Izzy

After graduating from a long-term treatment program, I first went to a leadership institute as a form of transitional housing. I stayed there for almost six months, and while I loved being close to that community, I personally needed more support than I was receiving there. I needed help figuring out where I was going to work, how to meet probation requirements, and how to manage all the responsibilities I was suddenly facing. I had a lot on my plate and no one walking through it with me one-on-one.

Knowing Mindy Mueller through my recovery community felt like a safe next step. It allowed me to stay connected to that “bubble” while moving into a place where I could receive more individualized support. I talked with her, and that’s how I ended up moving here.
 

The Support That Made a Difference

Since coming here, I’ve accomplished so much. One of the biggest supports for me has been Chloe, the PRSS. She has been incredible. She helped me with transportation—getting me everywhere I needed to go for my GED, probation appointments, church, meetings, and everything else that kept me on track and connected to the community.

I’ve also needed a lot of space and stability to manage online responsibilities. I’ve been preparing for a new job, taking probation classes, studying for my GED, and attending virtual meetings. Having a quiet, peaceful place with internet and a flexible schedule has been essential.

The 30-day acclimation period when I first moved in was incredibly helpful. I was able to sit down with Mindy, Chloe, JP, and others to really slow down, understand expectations, and create a clear plan. Knowing exactly how they could walk alongside me made a huge difference.

Whenever something comes up that I need to accomplish, there’s always someone willing to help. Even when I didn’t have transportation, Mindy took me to one of my tests. Until I get a car, they’re helping me get to work. It’s very much a “whatever you need to move forward, we’ll help you do it” environment.

Through being here and connecting with people, I was also able to pursue the job I really wanted. I worked hard and eventually secured an internship with AmeriCorps at the office where JP works, which has been such an exciting opportunity.
 

Emotional Support and Community

Beyond the tangible support, the emotional support here has been just as important. Before coming here, I didn’t really have close mentorship or deep connection. That was something I really wanted, and coming here exceeded anything I imagined.

I’ve gotten to know Mindy well through one-on-one time, and she’s incredibly inspirational. I’ve also built close relationships with Chloe, Chrissy, Jen, JP, and others—many of whom have gone through similar journeys. Being surrounded by people who understand and have lived it has been powerful.

This has honestly been the best house by a landslide. There’s a strong sense of sisterhood—small gatherings, Bible studies, and that attitude of “I love you, and I’m always praying for you,” but in a more personal, relational way. That has been incredibly meaningful to me.
 

Looking Ahead

I’ve lived here for about eight months now. I’ll likely stay close to a year as I prepare to move into staff housing with my husband. My focus right now is getting a vehicle so I can fully maintain my job before transitioning.

Before recovery, I never imagined I had many possibilities. I didn’t think I was capable of much, and I assumed I would work entry-level jobs forever. Walking through sobriety and meeting people who have taken so many different paths showed me that there are so many options I never knew existed.

Now, I have a strong desire to work in recovery and community—church communities, recovery communities, sisterhood. Figuring out how to turn that into a career is something I never would have imagined when I was younger.
 

Why Transitional Housing Matters

If I hadn’t had this buffering period with such a strong support network and positive influences, I honestly don’t know if I would have been successful. Stepping down gradually—from inpatient treatment to transitional housing with high levels of support—has made all the difference.

Without it, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to dream bigger or pursue things like marriage, family, a career, or independence. I don’t know that I would have seen the bigger picture or had the willingness to aim for it.

I am incredibly grateful—especially for Mindy. I don’t think I would have even moved into sober living if I couldn’t come here first. I was terrified of leaving treatment. Knowing her, trusting her faith and her understanding of recovery, gave me the courage to take that next step. And that step has been such a blessing.

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