Client Testimonials

Stanley, Hope House Men’s Transitional Resident: "I have struggled with sadness, depression and addiction for over forty years. I was born into a family of addiction. I had fetal alcohol syndrome at birth, so I can say I have been in addiction my entire life. Raised around drugs and alcohol for the first fifteen years of my life was a constant struggle. 

For the last forty years I have completed 13 residential treatments programs. The first 12 did not work for me due to my deep desire to end my life. In the last forty years, I have had eight attempts on my own life. The last time I came out of life support I saw my daughter Christina sitting in the chair with her head down. I tapped on the bed frame to let her know I was awake. My daughter looked at me with the saddest crying eyes I have ever seen and I sank into the bed. I did not know that she was told to start preparing as I was not expected to survive. I was defeated right then and right there. God gave me this final chance to get it right and used my daughter to get my attention. I knew right then that I was done.

I went to detox at Palm Avenue and was then able to enter a local treatment program, Our Common Ground. I was in residential treatment for three months and then I came to Hope House Transitional. I have known about Hope House for a few years. I knew people who had utilized their services and are doing well. For the last six months I have lived in one of the houses, I attend Intensive Outpatient Treatment while I have been looking for a job. One thing that I like most about Hope House is meeting on Mondays with our Case Manager for our weekly house meeting. It gives me a chance to check in and discuss how I am feeling. I have lived in other transitional places, but none ever had this weekly meeting. I do my chores daily and I clean up immediately after I make a mess. I am honored to do this.

I recently was offered a job with BHRS/Service Connect of San Mateo County as a Peer Specialist. I have accepted the position and I am waiting to start working. I have been motivated during my entire stay here at Hope House and I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity to better my life. I am also honored to share my story with you. Thank you so much Service League/Hope House for everything that you have done to assist me with my transformation."

Lesieli, Hope House Residential Graduate & Transitional Housing Resident: Lesieli enrolled in the Hope House's Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program in late 2023 after she relapsed. “I knew that if I didn't check myself into a program, I would spiral and it would become so much worse. In past rehab programs, I didn't participate and take suggestions like I should have. This time going into a program, I made a conscious decision to be more open to suggestions. Hope House was a great fit because of its structure and stability. While I was there, I saw the Hope House therapist and learned that I needed to see a psychiatrist. I still continue to see them since graduating from the program.” While in the program, Lesieli found her first sponsor and learned to put her recovery first. She particularly liked cooking family style meals for the other residents in the Hope House kitchen, learning about women's health issues in Hope House's gender specific Health Education classes and Nutrition classes, working out daily in the Wellness Center, attending the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and going on local hikes. After Lesieli graduated from the Hope House SUD program in January 2024 she moved to one of the Service League’s transitional homes. “It’s amazing to have a safe place to come home to, with accountability. It’s given me a new outlook on who I want to be and where I want to go." She is currently working at a local non-profit and is enrolled in school to complete her Substance Abuse SUD counseling certificate. She would like to help others who are struggling with substances live a healthy and fulfilling life. Lesieli has mended relationships with her family and continues to attend local meetings, including the weekly alumni meeting at Hope House.

Heather, Hope House Residential & Transitional Housing Graduate: "I started using drugs at 14. I had no idea that this choice would lead to a path of suffering, loss of self, and a loss of freedom. Over the next decade, I found myself in a continuous cycle of imprisonment, frequently in and out of treatment facilities, struggling to break free from the grip of addiction. My life had fallen apart and I resorted to committing crimes just to eat and find a place to sleep. One of the crimes I committed was shoplifting, and I was caught. While I was at the Maple Street jail, I did everything I could to find a program that would accept me. Eventually, I had a Zoom assessment with two incredible women, Janice and Karen, who made a profound impact on my recovery at my lowest point. Their kindness during that interview was incredibly comforting, especially when they asked if I had any questions for them. As a woman behind bars feeling hopeless, their inquiry made me feel like I mattered. A week later, I received the acceptance letter in my cell. My gratitude for that simple acceptance grew immensely. I vowed to give that program my all, committing 110% to my recovery.

From the moment I walked through the doors of Hope House, I was met with incredible support. My time at Hope House flew by, but it gave me the chance I needed to build the confidence necessary for my next phase. I applied for the Transitional Housing Program - an opportunity that truly saved me - and worked closely with Janice, the director of Hope House, who helped me apply for a volunteer opportunity with Voices of Recovery. When I moved into transitional housing just down the street from Hope House, I went straight to Voices of Recovery. Not only did I find a safe place to stay, but I also had the chance for personal development and professional growth. Today, I’m a Certified Peer Support Specialist and the Outreach Coordinator for the organization, serving as a role model for my colleagues.

Through this journey, I discovered that the support I needed came from within. I learned that all I truly needed was to love myself, and that realization has been life-changing. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people who support the Service League - for the kindness and support and donation you offer, which helps people like me rise from difficult circumstances to share our stories. My journey out of addiction is a testament to the invaluable services you provide to our community. To the staff of Service League, each of you plays a crucial role in guiding us toward the help we seek and empowering us to build brighter futures for ourselves. Thank you all for your dedication and compassion."