A Safe Place to Begin Again: Audrey’s Journey to Get Her Life Back

When Audrey arrived at Healthy House for Women she knew her life needed to change. After trying to get clean many times before, she decided to give Healthy House a try.

“This was my first time trying sober living, and I wish I would’ve done it sooner,” said Audrey. She came in ready to do the work to get sober, in part due to the help the organization provides that “really prepares you for living a clean, sober, and independent life.” Audrey spent 16 months at the House working toward sobriety. During her time there, Healthy House helped Audrey build a life where her recovery was a first priority.

“[Healthy House] makes meetings, building your recovery family, and sponsorship top priorities,” said Audrey. Having that foundation, in addition to nutrition education, therapy, and financial coaching, helped her become self-sufficient during her stay. Audrey also noted that Pam Coffey, the founder of Healthy House, has done a beautiful job creating a space for women in recovery.

Former House Manager, Marsha “Shay” Pounds, remembers when Audrey first arrived. “She had just come from another treatment center and her main goal was to stay in recovery and reestablish a relationship with her mom," said Pounds. Audrey became very dedicated to her recovery, consistently attending meetings and became a support system for other women in the house, according to Pounds.

Audrey has been out of the program for nine months and has had many successes since moving out. After leaving Healthy House, she was able to resume her career as a vet assistant, buy a car, and restore relationships with her family.

When asked what advice she would give someone considering Healthy House her answer was simple, “Do it. Throw yourself into it. Take advantage of every single thing they offer you.”

To this day Audrey uses many of the tools she learned at Healthy House, such as keeping a schedule, budgeting and prioritizing self-care as valuable habits she uses daily. She has even tried implementing a chore list at home, like women have at the house, “that’s the first thing I tried getting everybody to do.”

Audrey recently celebrated 26 months clean and is enjoying a restored life. “I’m in the best relationship ever, the one I’ve spent my whole adult life dreaming about,” said Audrey. “I never thought I’d be able to get my life back, let alone to the extent I have.”

If you or someone you know needs support contact us at info@healthyhouseforwomen.org for more information.