Our Recovery Community Members:
Our Stories Have Power!
In a city as diverse and vibrant as Chicago, the struggle against substance use disorders (SUD) is an ongoing battle that affects a significant portion of the population, especially African Americans, Hispanics, and Latinos. SUD doesn't discriminate—it touches lives across all demographics, neighborhoods, and backgrounds. CRCC recognizes this challenge and has initiated a powerful campaign aimed at sharing recovery stories and resources to foster hope and resilience in the face of addiction.
This initiative revolves around collecting and featuring recovery stories from individuals with diverse backgrounds. By amplifying the voices of African Americans, Hispanics, and Latinos in SUD recovery, the campaign aims to inspire others who may be struggling with addiction. These stories will be shared as part of a campaign alongside crucial resources. Please help us squash stigma and inspire hope by sharing your recovery story.
Edna
Sober since 2008
"For my recovery, I pray to my high power, stay connected, and got a sponsor make. Today, I've been in 15 yrs,10 months and 9 days."
Patricia
Sober since 2018
"I've been in recovery since 2018 and I pray, meditate to higher power, and support others in recovery. At my lowest point, I was reduced down to the animalistic level. God's grace and mercy brought me out."
Lloyd
Sober since 1989
“I've been in recovery since 1989, but I'll never forget the pain and the first half of the first step (powerless over my addiction). At my low point, getting high was no longer fun, it became a painful way of life. I surrendered, when I didn't know what it meant, the more I gave in to doing whatever was asked of me, the better things became."
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Venessa
Sober since 2016
"I'm a Mexican American gay woman in long-term recovery. What that means to me is I have a reason every day to work on being my best self. I was fortunate enough to be able to survive some of the darkest times in my life to now in my recovery, with the help of amazing organizations, fellowships, friends and family to LIVE A FULL LIFE TODAY. I am proud to be a person in recovery and my positive message to anyone struggling is that recovery is possible. Despite the darkness and fear I felt in my lowest hour, I can live in the light of this beautiful life grateful for today.
Jeniver
Sober since 2008
“My sobriety date is July 16, 2023. At my lowest, I weighed 80 lbs and faced a terrifying moment in the emergency room down south when my breathing trouble revealed a spot on my lungs. Despite this scare, I continued down a destructive path with drug use back in Chicago. My family, exhausted by my dishonesty and self-destructive behavior, took me to Cook County Emergency room where I stayed overnight. Tests confirmed cocaine in my system, leading to my referral to Haymarket for treatment. That's where my journey to recovery began. After over 100 days, I found my way onto The Wright Path with God’s guidance.
Arriving here felt daunting, but I began to listen, follow instructions, and slowly, my world brightened again. Recovery matters immensely, and I’m grateful for the acceptance I found here. Throughout my life and various recovery institutions across different cities, I’ve never gained as much knowledge and tools as I have now. To quote Maya Angelou, 'And still I rise.'
Cortez
Chicago Recovery Community Member
"My name is Cortez Givens, and I've been on the journey of recovery for 10 years now. At the start of 2023, I found myself at rock bottom. I lost my career, my family, and my home due to poor decisions and destructive patterns. This led me to a point of homelessness, having to return to Chicago with absolutely nothing.
Despite those challenging times, I found support and a turning point with CRCC.
Their guidance didn't just help me secure employment; it taught me how to sustain it. CRCC treated me like family and equipped me with tools to face life without falling back into harmful habits. This experience has been nothing short of life-changing, showing me a new path forward."
Yulanda
Sober since 1991
"“After being clean for 32 years I still make meetings, work steps, talk to my sponsor, and I have 8 women that I help through the 12 steps. I go to clean & sober events, and I surround myself around recovering people every day. I don't go around old people, places, and things. That is how I stay clean & sober.
My lowest point in my life is when I was shot 3 times by a male that wanted my drugs. I would not give up the drugs, so he shot me and left me for dead. But God's grace and mercy saved my life. When on the operating table I saw the white light, and I begin to think about my children, who would raise them if I died on this table. 3 days later I woke in intensive care, and my life begin because God gave me another chance at life.
