Lynn’s Recovery Story

Q: What year did you leave House of Hope?

Lynn: 1996

Q: How has your life changed from when you started the program up until now?

Lynn: In 1992 my mom died as a result of overdosing. I felt lost, angry, and confused. After her death my addiction got much worse and I just couldn’t stop using.

I came to House of Hope in 1996. At the time I had about 60 days clean and Sister Therese told me I was welcome to come live at House of Hope and to bring my two sons because it was time for me to take care of my children.

I recently celebrated 25 years of clean time. After leaving House of Hope I obtained a bachelor’s degree in human service and then went on to get my master’s in psychology. I also started my own nonprofit organization that works to empower women.

Q: What did you learn/gain during the program that has helped you maintain you to stay clean and sober? 

Lynn: I learned consistency. I had to make my bed every day and I still do that. I learned how to teach my children structure and boundaries and I carried that with me. They really taught me how to be a mom and how to take accountability.

While I lived at House of Hope I learned how to read and write on the back porch. I wasn’t a good reader and so there was a young lady, Carolyn Rogers, who sat on the porch with me every day and I developed my reading skills.

I received so much help from the people working at House of Hope and that showed me that I wanted to be in the same field because I wanted to help others the same way I had been helped. My experience at House of Hope is what made me become a counselor.

Q: What advice do you have for women who are just beginning their recovery journey?

Lynn: What I would share with women who are new in their recovery is to be honest, open-minded, and willing. What I suggest they do is follow the rules and regulations and know that the decisions you make will determine your life. I would also suggest that they don’t get in a relationship because it can cause you to lose focus on your own recovery. Also, do not keep secrets no matter what.

If you follow the rules and do the right thing when no one’s watching you have a great chance of staying clean. Remember to be true to yourself and practice self-acceptance.

Q: What are you most grateful for today? 

Lynn: I’m grateful for my health and I’m grateful for what I went through. Honestly, I’m grateful to be in recovery. I think that my recovery journey allowed me to accomplish what I have today. Recovery has given me the ability to reach places I never would have reached in my wildest dreams. I never thought I would get a master’s degree. I never thought I would be a good mom. I’m grateful for everything in my life and I always say I’m grateful for House of Hope because I had no one and House of Hope saved my life.