. Now 48, John is carving a new path in Washington, DC, one rooted in healing, service, and transformation, thanks to Volunteers of America.
Born in Boise, Idaho and raised primarily on the West Coast, John spent much of his early life in Oregon, soaking in the serenity of summers, the freedom of sports, and the joy of the ocean. He played football, basketball, golf, and tennis, and even learned to surf in Hawaii.
“ I love being outside. I love nature. Anything ocean-related, count me in.” – John
After graduating from the University of Oregon, John embarked on a successful career in hospitality and wine. He managed restaurants across Oregon, California, Las Vegas, and eventually Maryland, where he helped launch The Wine Kitchen and became a managing partner.
But beneath the fast-paced career and extensive travel, John was grappling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), a challenge that would shape the next chapter of his life.

“ I tried quitting so many times. I could always quit. It was staying sober that was hard. ” – John
Following a divorce, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a move to Miami in 2019, John’s struggles with alcohol deepened. After a confrontation and arrest in South Carolina, he ended up in jail for 30 days, an experience that became a turning point.
“I had 24 hours a day in a cell to reflect on life. That time gave me the clarity to realize I needed real help.” – John
In early 2024, John followed a friend’s advice and came to Washington, DC to access the robust recovery services available in the area. That decision led him to the Volunteers of America’s VOA Hope Center, where he began his journey to lasting sobriety.
“ I started going to VOA in March while I was still drinking. But I was honest with them. They’d ask, ‘When was your last drink?’ And I’d say, ‘About an hour and a half ago.’ I kept showing up, and eventually, I tapered down. ” – John
John’s first day of sobriety was May 22, 2024. Since then, he’s embraced recovery wholeheartedly, completing classes like peer recovery coaching, ethics, and more. He also participates as a VOA Hope Center peer recovery intern to help others on their journeys to sobriety.
“If I can use my life experience to help others who are facing the same challenges, that brings more satisfaction than anything I’ve done in the restaurant world.” – John
In June 2024, John moved into an Oxford House, part of a network of peer-run sober living homes, and was elected House President during his very first week.
“If you’re not familiar with Oxford House, they’re sober living homes. I was honored they trusted me to lead so early on.” – John
John is also reconnecting with his creative and nurturing side. A skilled chef and avid gardener, he tends a plot at the Wangari Community Garden, where he grows fresh vegetables and herbs for cooking, and sometimes surprises VOA staff with homemade dishes.
While the road hasn’t been easy, John says the community, structure, and empathy he’s found at the VOA Hope Center have made all the difference.
“What I love about VOA is the people. Everyone participates, shares their stories, and you learn so much, about life, about different cultures, and about yourself.” – John
To anyone wrestling with addiction, John offers heartfelt advice:
“Don’t beat yourself up. Relapse is part of recovery. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again. One of those times, you’ll ride off for good. ” – John
To learn more about our VOA Hope Center program and how we support individuals like John in their recovery journeys, visit: www.voachesapeake.org/voa-hope-center-dc or click the button below.