I live life to the fullest today 32 years later. Mother, wife, grandmother and great-grand-mother at 62 years young."
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Tyrena
Sober since 2000
"My journey started in 2016 with alcohol. My husband had died I didn't know how to deal with it, so I turned to alcohol. At first it was ok. Then I had to do it to live - it was like I had to do it just to start my day. It began interrupting other areas of my life my weight. I went from150lbs to 100lbs quickly. It began bothering my health it was downhill from there. I began getting embarrassed, so I started drinking alone. Even then it looked as if I had been in the house with five or six people outside of myself I had enough I said GOD please help me and he did. I checked myself into a treatment center and that's where I came in contact with Chicago Recovering Communities Coalition. They have been my biggest support then and now. I learned about my disease they helped me. I'm not gone lie and tell anyone it was easy but it does get easier. I wouldn't trade anything for my gift, my peace. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Anything worth fighting for isn't easy. It gets easier as time pasts. Give yourself a chance give your chance a chance. Don't let the disease win anymore battles. I'm Tyrena I'm a Proud Recovering Alcoholic. I'm Stigma Free. I'm Happy,Joyous,and, Free.There is light at the end of the tunnel.
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Aimee
"At my lowest point if I didn't have alcohol I would start withdrawals and have alcoholic seizures. My life was a mess, I couldn't take care of myself or my son. I couldn't keep a job. My family and friends didn't want anything to do with me because they never knew what version of me the would get. I couldn't keep a job. My life was a mess to say the very least. I woke up one day and just knew if I continued living the way I was... I was going to die , and probably sooner than later. I checked myself into detox/rehab where I stayed for 38 day. I knew I couldn't go back to life as I knew it so I went into sober living for women. I started going to daily AA meeting sometimes 2-3 a day. There is no big secret it's really simple you have to surrender. Also you have to follow the suggestions from the people who are winning their battle with addiction. Don't use. Go to meetings. Get a sponsor. Work the 12 steps. Stay away from old people, places and things. And start giving yourself a break and forgive yourself. And be grateful!! "
Nora
"At my lowest point I was homeless and living in a shelter. A nice reverend to me under her wing and introduced me to a lady named Ms.Dora. Ms.Dora introduced me to recovery. Today I live in a woman's sober living house. I go to AA daily. I work with my sponsor. I talk with others about recovery daily. I am grateful for my recovery and my second chance at life. Anyone who is struggling with drugs and alcohol can have a better life if he or she REALLY wants one. There is no big secret it's really simple you have to surrender. Also you have to follow the suggestions from the people who are winning their battle with addiction. Don't use. Go to meetings. Get a sponsor. Work the 12 steps. Stay away from old people, places and things. And start giving yourself a break and forgive yourself. And be grateful!! Those are the things I have been doing and every day it gets easier."
Trina
"If I can get clean, so can you. The first thing I did was stop using drugs. I got a sponsor and began working steps. I make NA meetings and I do service work.
I have six years, my clean date is 12/16/17. I had lost everything and ended up living in a dog park in a tent. One day I was at my lowest point and called out, 'HELP ME GOD.'
Then I went to treatment and I've been clean ever since. And now I'm living my best life."
Jeff
"Thirty-one years, eleven months. Hello, my name is Jeff, and I am an addict. On March 14, 1992, I stole $60 from my baby sister and helped her look for it. After we couldn't find it, I went out and bought some crack and attempted to get high. I say 'attempted' because of the shame and guilt that I felt because of stealing my sister's money, I could not get high. After I came back inside, I sat down on the couch and my mother sat next to me and asked me, 'Where did she go wrong?' Well, that really hit me hard, and I told her that she didn't and that I made the decision to start getting high and smoking crack. So the next morning, 3/15/92, I went into treatment for the last time and haven't looked back since. Thank God for NA and all that it has allowed me to do in my recovery. My mother was a very important part of me getting and staying clean."
