08/26/2025
We are pleased to announce our latest treatment scholarship—the Hilary Bailey Treatment Scholarship for women.
Hilary’s mother-in-law, Mary Barbour, began fundraising to create this scholarship in honor of Hilary in July. While Hilary’s scholarship is funded, Mary’s fundraiser is still active. (A link to this fundraiser is below.)
You can still donate and support the Hilary Bailey scholarship for women. As our scholarship funds continue to grow, more underserved people will have access to life-saving treatment.
This is Hilary Bailey’s story of recovery.
My name is Hilary Bailey, and my life is a testimony of God’s grace and the power of never giving up. I was born on July 20, 1985, in Rockingham, North Carolina. I grew up in a loving home with both of my parents and my younger sister, who is four years my junior. My parents worked hard to provide everything I needed, as well as some of what I wanted. They raised me in church, and from the time I was born, I was there every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night.
Growing up, I lived a sheltered life. Alcohol and drugs were never part of my world. I didn’t even know drugs existed until sixth grade when the D.A.R.E. program introduced them. My parents were protective, and most of my friends were from church. I was shy, but I had a special bond with my grandmother; she was my best friend.
In high school, everything changed. I was introduced to alcohol and ma*****na in 10th grade, and I loved the way it made me feel. It was exciting to do something I knew I wasn’t supposed to do. After graduating in 2003, I went to a beach graduation and ended up in jail for ma*****na possession. That was the beginning of a long battle.
Later that year, I was introduced to co***ne and pain pills. Pills became my escape—they took away my shyness and gave me confidence. I thought I had found the answer. I married young, had two beautiful children, and believed I was doing what I was “supposed” to do. But my marriage was toxic—full of drugs, fighting, and pain. My son had health issues, and I used that as an excuse to keep numbing myself. My addiction grew worse, and eventually, I lost everything. My kids went to live with my parents, and I was completely broken.
I moved from place to place, chasing stronger drugs. Eventually, I ended up homeless, living in the woods in Cary, North Carolina, for four years. I held signs on the side of highways to support my habit. During this time, I met a man who was also in active addiction, and we started surviving together. We lived in the woods, built campsites, and traveled across the Triangle to feed our habits. He would later become my husband—but at the time, we were both lost and broken.
One Christmas morning, I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself. I was skin and bones. I remember saying, “So this is what my life has come to?” In that moment, I knew Jesus had something better for me—I just had to surrender.
On January 11, 2019, I walked into detox for the last time. I had tried before, but this time was different. I was done. I surrendered everything to Jesus. From detox, I went to a 28-day program in Lexington, NC. When I got out, my family asked me to care for my grandmother, who was very sick. That was an honor because she had always been my best friend, and addiction had broken that bond. God gave me the gift of being with her until her last breath—and she got to see me sober.
I started working, attending church, and participating in AA and NA meetings. I worked the 12 steps of AA with a sponsor, which helped me build a strong foundation for recovery. I also became a member of Rockfish Church, where I now serve on the Rockfish Worship Team—something I never imagined possible during my darkest days.
The man I met in addiction—the one I lived in the woods with—also found recovery. In 2020, we reunited, both sober and committed to a new life. We got married in 2021, and in 2024, we bought our first home. Through recovery, our bond has grown stronger than ever—we are truly best friends now. We’ve also rescued two dogs, who are now part of our family and a reminder of how far we’ve come.
Today, I have over six and a half years sober, and all the glory belongs to Jesus Christ. He restored my life, my family, and my hope. I now have good relationships with both of my children, and I’m grateful every day for the chance to be present in their lives.
I am passionate about helping others find freedom.
Samaritan Colony played a significant role in my husband’s recovery, and I’m thrilled that they are opening a women’s facility in my hometown. It’s needed so badly, and I can’t wait to see lives transformed just like mine. I also share my story on social media in hopes of reaching and inspiring other addicts and alcoholics who are still suffering—because recovery is possible.
If you’re struggling, please know this: you are not too far gone. There is hope. There is freedom. If God can do it for me, He can do it for you. Don’t give up—your story isn’t over yet.
