In Recovery Since 9/15/2021

My name is Janel, and I am a person in recovery. I was in recovery for 3 ½ years before losing my little brother to suicide in 2019. I had a re-occurrence of use shortly after, and from there I lost everything. My brother, my home, my kids, my self-worth, my hair … my SELF. It was truly the darkest time of my life. There are no words to even describe how awful it was. I ended up living in a tent in the woods for 8 months. I was so lost. I knew I wanted things to change, but I didn’t know where to start. I thought I had too much wrong with me and that I was broken beyond repair. I was a lost cause, or so I thought. When I first came to New Life Mission in MO it was the first time in so long that someone was actually happy to see me. That was such an amazing feeling. I felt loved just for being ME despite how badly I screwed up my life – and the lives of so many people that I loved (my kids and family). New Life Mission Inn – MO has helped me in so many ways. Being a child of trauma, I had no idea what healthy coping skills even looked like, let alone how to implement them into my life. I was sick and I needed and wanted help but was to ashamed to admit it to anyone…but New Life Mission in MO made me feel comfortable and told me it was okay. They listened and truly cared about me. WOW! How great that feeling is compared to the darkness that I had been in for so long. They helped me help myself. Their recovery programs, along with attending NA meetings, has truly been a gift. I am now 13 months in recovery from any mind-altering substances and I thank God everyday for the life that I now have, and for my amazing recovery family. That is exactly who New Life Mission in MO is for me – family! They have helped me regain so much of my life back. Through their programs, I now have my drivers license reinstated, a job, a home, my kids are now back with me, but most of all, I have my SELF. Thank you, New Life. I lost my way for a long time, but they helped me find my way back and this new life that I am living is better than I could have ever imagined. Recovery is Possible!