The Behavioral Health Center of Excellence

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They saved my life. I’m grateful that I even have the chance to be here.

PROOF THAT RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE

Kathy's Journey

Roughly three and a half years ago, Kathy and her partner entered the doors at Places for People (PFP).  

“We were in a really bad place with our addiction and it was getting to the point where it was becoming a life or death situation. We were at our rock bottom and needed a change,” says Kathy.  

This was not their first time in therapy or treatment, but they weren’t going to give up on the prospect of recovery, so they tried out PFP. They knew that they didn’t want to do this alone, and were happy to see that Places for People was close by and offered Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT).  

Kathy still remembers that day. The day of her first visit and appointment. She met with our intake staff and was shocked that she got to see the doctor and get medication that same day. Kathy said that was a game changer and an incentive for them to come back. They’ve been seeing us ever since.  

“I started on painkillers over 20 years ago as a kid – I was put on them for different reasons – orthopedic reasons I’ve had since birth,” says Kathy. They were supposed to be something that helped. That made things better. After all, she was originally prescribed them by a doctor. In her young life, she later ended up using them to self-medicate for ADHD as well. It took her down a rabbit hole that was hard to get out of. Before she knew it, opioids had been consuming her life for 20 years and led her to overdose over 20 times.  

After coming to PFP, she quickly realized that we could help her with more than MAT. She has been able to utilize therapy services, MAT, psychiatric services, employment services, and the pharmacy on site. But she’ll be the first to tell it that it wasn’t just services that keep her coming back. She’s also grateful for the staff.  

Kathy will tell you how it’s been a big deal that there isn’t judgement here. She can be herself and not hide details about her life story. They understand where she’s coming from and she feels like they are easy to talk to. “They’re out for your best interest. What helps you grow. What can help make your life better. It’s not about making money or making them look good – its all about you,” says Kathy.  

If you ever meet Kathy, you’ll immediately see how humble she is, but don’t let her fool you – she’s put in a lot of hard work. She is the reason that she is going places. A little over two years ago, we helped her with her resume, searching for a job, picking out interview clothes, practicing interview skills, and having a support system to get to the interview. But she’s the reason she got the job and has excelled ever since. 

Today, she celebrates having been at her job for over two years and having been promoted to Assistant Manager a little over a year ago. Her boss and her are currently in conversations to have her run her own store since she has done exceptionally well. She beams with pride talking about it. They have also been a big supporter of her talking openly about her recovery. They clearly know, as do we, that it’s a part of her journey that makes her so special.  

Before ever coming to Places for People, Kathy remembers reviewing our success stories on our website and being inspired – hoping to one day be able to give hope to someone else. “I’m so grateful to Places. They saved my life. Not only mine, but his (her partners) too. I’m grateful that I even have the chance to be here, so I figured that if I can share that story with other people and it helps them – it’s worth it,” says Kathy. 

It’s worth it, Kathy! Thank you for being a shining light and showing the beauty of what a life can look like in recovery! We look forward to seeing you continue to flourish!

They’re out for your best interest. What helps you grow. What can help make your life better.

Kathy

Person Served