Sanctuary Centers has come into many lives unexpectedly.
I found Sanctuary when I was walking a long and painful journey alone. I’ll always be grateful for that journey because it got me to where I am today—where I’m happy, healthy, and back to doing what I want to do. Here’s how:
A Circular Journey
In 2018, I was staring addiction in the face. I didn’t like what I saw.
My bad decisions were starting to catch up with me and eventually I got into trouble with the law. The courts and my parole officer told me to look into Sanctuary Centers to make things right.
When I arrived, my immediate reaction was that it felt like a supportive environment, which is exactly what I needed. It felt like a good fit. So, I signed up for outpatient classes and met with counselors. I started to build a foundation for my recover.
But then the worst happened. I relapsed. And I relapsed again.
I felt terrible about the progress I wasn’t making.
Breaking the Cycle
Finally, I decided to grab the bull by the horns and get my life together. But I knew this was easier said than done. I felt terrible about myself and the way I left the program, like I’d disappointed everyone.
I called Sanctuary Centers’ Assistant Clinical Director Christina Grabowsky to see if there was anything I could do to get back on track.
She told me, “Of course you can come back… the doors are always open.”
Because I felt like a failure, hearing these words was so important to me. The staff at Sanctuary Centers was always so encouraging. I felt their support and an accountability to them for all their hard work. When she told me Sanctuary Centers would always receive me with open arms, I thought top myself, “I’ll be okay… these are understanding people, these are good people. Once again, I am in the right place.”
Sanctuary Centers took me in while I really needed it and nobody knew what I was going through.
A New Leaf
I reenrolled and completed the Co-Occurring Disorders program in early 2019.
Turning over a new leaf, I was ready to get back into my life. To be present. I started looking for jobs while continuing to come in for outpatient.
I got the call back to come in and interview with a mental health care clinic! I was so stressed about my interview, but I learned the coping mechanisms I learned in group to help calm and center myself. I was called in to interview on Friday. I didn’t know how it went…
And I got the job!
They told me my first day would be was Wednesday, and it was already Monday. I centered myself and prepared for my new journey, just days away. That Friday, my boss pulled me aside. I feared the worst, thinking maybe I didn’t pass my background checks. That maybe I was going to be fired because of my record. I left my anxiety get the best of me, but they just wanted to see my completed program certificate from Sanctuary Centers…
… a certificate from Sanctuary Centers was enough!
Putting into Practice
I started at the Integrated Care Clinic, a medical, dental and behavioral health center all in one.
Because of my background, I am familiar with the clients and their unique set of problems. I understand them and I have compassion because I’ve been there. All of the skills I learned at Sanctuary Centers helped me get here. And I am so happy where I am.
The staff is so understanding and compassionate with me—constantly motivating me and helping me to do better. I am grateful and blessed to have found the program. The broken me is now repaired. I will forever be grateful to the Sanctuary Staff for giving me the glue to put together the broken pieces of me….
Now, I don’t have to be ashamed of my story. I am proud of my progress. And my children, and grandchildren, are too!
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This is a story is from a former Sanctuary client turned Sanctuary staff and is published anonymously.
If you, or your loved one, need some extra attention, don’t hesitate to reach out at 805-569-2785.
We are here for you.
