Back in 2014, Amanda’s life took a pivotal turn when she started working with a counselor after a DUI. Reflecting on that time, Amanda shares, “I was at rock bottom. I didn’t know if I could ever climb out of the deep hole I’d dug myself into, but my counselor offered me hope—a lifeline through harm reduction.”
For almost a decade, Amanda diligently attended counseling sessions, each one a small step forward on her journey toward sobriety. “It wasn’t easy,” she recalls, “but my counselor provided me with the tools and support I needed to keep going, one day at a time.” However, it wasn’t until three years ago that Amanda faced her biggest challenge. “That day, when my daughter saw me being arrested, it was like a wake-up call,” she admits. “I knew I had to change. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her for good.”
Determined to turn her life around, Amanda committed to getting sober. She did community service at the Turning Point Center as part of her journey. Initially hesitant, Amanda soon discovered a welcoming community and a harm-reduction approach with the end goal of sobriety that resonated with her deeply. “The Turning Point Center became my haven,” she explains. “It was the first place I felt truly understood and supported.”
Through her experiences at the Center, Amanda’s transformation took root. Amanda’s journey has come full circle, from completing her community service to leading the Outreach program. “The Center didn’t just change my life—it helped to save it,” she declares with gratitude. “Without their support and the learning opportunities provided, I don’t know where I’d be today.”
In her work, Amanda shares how her experiences have shaped her life. “Connecting with individuals struggling with addiction out in the community has become my passion,” she explains. “I know firsthand how daunting it can be to take that first step towards recovery, so I strive to offer hope and support for others.”
Amanda strives daily to build trust and rapport with those she encounters in the Center or on the streets through her outreach efforts. “Trust is key,” she emphasizes. “Many individuals battling addiction have been let down or judged in the past. So, I approach each interaction with empathy and understanding, letting them know I’ve been where they are and how difficult it is to overcome addiction.”
Amanda’s ability to relate to others’ struggles enables her to break down barriers and invite them to the Turning Point Center. “I share my story openly and honestly,” she says. “And I reassure them that they’re not alone in their journey. There’s a community of support waiting for them at the Center.”
Through her compassionate approach, Amanda has witnessed countless individuals take that courageous step through the Center’s doors. “It’s gratifying to see someone go from feeling lost and hopeless to finding a sense of belonging and purpose,” she says with a smile. “And knowing that I played a part in that transformation is what fuels my commitment to this work every day.”
As Amanda continues her outreach efforts, she remains dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction. “Recovery is possible for anyone willing to take that first step,” she affirms. “And I’ll be there, every step of the way, to offer support, guidance, and hope.”
Amanda reflects on her journey and offers a message of hope to others struggling with addiction: “Recovery is possible, but it’s not easy. Find the support you need, whether it’s through counseling, peer groups, or places like the Turning Point Center. And never give up on yourself. You’re worth the fight.”
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