Danyale
"Today, I make meetings, surround myself with people who are just like me and faced addiction but found a way out. Today, I have a sponsor who believes in me and helps me in my recovery. Today, I share about how I am feeling instead of trying to numb how I feel. I have a loving God of my understanding who leads and guides me. I was at my lowest after I had lost my kids and my mother. I couldn’t imagine that I would be this addicted to something that caused me to lose my children shortly after my mom passed away, and she was my rock. I knew then I had to stop using; I just didn’t know how. But with a lot of prayers, a made-up mind, and some willingness to change, I made a decision to get some help. And today, I am now a responsible mother, employee, and a sister and friend again. I have a new way to live and give back whenever I can. I now know what it feels like to live again. Happy, joyful, and free. I have been in recovery two years and two months."
Shellie
"I learned to trust God and to lean not to my own understanding. I learned that I never 'have' to use again, no matter how I feel, what I think, or what external circumstances I'm confronted with. I learned that it is okay to ask for help, and the importance of being honest, humble, and vulnerable with others I trust. I also learned the importance of giving back the love, generosity, open-mindedness, patience, care, compassion, and concern that was given to me. I am the founder and director of Our House of Blessings recovery homes for women who experience challenges related to substance abuse and/or mental health challenges. Helping others gives me purpose and helps me to maintain a healthier lifestyle. I also exercise and eat healthy. I've been clean and in the ongoing process of recovery for 29 years and 9 months. At my lowest point, I was in prison after having walked away from a management career at General Motors, my family, and my career plans because of my crack cocaine addiction. I robbed myself of my dignity, self-respect, self-worth, and sense of self."
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Donica
"I don't use no matter what, one day at a time, 23 years in recovery.
I lost my husband & my oldest daughter; I still didn't use.
I trust God through any and all my affairs."
Francisco
July 1, 2019
"Drug addiction and alcohol were introduced to me at a very young age. I began to make terrible decisions concerning my future and ended up in jail. My family was displaced from the West Town area due to gentrification, and I lost interest in furthering my education and couldn't hold down employment. I relocated multiple times trying to manage my disease. After repeatedly losing everything I owned, my alcoholism and addictions persisted. I was in and out of detox and treatment centers, hitting an endless bottom. I committed senseless crimes, causing harm to others and myself. After getting arrested, I went through St. Anthony's psyche unit, Haymarket, and Salvation Army, eventually arriving at the men's Phoenix House.
From there, I embarked on my journey of recovery through multiple pathways. I found sponsorship, outpatient services, and recovery support, eventually beginning my internship with the CRCC. Today, I go to any lengths to stay sober. I am currently completing one of two internships and hours requirements at the Serenity House in Addison, Illinois."
Gregory
"I learned that recovery was not just about abstinence; it was about repairing the harm I had caused, fostering healthy relationships, and finding purpose in life. Recovery has been a journey of personal growth and determination. Regaining custody of my children is a testament to my perseverance and commitment to their wellbeing. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to rebuild my life, and I am keenly aware of the responsibility to stay the course. My hope is that my story serves as an inspiration to others who might find themselves on a similar path, demonstrating that it's never too late to change and that every step taken towards recovery is a step towards a better life.
The path to recovery was arduous, but I was committed to reclaiming my life. Through rigorous treatment, self-discipline, and continuous support, I battled the grips of addiction that once held me. The substance abuse treatment program was a transformative journey, an experience that taught me to confront my weaknesses and harness my inner strength. One of the greatest tests of my recovery process was fighting to regain custody of my children. I knew I had to demonstrate significant changes in my life to prove my ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for them. Working in close coordination with DCFS, I followed all necessary steps to ensure compliance with their standards. It was a journey filled with various challenges, but my motivation was the unconditional love I have for my children."
Renee
"I've learned to live my life according to spiritual principles. I continue working to improve my relationship with God, always striving to be a better person and kind to all mankind.
I didn't know I needed to stop using until I was in treatment. My low point was living at animalistic levels. I didn't want to look in the mirror anymore.
My mother was in recovery, and that helped me get through my low point."
Carmen
"Today, I'm grateful for my higher power giving me the ability to live one day at a time without the use of drugs. With the help of my fellowship, my sponsor, and the people in my network, I have the ability to stay clean every day. Today, I know how to live and solve problems without using. No problem is too big to overcome, and no issue is too large to be solved. If I stay in the moment and live one day at a time, I am able to make it through this life happier and healthier.
