Recovery Stories

Personal accounting of individuals who are proud to share their experiences with substance use and mental health diagnosis and their journeys towards wellness.

 

Celebrating John: A Week of Milestones at Hedgerow House

At RISE Housing and Support Services, we have the privilege of witnessing life-changing moments. The quiet victories, the big breakthroughs, and the powerful transformations that happen when someone is supported in their recovery journey. This week, we are honored to celebrate one of those moments with John, a recent graduate of Hedgerow House. In the… Read More

A Life Rebuilt: Jason’s Path Through Hedgerow House and Beyond

I’m Jason. I am a former Hedgerow House resident, and I currently work for RISE as the chef at RISE Above Residential Rehabilitation Program. I have been sober for 18 months, and I’m not the same person I was 18 months ago, when alcohol and the disease of alcoholism were taking over my life. I… Read More

Alcohol Awareness Month: Celebrating Kendra’s Journey to Recovery

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to reflect, educate, and inspire hope. At RISE Housing and Support Services, we are proud to highlight the courageous journeys of individuals who have committed to sobriety and transformed their lives. Today, we’re honored to share Kendra’s story—one of resilience, growth, and the power of support. Kendra’s path to… Read More

Father Young Dedication

On December 9, 2024, the corner of South Ferry and Green Streets in Albany, New York, the birthplace of Father Peter Young’s mission over 60 years ago was renamed on December 9, 2024 in his honor. Father Young was a beloved priest who dedicated his life to helping others. He passed away in 2020 at… Read More

Volunteering in Recovery

Join us in Celebrating National Recovery Month – a national observance held every September to create public awareness about addiction recovery and the the nation’s strong and proud recovery community. The aim of Recovery Month is to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in… Read More

Mary: Celebrating Eight Years in Recovery from Alcohol

Mary, a former Hedgerow House, and Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) resident, recently celebrated her 8th year in recovery from alcohol and works full time as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at SunRISE Retreat Intensive Crisis Residence. “Mary’s success is incredible,” says Melodie Masterson, Mary’s former PSAP Counselor. “She started her journey towards becoming an… Read More

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

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.