Personal Stories

Personal stories of the triumphs and trials of individuals on a journey to attain their highest level of independence, self-sufficiency, and satisfaction with life.

 

Jess: Celebrating Three Years of Sobriety from Alcohol

My name is Jess. I’m a thriving 26-year-old living independently in a Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) apartment. I am currently sober and in recovery, but I have battled my whole life with my mental health and with substance use addiction. I grew up in Daytona beach Florida. When I was 4 years old, I… Read More

Advocate Follows Recovery from Addiction with Mentorship

This story and video was published on the Spectrum News Website.   In his late teens, Joe Cavallo’s life took a dark turn. A traumatic experience pushed him towards substance use and isolation, and legal troubles only added to his struggles. But at a crucial turning point, he found hope in an unexpected place: Hedgerow… Read More

Owen Virgilio: How LBGTQ+ Prejudices Affects Mental Health

Owen Virgilio, Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) Counselor, shares his story of being a transman and how prejudices against LBGTQ+ individuals affect his mental health. I am open and proud to be a transman, but the prejudices we in the LBGTQ+ community face have affected my mental health. In the past I’ve faced prejudices at… Read More

Tommy D – Celebrating His Recovery During Alcohol Awareness Month

Tommy D – celebrating his recovery during Alcohol Awareness Month. Tommy D is a former resident and current relief staff at Hedgerow House. He is excited to share his recovery story from alcohol and about how Hedgerow House continues to help maintain his recovery.

Jerry, Starting the New Year with a New Career

Jerry, a RISE resident, is starting the New Year by seeking a new Career as a Security Guard. He recently completed the training necessary to be a security guard from Stratford Career Institute and is looking forward to obtaining a job in this field. He attributes RISE for assisting him with his success by helping… Read More

We All Deserve to Sparkle!

Join us in celebrating National Recovery Month by helping us assist people like Elly get their sparkle back! Together We Rise!

Liz and Grayce: a Milestone Manor Match!

“Grayce is unconditional love. She is my companion.” Nothing compares to the joy of the loyal companionship of a pet. Their unconditional love provides comfort and can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Pets can ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and as Liz – a Milestone Manor resident – has discovered, pets are a… Read More

RISE Supportive Housing: Personal Interests and Community Engagement

Hobbies, personal interests, a job, and being engaged in the community are essential to stable mental health and personal well-being. The RISE supportive housing program, Supported Housing, provides the individuals in our program the peace of mind they need to pursue their interests and hobbies, volunteer, work part-time, or otherwise become actively involved in the… Read More

RISE Supportive Housing: Supportive Services Provides Stability

The immense success of the RISE Supported Housing, is due in large part to the support services provided by staff to our program participants. Staff have worked alongside each other for several years, and combine their efforts cohesively in order to provide excellent support services to the individuals and families in our supportive housing program.… Read More