Recovery Stories

My name is Jenny and I am a woman in Long Term Recovery from Substance Use and Mental health disorder. What that means to me is that I have not used substances, alcohol, or had a debilitating mental health relapse in over five years. This is nothing short of a miracle for me. Watching my parents crumble under the weight of Substance Use and Mental health issues has exposed me to the reality of stigma begins at very young age. I have cycled through foster care, institutions, and jails for most of my childhood and until the age of 34. I was finally was given the opportunity to participate in a treatment court program instead of going to state prison. This was a true blessing! During that time i became a college student, a voter and employable. This program has saved my life and my story serves as a powerful example that we cannot arrest our way out of addiction and Mental illness. Today I am a forensic Peer support specialist, mother, and Executive Director of a Recovery Community Organization in my hometown. There is so much restoration and hope in recovery and I am so very thankful to have made it out of the throws of my addiction and into this beautiful recovery movement that is so full of love . #RECOVERYHAPPENS #GRACEWINS #NO MORE SHAME

Lovingly, Jennifer Colon Executive Director Recovery Community Connection