From Surviving to Thriving: A Resident’s Story of Hope and Healing
At 30 years old, I found myself spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically broken. I had hit rock bottom—so much so that I was praying for either an end to my pain or a chance to learn how to live again. For years, I had been living a life that had slowly drained me of all hope. With a history of substance use, mental health struggles, and physical health challenges, I knew my odds of finding a place that would take a chance on me weren’t great.
But something inside me shifted. I figured, with nothing left to lose, maybe I finally had everything to gain.
That turning point came on a Tuesday evening when I called Treasured Vessels Foundation. A partner organization had told me they had an open bed and thought I’d be a good fit. Within days, the staff had walked me through the application process and set up an interview. I don’t remember much about those early days, but I do remember one thing clearly: it was the first time in years I saw a flicker of light at the end of a very long, very dark tunnel.
When I arrived at the safe home, I was met with warmth, laughter, and genuine compassion. The staff were lighthearted and loving. The other residents quickly became my sisters. Those first few weeks were incredibly difficult—but I was never alone. Even when I resisted the process, they met me with grace, consistency, and kindness.
Looking back, one of my biggest regrets is not giving my all to the programming TVF so generously offered. At the time, I thought I was doing my best. Now I know I was capable of more—I just wasn’t ready to face the discomfort that comes with growth. But even then, TVF never gave up on me.
What I’m most grateful for are the memories I made and the deep bonds I formed. If those walls could talk, they’d tell stories of early morning coffee and belly laughs, arguments over dinner plans, and the chaos of five girls and one bathroom. They’d tell of grief shared and shoulders leaned on, of healing conversations and the quiet, powerful work of rebuilding broken bridges.
This journey—this healing path—isn’t linear. It’s not quick. It’s a marathon. And after graduating from the program, life wasn’t magically easier. The transition was rocky. I struggled with uncertainty, isolation, and depression. But I never gave up. I refused to go backward.
With the support of community resources, I signed a lease on my very first apartment—on my own. I’ve now lived there for nearly a year, paying my own bills, managing my own life, and focusing on my health. I have a savings account I’m proud of. I’ve learned to put myself first. And this August, I’ll celebrate three full years of continuous sobriety.
God led me to TVF, and TVF helped lead me back to God.
I am finally beginning to understand my “why.” My trauma was never the end of my story—it was always meant to become my testimony.
I was created for this. For the healing.
—Previous TVF Resident
(September 2022 – January 2024)
