by Stephanie Mendenhall, Founding Director
When someone shares part of their story with me, I am always honored. There are times when I have no words, I just sit and listen with tears in my eyes. The childhood trauma and significant loss some have endured is heartbreaking. These deep hurts often lead to addiction.
I hate addiction. I hate what it steals from people and how it devastates families. I hate how identity is lost and purpose is gone. For those of you who’ve felt the hopelessness and devastation caused by addiction, you know what I mean. For those of you who’ve watched it happen to someone you love, you know what this looks like.
How does hope spring from devastation and loss? How do healing and growth begin to take hold? Hope is the beautiful result of a heartfelt connection. Without connection hope is non-existent. Hope lifts you up and gives you a sense that change is possible.
Hope is the start of something new. Hope experienced over a long period of time leads to changes in behavior, a genuine smile in the middle of hardship and suffering, and a realization that someone believes in you even though you don’t believe in yourself.
Back in 2016, when I began conceptualizing the mission of Reclaiming Lives, I wondered if developing an organization focused on providing hope and stability was short-sighted. After all, how tangible is hope?
Turns out providing hope is at the foundation of everything we do. It’s what helps people begin to believe in themselves, it’s what draws people in, it’s the influencer for change, it’s the beginning of a journey towards health and healing.
Your continued support of Reclaiming Lives allows us to provide hope to those in our community struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. During this time of isolation and fear, the need is great.
If you’ve never given to our organization, please consider sending a donation in the envelope provided. Your support would mean so much to our recovery community, our family, and our volunteers and staff.
In gratitude,
Stephanie Mendenhall,
Founding Director
