04/24/2025
PorchLight Gives - Helping Change Lives
This week, we are featuring the story of a client who’s life has been dramatically changed by residing at PorchLight to continue their journey through recovery.
This is the story of Marie (name changed for anonymity). Marie came to PorchLight in January. “…I was as close to death as I have ever been. I physically could not stop drinking. On November 25, I almost jumped off my 12 story balcony. Luckily, a friend cared enough to come check on me. I was taken by ambulance to detox and put on su***de watch. I was very sick physically and mentally. I was not living. I was merely existing. I had severe agoraphobia, I was drinking half a handle of tequila a day. I was scared, hopeless, ashamed, and I felt the most alone I have ever felt in my life. I was as far away from my true self as I had ever been. I didn’t want to live anymore.
After 7 days in detox, I spent 60 days in a rehabilitation facility. Now, I’m currently living in a recovery house, while I continue my journey to save my life. I have done so much work in the last 113 days. So much therapy, so many recovery meetings, bonding with amazing people who understand this disease and who are also working every day to save their own life.
I had a moment this morning while I was on my way to group therapy. I thought to myself…look at me. I’m doing all of the things I love to do again. I’m being social, I’m going places by myself, I’m trusting people again, I’m being productive, I’m spreading love, I’m laughing, I’m being disciplined, I’m nourishing my body & my mind. I’m helping people. I feel happiness again. My faith in my higher power has never been stronger. Every day I, too, get stronger. Even on days when I feel anxious & scared.
I know it sounds cliché, and people say this all the time…but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I was on a really dark path and I was not where I was meant to be. The end was near for me. But this little city of Lancaster has saved me in so many ways. I have met so many people who understand and who truly are here to give and receive support. I am beyond grateful for that.
I still have lots of work to do. I still have to learn to love myself and forgive myself and not live in fear every day of the future. I remind myself every day that it’s a journey, not a destination. Not every day is roses and sunshine, but I have all the support in the world here, to make a great life and find my purpose and be happy.
Look at me, LIVING again. I truly feared it would never happen.”
Marie’s story is a powerful testimony to the lives that can be changed through recovery. PorchLight has played an integral role in Marie’s recovery, and you can help contribute to the lives of many recovering addicts who need a safe and dignified environment to heal and discover who they are in recovery. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of wonderful people like Marie, please click the link below to help change lives. You can also e-mail us at: info@porchlightrecovery.com to see how you can get involved!
The PorchLight Gives mission is to support individuals, their families and loved ones in the early stages of recovery, by offsetting the cost in elevated housing with dignified and inclusive support in a supervised community.PorchLight Gives - Recover Better - Together.