Before coming to recovery, I had reached a state of depression in my life. I was at the point where I thought nothing and no one could help me. I had burned all the bridges with the people who loved me the most. I had disappointed my son. I was almost at the brink of being fired from my job. I was not doing my best even when I was on the job. I needed someone or something to bring me to a place where my life could mean something again. My higher power had been looking over me the whole time, but I just did not know how to acknowledge him being there. I have 9 years, 5 months, and 10 days clean."
Richard
"You may not understand it now, but it's never too late to change your life around. Many have been where you are today.
I thought getting clean was impossible until I became teachable, found a sponsor, and started attending meetings regularly. I quit smoking cigarettes, eat healthily, get plenty of rest, and exercise.
I have been sober since 05/30/1996. I was incarcerated for three weeks in the Oakland, California county jail on May 29, 1996. Narcotics Anonymous helped me cope during this time. Despite previous failures, I knew NA offered an alternative path to a new way of life."
Yolanda
Hi, I'm Yolanda Neeley, and I just celebrated 5 years in recovery on July 22, 2024! 🎉 It hasn't been an easy road, and right now, my biggest challenge is fighting to keep my two youngest children. But with the support of my family, my children, and my unwavering belief in my higher power, I'm determined not to lose this battle.
My advice to anyone still struggling is this: "Stay focused on your sobriety and the outcome you are looking for. There’s a better life waiting for you!" 🙌
Christy
Hi, I’m Christy, and I’ve been in recovery since October 7, 2017. At my lowest point, I hated myself and what my life had become. I drank because I always felt less than, and alcohol helped me escape my thoughts. My life revolved around drinking, and I felt utterly hopeless. The turning point came when I finally surrendered and accepted the help that was offered to me.
Today, I understand that I am completely powerless once I put alcohol or drugs into my system. This realization has been crucial in my recovery journey. I now have a strong relationship with God and have built wonderful connections with people in the recovery program. I’m blessed with two wonderful sons and a loving husband, and I make it a priority to attend meetings regularly. Exercise has also become a significant part of my routine, benefiting my mental, physical, and spiritual health."
Barbra
"Hi, I'm Barbara, and I've been clean for 35 years. I never intended to stay clean this long, but as the days passed, life got so much better that I chose to remain in recovery. I’ve gained a new way to cope with life's challenges—those moments that used to send me running to drugs and alcohol. Now, I make meetings, talk about how I feel, and find hope and the support I need to get through anything. My life is filled with new friends, a sense of purpose, and peace I never knew was possible.
At my lowest point, I was diagnosed as HIV positive, and I thought my life was over. I was devastated, ashamed, and my self-esteem was shattered. But my Higher Power, along with other members in recovery, held my hand and showed me a different perspective. Today, my life is great—I’m retired from a city job, my family loves me, and my husband doesn’t care about my illness; he sees my heart and who I truly am.
Sharing my diagnosis at a meeting was a risk, but I knew I wasn’t alone. The love and acceptance I received from other members has been overwhelming. It’s been over 25 years since that day, and life is truly grand.
Recovery has changed my entire outlook on life. I remain grateful every single day and take it one day at a time. If I can do it, so can you! Recovery works, and it will work for you too."
Bridget
"My name is Bridget, and my clean date is May 12, 2007. God has blessed me with 17 years in this new way of life. If there's one thing I've learned along the way, it's to never give up on yourself. No matter how much you struggle, keep coming back, because you are worth it.
Today, I maintain a healthier lifestyle by taking care of myself—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I stay honest with my sponsor, go to meetings, do my step work, and avoid people and places that don’t feed my spirit. When I don’t know what to do or I’m not feeling my best, I lean on my network for support.
My low point came when I lost my brother, cousin, and nephew—all within a week. It was devastating, but I made it through by sharing, going to meetings, and doing the work. I realized that using wasn’t going to bring them back, and I had to stay strong for myself and for those I love.
Recovery has given me a new life, and if I can get through the darkest times, so can you. Keep showing up for yourself—it works if you work it!" 🙌💜