Personal Stories

Mike: Living a Full and Healthy Life in Recovery

“One of the best things about being at Milestone Manor is that I have self-esteem again. I believe in myself.” Mike’s story is one that is familiar to those who have struggled with both mental health and substance abuse issues. Except this is a story about success: Mike completed his program at Milestone Manor, a… Read More

A Memorial to a Longtime Supported Housing Resident

RISE Housing and Support Services memorializes a longtime Supported Housing resident, Harold, who passed away this past summer. Harold moved into the Supported Housing Program in 1994 where he lived a full and robust life. Harold is described as a kind person with a gentle soul and was well liked by Supported Housing Staff. Amy… Read More

Christina: Victory Through Recovery

“If you really want recovery, Hedgerow House has a lot to offer to help you achieve it” RISE Housing and Support Services continues to observe National Recovery Month by celebrating Christina, a Hedgerow House graduate, for successfully maintaining her sobriety since completing the program last November. Christina is very proud of her accomplishment and credits… Read More

Kendra and Lee: Celebrating their Recovery

RISE Housing and Support Services is observing National Recovery Month during the month of September by celebrating the people in RISE Programs who are successfully maintaining their mental health and sobriety.   “Our mutual love of music is a very therapeutic part of our friendship. We spend a lot time listening to music together. It… Read More

Jigsaw Puzzles, Coloring, and Me

I love the post “How Crayons Saved My Life: Art & Recovery” because 1) I love to color and 2) it was such a simple technique employed by The Giving Gallery’s founder and CEO, Amanda Lipp, to help in the management of her mental health journey. As an artist, I craved for a creative outlet that could help me… Read More

New Beginnings: Kevin’s Post

When my family and I first moved to Saratoga Springs in 2008 our temporary housing was in a hotel. We were there for three months and got to know the staff quite well, especially Kevin who worked at the front desk. When we moved into our house we remained friends with Kevin and he was… Read More

Lucinda: RISE Healthy Housing

RISE Housing and Support Services Residents are invited to share their experiences in the various RISE Programs at the Annual Board Retreat held each year in January. Lucinda, who had been a RISE Resident for two years, shared at the 2019 Retreat about how RISE helped obtain and maintain her mental health.   “Good evening,”… Read More