From Surviving to Serving: Jessica’s Recovery Comes Full Circle

Before Jessica connected with the HopeLine team, she had already lost nearly everything—her home, her belongings, and custody of her three boys. Her life had unraveled under the weight of crack and methamphetamine use, and she was struggling deeply with her mental health. With nowhere else to go, she ended up staying at the apartment of her drug dealer, a man who took advantage of her in exchange for a place to stay off the streets. It was an abusive situation that left her feeling trapped, both physically and emotionally.

Through Drug Recovery Court, Jessica met Alex, a HopeLine Care Coordinator. Alex immediately recognized the danger Jessica was in and the urgency of her situation. Drawing from her own lived experience, Alex offered steady guidance and emotional support, helping Jessica take that critical first step toward change. With encouragement from the HopeLine team, Jessica entered treatment, a turning point that marked the beginning of her journey toward healing and stability.

Jessica entered a program that addressed both her substance use and her immediate mental health needs. But her journey didn’t stop there. Recognizing she still needed deeper support to heal fully, Jessica made the self-directed decision to check herself into an alternative women’s mental health intervention program after treatment. It was a clear sign of her self-awareness and determination to keep moving forward, no matter how hard the road. She graduated from Drug Court and the Alternative Interventions for Women program, both major accomplishments reflecting her resilience and commitment to recovery.

From there, Erica, HopeLine Continuing Care Coordinator, helped Jessica transition into a recovery housing program, where she has thrived for over a year. Erica’s support has extended far beyond logistics because she, too, is in long-term recovery. Her lived experience gives her a deep understanding of the emotional hurdles that come with early sobriety. When Jessica faces waves of anxiety or self-doubt, she turns to Erica, who reminds her that she’s not alone and that she’s capable of getting through it.

Jessica’s progress has been nothing short of inspiring. She now lives in an apartment with another woman who is also in recovery, supported by a recovery living organization. With time, dedication, and steady guidance, Jessica has regained custody of two of her sons, a milestone that once felt out of reach. She continues to work toward re-establishing custody with her eldest, and rebuilding that bond has become a central source of motivation in her healing process.

Faith, friendship, and a strong recovery community are now the foundation of Jessica’s life. She attends Crossroads Church, a OneCity for Recovery partner, where she’s found more than a place to worship—she found a village. She works closely with her sponsor, who provides accountability and encouragement as she navigates sobriety. Jessica is deeply grateful for this relationship, which helps keep her grounded and supported. Through the Hope for a Home initiative, a team of Crossroads volunteers helped provide household items for her and her children, turning her home into a space of warmth and comfort. She also participated in their Christmas Gift Drive, which allowed her to shop affordably for gifts for her boys, bringing joy and dignity to the holidays.

Transportation, once a major obstacle, no longer holds her back. Thanks to the Crossroads Church “Wheels” program, Jessica received a reconditioned vehicle. Jessica also secured her driver’s license, giving her the freedom and confidence to keep moving forward.

These opportunities—made possible through trusted community partnerships—have helped Jessica build a life of stability and purpose. She’s learning to budget through church programs. She continues to receive support from Virginia, one of our lead volunteers, who recently took her shopping for work clothes in preparation for her internship.

Jessica is already turning her experience into purpose. She completed her Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA), is enrolled in peer support certification courses, and secured a paid internship at the Addiction Services Council, where she’s gaining valuable experience to help others who are walking the same path she once did.

Healing, of course, isn’t always a straight line. Jessica still wrestles with mental health, and some days are harder than others. But now, she has a safety net—a team of people who truly understand and remind her that setbacks don’t erase progress. With Alex and Erica’s steady encouragement and the support of her recovery community, Jessica continues to build resilience, one step at a time.

She’s now approaching a significant milestone: graduation from the HopeLine Continuing Care Program. All signs point to success. Jessica dreams of turning her experience into a life of service, using her voice, empathy, and hard-earned wisdom to walk alongside others just beginning their journey. She wants to be the person she once needed, and she’s well on her way.

Jessica recently celebrated three years of being clean—a powerful testament to her strength, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her community. Her life today is a remarkable transformation. It’s a story of courage, second chances, and the power of connection, a reminder that recovery is never a solo act. It’s possible when a community shows up with open arms, refuses to give up, and believes that healing is always within reach.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, the HopeLine is here to help. Reach out today and take the first step toward recovery.