Client Testimonials

Jennifer, Hope House Residential Graduate & Women’s Transitional Resident: “I'm very grateful to have gotten this opportunity in my life to be a part of Service League and Hope House’s family. I was given this chance to come to the program after struggling for 13 years with an addiction problem, going in and out of jail, being in the streets, losing my jobs and almost losing my ability to be a mother to my two beautiful kids. In the past I’ve tried many other programs but not one was successful nor working for me. On December 12, 2023 I became a client at Hope House residential and being there was like home to me. I grew into the person I am now. Hope House provided so many tools that I use everyday in my life like responsibility, self respect, honor, classes and an opportunity to grow. I’m so happy that I was given this blessing and chance for a better future. Now I am one of the house managers for Hope House transitional housing. I also work for Voices of Recovery and I am a better mother to my kids. I can’t thank all the staff enough that saw potential in me and are still giving me faith to keep it strong in my sobriety.”

Jared, Hope House Men’s Transitional Resident: "When I was released from jail, I didn’t have a clear plan or a stable place to go. Service League gave me that critical foundation by welcoming me into one of their sober living homes. Having a safe and supportive environment made all the difference—it allowed me to focus on my recovery, rebuild structure in my life, and connect with others who were also committed to making positive changes. Living in a sober environment helped me develop accountability, establish healthy routines, and begin to believe in myself again.

I also benefited greatly from the one-on-one bimonthly check-ins with my Service League case manager. Those meetings provided guidance, encouragement, and accountability when I needed it most. My case manager helped me set achievable goals, navigate community resources, and stay on track with my recovery and reentry plan. That consistent support gave me the confidence to keep moving forward, even when challenges came up.

During that time, I was also able to connect with other recovery programs, including Voices of Recovery San Mateo County, which helped me continue to grow and give back. The stability and guidance that the Service League provided gave me the foundation to rebuild my life and inspired me to dedicate my career to helping others who are walking the same path I once did. I am really proud of how far I have come."

Christina, Hope House Residential Graduate & Women’s Transitional Resident: "I was introduced to the Service League while in San Mateo County Jail through a program called Hope Inside. At that time, I had lost my parents and both of my brothers to addiction and felt completely broken, hopeless, and alone. Through Hope Inside, I began to feel human again. The kindness I received, simple things like glasses, court clothes, and Christmas cards, but more importantly, compassion and encouragement, planted the first seed of hope that maybe I could start over. After my release, I entered Residential Treatment at Hope House, where I began the real work of healing. I learned to live sober, face my grief, and believe in myself again. Transitional Housing helped me rebuild my independence, repair relationships with my family, and discover a purpose in helping others. Today, I am over two years clean and sober, in college pursuing a degree in Social Science in the Addiction Studies Program, and proud to work for the Service League of San Mateo, the same organization that helped save my life. Every day I get to give back what was so freely given to me, and for that, I am honored and deeply grateful."

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."