As a campaign against stigma, Voices of Hope is sharing real stories of real people in recovery. People with behavioral health disorders can find recovery and change our whole lives. VoH strives to protect the dignity and respect of those who use drugs, those who may be struggling and those in recovery. Some of the people we help come back to Voices to volunteer and give back. Thank you Amanda, for sharing your story and being someone that your family and others can depend on today!

Amanda Byrd

My name is Amanda Byrd. I am a 38-year-old mother of three in recovery. My son Gage, 20; my son Cody, 11; and my daughter Jade, 9. I am here to bring hope to all those dealing with substance use and mental illness, as well as those in recovery. Most importantly, I am here to show that no one has to be alone.

   From 2018 through 2020, I was homeless in the streets of North East. I suffered from substance use, as well as mental illness. My life and my family were completely torn apart. I had lost everything and felt completely hopeless and alone.

   I started volunteering at Voices of Hope and finally found a place where I belong, with people who truly care and understand me. I was given a job there and taught a new way of life. Thanks to Voices of Hope, I did not just get my life back; I am living life for the first time. I am now working at Voices of Hope as a Peer Recovery Specialist and Hope Street Lead. I now work giving hope to others and helping others learn a better way to live.

   Voices of Hope has truly been a miracle in my life. Through them I have gained a career as well as a recovery family. My family and I will be forever grateful to all those at Voices of Hope. “No one fights alone”; “We do recover.”