Testimonials
"I used to be a fentanyl user. I would need to use not to get me high, but just so I could feel normal and so I could function and go to work. I found out six months into my pregnancy that I was pregnant with a boy. I only had three months to both get sober and prepare for my son to be born. I attempted to get clean multiple times and failed. Five days before my son was born, I had quit again cold turkey. Unfortunately, when he was born he was withdrawing from fentanyl. It took four or five days for his withdrawals to go away, and he almost had to get administered morphine to help his withdrawals. Luckily, they went away before that was needed. CPS got involved and I was threatened to have my son taken away. Fortunately, I had a strong supportive family who agreed to help supervise me and the baby so CPS agreed to allow me to take him home.
"After graduating Hope House, I had a completely new vision for my life. I put my son in preschool and registered myself in community college. I transferred to University of San Francisco where I earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management, and went on to earn a master's degree in Community Health and Prevention Research from Stanford University's School of Medicine. Today, I have 10 years clean, I work in the School of Nursing at USF, I have been teaching health-related classes to incarcerated women for the past 5 years, and I think of Hope House often. I truly believe I'm where I am today because Hope House gave me a safe place to organize my thoughts, and a solid foundation to rebuild my life." - Alex, Hope House Residential Treatment Graduate. Read Alex's full story here.
"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."- Christina, 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.” - Jennifer, Hope House Residential Graduate & Women’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." - Jared, 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." - Stanley, Men’s Transitional Resident
"Hope House has helped me successfully sober up and helped me get on medical assisted therapy, which helps me with cravings and withdrawals. They’ve also provided an extremely supportive staff and environment for me to flourish in my recovery and in learning how to become a good mother. Hope House has also introduced me to NA meetings, sponsors and introduced me to the 12 steps of recovery which has immensely helped me. This program has given me a lot of hope that I can remain sober and live a productive life. Since coming to Hope House, my CPS case has improved greatly. Hope House is the reason I have my son here in the program with me." - Jen, Hope House Residential Client
"I remember getting to the Hope House around lunch time and being amazed at the food they had to eat. Then I was led to my room. Here I was, sitting on a bed with a real mattress and a dust ruffle. No longer did I have to lie on a metal bunk with a thin sheet and no pillow. Every day just kept getting better. I appreciated everything that was given to me and constantly prayed, thanking God for the second chance he had given me. The staff at Hope House immediately took me under their wing. They loved me when I could not love myself and brought me out of the worst situation that anyone could ever find themselves in: the feeling of hopelessness. For this I will be forever indebted to them." - Jamila, Hope House Residential Graduate
“I live in Mike’s house, transitional housing for men. I have been there for a while and they have not given up on me. I am still having difficulty getting used to my depression medications, so it is hard for me to move ahead too fast. I have been in and out of jail and have struggled with my addiction for nine years. Luckily, I have not taken anything for almost seven months and I am working part-time. Because of everything going on right now, I have been laid off from my job. They are working with me to find another one and have been supportive every step of the way. Without their housing program I would be on the streets.” - Jack, Men's Transitional Resident
“When I entered the Hope House I had literally had no hope. I took a chance because I felt I had nothing else to lose. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. It has been 4 years now and my life is so different. I have been clean and sober, I’m working and I got my daughter back. I never would have thought all of this was even possible. Hope House was there when I needed help the most and they helped me change my life.” - Maria, Hope House Residential Graduate
“I would not have been able to accomplish all I have in the past six years if I hadn't had the opportunity to live in the men's Transitional Houses. I was there for two years and was able to save for a car, which allowed me to get a better job and go to school part time. I just celebrated six years of sobriety! I am still working as I am an essential worker and I am grateful every day. Even though I graduated five years ago, knowing the Hope House staff is there for me has helped me stay on my path in recovery.” - Paul, Men's Transitional Resident
“Hope House was instrumental in providing my son and I a safe place to begin to build a foundation for our recovery. I am eternally grateful to God and the Hope House for allowing our story to be a powerful testimony of what hope, love and grace can do." - Jenelle, Hope House Residential Graduate
"I just want to thank the Service League and Hope House for all your help and support. I have been five years clean and sober. I have my family back in my life. I have an amazing job and, most importantly, I can truly say that I love myself today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do for all of us!" - Joe, Men's Transitional Resident
"I'm not sure where I would be if not for the Hope House. I came here at the beginning of the COVID and you guys helped me get on my feet, and most importantly gave me a fighting chance at a beautiful life. You guys have gone above and beyond to help me and I just want to say thank you so much." - Carlos, Men's Transitional Resident
“My name is Ashley, I am currently living in Service League's transitional housing for women after completing nearly four months of intensive residential treatment for addiction. At 31, I was hospitalized; I was very physically and spiritually ill as a result of years tangled up with substance abuse. Without Service League, I do not believe that I would have made it to my next birthday. I turned 32 in the Hope House program with a renewed faith in myself and with a bright hope for the future. I am so proud to be a Hope House woman and a part of the Service League community. I have made lifelong connections and the compassion, support, and knowledge I was given has restored my life to the fullest.” - Ashley, Hope House Resident
"I am so grateful for your contributions for this amazing foundation. I'm truly blessed to have a second chance at life." - Tyler, Men's Hope House Transitional Resident
“I want to say thank you for the best help that anyone can get. You have opened up a door to life for me by allowing me to live in a clean and sober home. While I was there, I learned how to believe in myself and was able to get my life together. I also became the House Manager and was able to give back. Living in Mike's house for five years was the best thing that happened for me. I'm out now living in my own one-bedroom apartment and I’ve been clean and sober for 13 years. I am very grateful for you guys.” - Jimmy G., Hope House Transitional Graduate
