Voices of Hope – Rachel H.

I struggled with drug addiction for 8 years wanting to live a sober life. I felt like I was stuck on a merry-go-round, thinking I wasn’t worthy. I tried everything from outpatient to medicated assisted treatment, but nothing worked, until I committed myself to 100 days of residential rehab at Gateway. After successfully completing the inpatient program in March, I wanted to stay of the streets and keep my momentum going, so I enrolled in the Ready4Work program. And I’m so glad I did.

Not only did Operation New Hope help with transitional housing, transportation, and job placement, they have provided so much support. While going through the program, my mom passed away, and the very next day, my wallet was stolen. My mental health counselor has checked in on me almost daily, helping me work through my grief and loss. And my case manager helped me get a replacement driver’s license and social security card, so I was able to start work.

I worried that because of my prior arrest I would never amount to anything and I would never achieve my goal of becoming a nurse. But everyone at Operation New Hope has been so great and helped me realize that’s not the case. The Employment Services team really listened to who I am and worked with me tailor my resume to fit my goals. We researched my prior charge and found that I can pass a level 2 background check, so I can continue on my nursing career path.

I have been sober 11 months now, and I’m reconnecting with my dad and two daughters. I’ve been working at Amazon since July and was able to save enough to buy a car. There’s a program at work called Career Choice, and Amazon will pay 95% of my tuition after I’ve been working there for a year. I’m looking forward to starting school again, and it feels so good to know that I’m finally the success I should be. I have so much hope now.