CR Locator: Connecting Communities with Recovery Resources
The Challenge
People around the globe need access to Celebrate Recovery groups in their own communities, places where they can find healing, hope, and support. However, the previous system was limited to the United States, built on outdated infrastructure, and lacked the flexibility for global updates or local ministry engagement.
That’s when the Global Celebrate Recovery Ministry approached us with a vision: to build a modern, international platform that would bridge the gap between individuals seeking help and the CR ministries ready to serve them, no matter where they are in the world.
Key Problems We Solved
Group and Rep Management
- Replaced the legacy U.S.-only database with a scalable, modern system for managing group and rep listings.
- Enabled local ministry leaders and reps to create and manage groups securely.
- Introduced user permissions and moderation tools to ensure data integrity and reduce bottlenecks.
- Built automated verification flows and email alerts to keep group info accurate and up-to-date.
- Added robust search and filtering capabilities to help users find the right group more easily.
International Support
- Designed the platform with multilingual and multi-region support from day one.
- Allowed groups from any country to register, manage details, and appear in global searches.
- Partnered with global CR leaders to identify needs across diverse cultural and technological contexts.
- Ensured GDPR-compliant data handling and scalable localization options for future expansion.
Expanded and Flexible Offerings
- Added options for online, hybrid, and in-person meeting formats to reflect modern ministry models.
- Enabled ministries to offer targeted support by gender, age, language, and issue focus.
- Added options for additional group types to cover the existing types.
- Created a flexible framework that can evolve with Celebrate Recovery’s global vision.
The Solution
We built CR Locator as a comprehensive web application that serves as a central hub for the CR ministry. The platform combines powerful search capabilities with community-driven content and real-time updates.
Smart Location-Based Search
- Geolocation-enabled search to find nearby resources
- Advanced filtering by resource type, meeting format, and availability
- Distance-based results with integrated mapping
Resource Management System
- Self-service portal for resource providers to maintain their listings
- Automated verification system for contact information
- Reporting system for group and rep details
User-Friendly Interface
- Clean, accessible design that works on all devices
- Intuitive navigation for users
- Multiple ways to discover groups, reps, and resources
Technical Implementation
Frontend Architecture
- Built with Rails views and enhanced using Hotwire (Turbo + Stimulus) for fast, dynamic interactivity without a heavy JavaScript frontend.
- Tailwind CSS used for clean, responsive, and maintainable UI design.
- Optimized for mobile-first access and accessibility across devices and screen sizes.
- Modular component design for rapid development and consistent user experience.
Search & Discovery
- PostgreSQL full-text search with trigram and similarity indexing for accurate keyword results.
- Geolocation-based search using PostGIS to enable location-aware group listings.
- Real-time filtering and dynamic search updates using Turbo Streams and Stimulus.
- Analytics-friendly query logging to track popular searches and improve resource discoverability.
Data Management
- Backed by a PostgreSQL database with indexed and optimized queries for performance at scale.
- Custom admin tools for bulk updates, review queues, and distributed moderation.
- Scheduled background jobs for data syncing, verification reminders, and health checks.
- Secure user roles and audit trails to protect data integrity and accountability.
Results & Impact
The CR Locator platform has transformed how communities connect with recovery resources:
Usage Metrics
- 40,000+ monthly active users within 6 months
- 85% increase in resource discovery compared to previous system
- 40% reduction in outdated resource listings
- 4.8/5 user satisfaction rating
Community Impact
- 4000 churches now actively maintain their resource listings
- 550+ reps across the world
Technical Performance
- 99.9% uptime since launch
- Sub-2-second page load times
- Mobile-responsive design with 78% mobile usage
- Accessible design meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards
Key Features
For Resource Seekers
- Location-based search with GPS integration
- Detailed profiles with photos and descriptions
- Direct contact capabilities (phone, email, website)
- Favorite lists for quick access
For Resource Providers
- Self-service dashboard for managing listings
- Real-time analytics on resource views and contacts
- Integration with additional api's for additional ease of use
- Mobile design for easy on-the-go usage
For Administrators
- Comprehensive analytics dashboard
- Content moderation tools
- User management and support system
- Integration with third-party resource databases
- Automated quality assurance workflows
Lessons Learned
User-Centered Design is Critical
Working with people in crisis taught us the importance of intuitive design. Every extra click or confusing interface element could prevent someone from getting the help they need.
Data Quality Drives Success
The platform's value depends entirely on accurate, up-to-date information. We invested heavily in automated verification systems and made it easy for providers to maintain their listings.
Mobile-First Approach
With 70% of users accessing the platform on mobile devices, our mobile-first design approach was essential for reaching people where they are.
Future Enhancements
Phase 2 Development
- Streamlined the admin interface to eliminate common user pain points for both leaders and reps.
- Enabled group creation, claiming, and updates through an intuitive dashboard with clear user permissions.
- Built in automated review and verification workflows to maintain trust and data quality.
- Created scalable moderation tools to allow for decentralized oversight without losing control.
- Added audit logs and change history for transparency and troubleshooting.
Ready to build something that makes a real difference? Contact us to discuss your project and see how we can help bring your vision to life.