My Journey of Recovery with Voices of Hope

There was a time when I thought I wouldn’t make it. I had been in long-term sobriety for several years, but after COVID, I suffered a severe relapse. My life, already weighed down by past trauma, suddenly felt impossible to manage. I had endured years of abuse from my ex-husband, survived multiple assaults, lost my father, navigated a painful divorce, and was raising four children alone. I was drowning, and I didn’t know where to turn.

Then, I found Voices of Hope.

At first, I didn’t know what to expect. I was broken, ashamed, and terrified that I would never find my way back. But from the moment I walked through their doors, they embraced me exactly as I was—no judgment, no conditions. A volunteer there helped me get into outpatient treatment and told me her story of recovery and it inspired and motivated me, and from that moment, Voices of Hope became my anchor. Their doors were always open, whether I was sober, struggling, or relapsing. They provided a space where I felt safe, seen, and supported.

I attended their SMART Recovery, AA, and NA meetings, sometimes feeling strong, sometimes barely holding on. Other days, I just needed a cup of coffee and a quiet place to sit. But no matter how I showed up, they were there, lifting me up, reminding me that I was capable, that I was worthy, and that I could make it through. And the truth was, for a long time, I didn’t believe them. I was terrified that I would never recover, that I was beyond saving. But they never gave up on me, even when I had given up on myself.

There were countless times when I walked in feeling hopeless, not knowing which way to turn, and they were there—offering guidance, encouragement, and genuine care. They helped me access services, pushed me toward outpatient treatment, and when I struggled with that, they never stopped fighting for me. When I was finally ready to go into inpatient treatment, they promised they would help me get there. I was set to enter a facility, but at the last minute, they refused to take me. I was devastated.

That day, I could have given up. I could have walked away. But Voices of Hope didn’t let me. Instead, they spent the entire day working tirelessly to find a place that would take me. They didn’t just make calls—they sat with me, comforted me, reminded me why I was doing this. They wouldn’t let me leave, not until they found the right place. And they did. They got me into the treatment center that was truly the best fit for me.

On January 1st, I walked through the doors of Elevate Recovery, and my life changed forever. I completed a successful 30-day inpatient program. When I left, I transitioned into Ashley’s Intensive Outpatient Program, then moved into outpatient treatment, where I still receive support today.

But my journey didn’t stop there.

Since getting sober, I have:

• Nearly completed my Master’s in Ministerial Leadership and Pastoral Care & Counseling.

• Completed three semesters of my Master’s in Social Work so I can help others in recovery.

• Regained full custody back of my children, got my driver license back, and purchased a vehicle.

• Been offered a position as an addiction counselor, though I ultimately chose a role that better supports my family.

• Started working as a Certified Health Insurance Navigator for Maryland Health Connection, helping people access healthcare and treatment services.

• Continued weekly therapy and mental health treatment.

• Stayed committed to Ashley Outpatient Treatment and other recovery programs and active in my community and church.

But more than anything, I have stayed sober.

None of this would have been possible without Voices of Hope. Their unwavering support, their commitment to walking beside me through every step of my journey, saved my life.

The Aberdeen location became my daily refuge—my safe space where I found the encouragement I needed. But Elkton played a crucial role as well. Their 24-hour availability was a lifeline on long, painful nights when I needed someone to remind me that I wasn’t alone. Their caseworkers, their peer support specialists, their genuine care and love kept me going when I wanted to quit.

Today, I am not just surviving—I am thriving.

Because of Voices of Hope, I am here. I am sober. I am strong. And I am ready to give back.

That’s why I have chosen to volunteer with them—to be a source of hope for others the way they were for me. Because I know what it feels like to be lost, to feel like there’s no way out. And I also know what it feels like to have someone extend a hand and say, “I believe in you.”

Thank you, Voices of Hope, for believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Thank you for saving my life. And thank you for giving me the strength to pay it forward.

Walking in His Grace,

Sparkle