“Little nervous, but good evening. My name is Margaret…”
That’s how Margaret began sharing her recovery story at a recent RISE event. What followed was a powerful testimony of heartbreak, perseverance, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. This Recovery Month, we’d like to share her story with you.
Before coming to RISE, Margaret had stability — a job she enjoyed, a home in Saratoga, and a partner she loved deeply. In November 2020, her fiancé proposed, and she said “yes.” Just months later, in March 2021, tragedy struck when he unexpectedly passed away. In an instant, Margaret lost her partner, her home, and her sense of security.
Overwhelmed with grief, she turned to alcohol to cope. “From that moment on, I was drinking 24/7,” she shared. Life became about surviving day to day, but the weight of trauma only deepened as she endured additional losses and crises in the years that followed.
In May 2022, Margaret took a brave step and entered treatment at White Deer Run in Pennsylvania. She stayed until August, working hard on her recovery, and returned home determined to build a new foundation. When she learned of another close friend’s passing just days after treatment, Margaret chose courage. She remained sober, attended his funeral, and leaned on her growing resilience.
From there, Margaret entered Milestone Manor and participated in programs like Getting Ahead through CAPTAIN. In February 2023, she transitioned to RISE’s supportive housing program. With accountability, guidance, and encouragement from the RISE team, Saratoga Mental Health, and PROS, Margaret began to thrive.
“I held myself accountable, was determined, and worked hard to become the woman I am today,” Margaret said.
Today, Margaret is sober, confident, and focused on her future. She credits her progress to both her inner strength and the wraparound supports available in our community. At RISE, we are proud to walk alongside her on this journey — providing safe housing, peer support, and the tools to build stability after crisis.
Margaret’s story reminds us of why RISE exists: to help people move forward from unimaginable loss and hardship toward a life of purpose, healing, and hope.
Margaret, we are so proud of you. Thank you for sharing your story — and for inspiring others who may be just starting their own path to recovery.