When I came to the Journey Home, I had no life in my eyes and no color in my face. I was a walking
zombie. I was buried six feet under and suffocating more every day. I had no hope. I had accepted
that I would forever be a drain on society, but what pissed me off even more was that I knew I had
a lot to offer. I had compromised my own morals and values by diving head first into the underworld
of drugs and alcohol, and this lifestyle could be pinned on one person, or so I thought. See all during
my addiction, I loved to blame everyone and everything around me for my problems. It did not matter
that I made a mess of my life as a result of my actions and decisions. If everything was everyone
else’s fault then how was I to take control of my life? Well, this is where the Journey Home came into
play. The staff here will never give up on you, and I have watched many girls try. It has been hard
pulling out years of pushed down emotions and memories, but well worth it. I do not walk around feeling
sick anymore. I have self-confidence and boundaries. I no longer see myself as an object, or other
people for that matter. I am far from perfect, but I am not six feet under.
Ashlee, 23
I’ve been at the Journey Home for nine and a half months. I was very mad and lonely when I
first arrived here. I received so much love from my group as well as from all of the staff.
For the first time since I was 12, I made real friends. I finally found the sense of belonging
I was looking for through drugs here with my Higher Power and real friends. Miracles have happened
to me here. I never imagined I would achieve 11 months sober. I feel safe and cared for at the
Journey Home, and I’ve made it through pain I could never have faced on my own. The Journey Home
and God saved my life and I am truly grateful. I have hope.
Anonymous, 18—Texas
Before I got to the Journey Home, all aspects of my life were out of control. My relationship
with myself and my family were strained. But with a lot of love from the people here, I was able
to learn how to become a better person. My stay here had a lot of ups and downs, but I stayed
and am now a new person with hope! If it wasn’t for The Journey Home, I would be lost! Every
minute of every day I am grateful for the love and support I receive her.
Maureen, 19
3 years, 4 months Sober
I came here hopeless and unwilling. I’ve gained confidence and love for myself. It works, it really
does. It takes time, but it’s worth it. Don’t ever give up.
Anonymous, 19—Cleveland, Ohio
Before I came to the Journey Home, I can honestly say that my life was a wreck. I thought I
knew it all before I got here. Now being at the Journey Home, I can say that my life has taken
a turn for the best. I have learned and earned so much since I have been at the Journey Home.
I got my High School diploma by the grace of God and I couldn’t or wouldn’t have got it without
being here. That is such a big accomplishment for me. That was all I dreamed about and it has
happened. I have had my good, but also bad times while being here, and I have learned good lessons
from them all. I have got such a great connection with God and a heck of a lot of pride. I am very
grateful for the Journey Home. This place has been my guardian angel. And I thank God every day for
being here.
Anonymous, 19—Ohio
This makes my third treatment center, and I know I’ll never find one that compares to the Journey
Home. When I got here, I was devastated and broken. I had lost everything. I was on the verge of
dying, and facing years in prison. Thanks to the Journey Home, my program and my Higher Power, I’m
getting my life back. I’ve made real friends at the Journey Home and people that love and care about
me. I’ve found hope. The Journey Home has shown me a new way of life and I’ve changed in ways that
I never thought that I would.
Anonymous, 23—West Virginia
Before coming to the Journey Home, my life was in shambles. I was utterly hopeless. I had no
relationship with my family. I had been in a string of abusive relationships and had been hospitalized
twice due to my drug use. Now, I talk to my mom almost every day. My family is proud to have me at
family functions. I now have a full time job and am going back to school. I owe it all to the loving
staff at the Journey Home. There is not one other place on this earth that I think could’ve helped me
and my family the way they have. We are eternally grateful.
Emily, 24—Indiana
The Journey Home has made a remarkable change in my life. Not only did I learn how to stay sober,
I learned how to live again. Through facing the fears that many alcoholics go through each day, I
am finally able to grow up and be a responsible adult. And after staying 15 months at the Journey
Home and graduating, I still come back once a week for Alumni group. See, many of the girls that
graduate decide to get an apartment or house in the area so that we already know a group of girls
our age in sobriety that we also lived with. I also have been able to have a healthy relationship
with my family. I absolutely LOVE what the Journey Home can do.
Kristen, 26