Client Testimonials

Henry, 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.

Heather, Hope House Residential Treatment & 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.