“VOA gave me a place to heal and find stability.”
Today, Lisa is happy and thriving with her family.
But for Lisa, it’s been a challenging journey to get to where she is.
“I was in and out of jails, I couldn’t keep a job, and didn’t really have any structure. I struggled with addiction. I wanted to stay clean, but I just didn’t know how.”
Time went on and Lisa continued to struggle. She was in a toxic relationship that darkened her mental state, making it even more difficult to find her light.
“I was desperate and defeated. I lost any stability or support system I may have had. Looking back, I understand it now, but friends and family distanced themselves from me out of self-preservation. They couldn’t help me, and I felt alone.”
Then, she became pregnant. The disease of addiction had taken over. Despite wanting so badly to stay sober, Lisa couldn’t do it on her own.
“I remember I went to a doctor’s appointment, and they knew the mental state I was in. I just needed help. They told me about VOA’s Fresh Start Recovery and it piqued my interest because I could keep my daughter with me.”
Lisa had her beautiful baby girl and they immediately went to Fresh Start Recovery together.
“It gave me a place to heal and find stability.”
For Lisa, it was having her daughter with her throughout treatment that kept her going each day.
“I don’t know if I would have made it if we had to be separated. It was motivating to have her with me. It was everything. Also, being around women who were in a similar situation was comforting.”
During her stay, Lisa had access to support services like group therapy, one-on-one counselling, and life skills training to help her create stability.
“Having that support was life changing.”
Equipped with life skills training, a positive mindset, and healthy relationships, Lisa is thriving with her family. Since getting sober, she’s held long-term full-time employment, something she’s very proud of.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying life. I’m genuinely joyful and happy – something I didn’t think possible for a long time.”
When Lisa and her family are looking for something fun to do together, they enjoy going to the park, creek-stomping, and going to concerts.
“VOA changed my life – in every aspect.”
You can help more families like Lisa’s find the hope they need to thrive.