Personal Stories

Renee: How Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Turned Her Life Around

After a year and a half on AOT, Renee  is successfully regaining the independence she lost when she experienced an increase in her mental health symptoms. She is working towards obtaining her own apartment in the community and she has hopes of becoming a certified peer counselor so that she can help others like her succeed.… Read More

Spotlight on Timothy

Each month RISE recognizes an individual in one of our programs who has made exceptional progress towards meeting their goals. This month our spotlight is on Timothy. In the RISE Community Residences, our staff work with the residents on setting and attaining short and long-term goals directed toward more independent living. One of the residents, Timothy, has… Read More

Mary: Celebrating Eight Years in Recovery from Alcohol

Mary, a former Hedgerow House, and Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) resident, recently celebrated her 8th year in recovery from alcohol and works full time as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at SunRISE Retreat Intensive Crisis Residence. “Mary’s success is incredible,” says Melodie Masterson, Mary’s former PSAP Counselor. “She started her journey towards becoming an… Read More

Spotlight on Michael and Ryan

Each month RISE recognizes an individual in one of our programs who has made exceptional progress towards meeting their goals. This month our spotlight is on Michael and Ryan. They moved into the Dominic Treatment Apartments last Spring and they have been successful in living independently there for the past year! We congratulate their success!… Read More

Jess: Celebrating Three Years of Sobriety from Alcohol

My name is Jess. I’m a thriving 26-year-old living independently in a Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) apartment. I am currently sober and in recovery, but I have battled my whole life with my mental health and with substance use addiction. I grew up in Daytona beach Florida. When I was 4 years old, I… Read More

Spotlight on Carol

Each month RISE recognizes an individual in one of our programs who has made exceptional progress towards meeting their goals. This month our spotlight is on Carol, a former RISE resident, was a gifted and talented artist. We fondly remember her and her beautiful artwork. At RISE we encourage artistic pursuits as an effective means to… Read More

Spotlight on Amanda

Each month RISE recognizes an individual in one of our programs who has made exceptional progress towards meeting their goals. This month our spotlight is on Amanda who has been in RISE Programs for over ten years. She shares, “One of the things I am most proud about is that I have not been hospitalized… Read More

Advocate Follows Recovery from Addiction with Mentorship

This story and video was published on the Spectrum News Website.   In his late teens, Joe Cavallo’s life took a dark turn. A traumatic experience pushed him towards substance use and isolation, and legal troubles only added to his struggles. But at a crucial turning point, he found hope in an unexpected place: Hedgerow… Read More

Owen Virgilio: How LBGTQ+ Prejudices Affects Mental Health

Owen Virgilio, Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) Counselor, shares his story of being a transman and how prejudices against LBGTQ+ individuals affect his mental health. I am open and proud to be a transman, but the prejudices we in the LBGTQ+ community face have affected my mental health. In the past I’ve faced prejudices at… Read More

Tommy D – Celebrating His Recovery During Alcohol Awareness Month

Tommy D – celebrating his recovery during Alcohol Awareness Month. Tommy D is a former resident and current relief staff at Hedgerow House. He is excited to share his recovery story from alcohol and about how Hedgerow House continues to help maintain his recovery.