Randi & Poe:
I cannot even put into a few paragraphs about how strongly I feel for Dignity House and what it has done for me. Words could never explain. I remember when I first came to Dignity House and how scared I was being that it was a new environment for me for I had been born and raised in Ohio and knew nothing besides that. However, I was able to adjust to the change fairly quickly because the atmosphere and energy was so pleasant from the start. It began to feel like my home away from home with the cozy atmosphere and the family energy created by the girls that were present at the house and the both of you. With such a pleasant environment, it allowed me to focus on my recovery from drugs and alcohol much easier.
The treatment center I went to showed me how to put down the drugs and alcohol while Dignity House showed me how to live, function and become part of life without drugs and alcohol. With the structure and ruled in the house I was able to learn responsibility. I learned how to take care of myself. I learned how to be a good employee, daughter, sister and friend by learning how to mend those dear relationships that drugs and alcohol destroyed. I was able to learn how to play with others and form relationships with girls inside and outside the house that I can say are some of the best friendships that I have ever had in my life. I learned ho to manage my money without running a bank account into the ground like I did while using. I learned how to pay bills and make responsible money decisions, which was something that my parents always did for me in the past. I managed to make it through the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, which has gave me a strong connection with God today, an awareness about myself that I could never have obtained with drugs and alcohol in my life, as well as the ability to help other struggling addicts and alcoholics. I am able to help other women, especially, which is a key aspect to keeping my sobriety.
By the time I moved out of Dignity House and into my own apartment, again something I had never accomplished in the past, I can honestly say that I became a woman that has dignity. My self-esteem and confidence is at one of its highest peaks and I love myself today. I am happy and very blessed and would not possess any of these qualities if I had never followed through with the decision to remain sober. I believe I never would have learned to remain sober if I never made the decision to be part of Dignity House. I am blessed.
Thank you,
Amanda
Randi and Poe
I cannot begin to thank you guys for everything you've done for me. Not only have guys been there for me in my sobriety but you are always going above and beyond to make sure that I am okay emotionally and in all other areas of my life. I have been trying to change my life for awhile now and I'm so thankful that I have two people that care so much for me and are willing to do what it takes to make sure I am okay.
I am so grateful to have you in my life. So again thank you so much for everything you've dome for me. You've really helped make a difference in my life.
I love you,
Kim
Dear Randi,
There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to you for thanking me into Dignity House at what was obviously a very low point in my life. But I know that words - however heartfelt - do not carry the impact of actions. How many times have I sincerely said to loved ones "I'm sorry" after a relapse or false step, only to repeat my self-destructive actions despite the burden of my remorse. Embarrassment, shame and despair have long been the constant companions I have tried to shake off through overachieving or people-pleasing behavior.
But when this leg of my journey began on November 10, I vowed to do things different, to break away from instinctive patterns of behavior that have not served me well in the past. The external results of this process may be imperceptible, but the bottom line is what counts - I am living a sober life since I came to live here.
I don't want to be gushy here (lest you think I am again people-pleasing, or worse sucking up to you), but I do want you to know that my gratitude and admiration of you knows no bounds. I take to heart the messages I hear from you - even when they sting. I am trying to model my actions by the example you have shown. The sacrifice and care you have devoted to making this house so special and assisting all of us achieve sobriety, as well as dignity, are ever-present. I will continue to try with every fiber of my being to go any lengths necessary to lead a sober life. Thank you again for all that you have done for me.
I hope you have a joyous Christmas and that all good things come to you in a sober 2007.
Love,
Mary
Poe and Randi,
I just want to let you know how much it means to me to be a client at Dignity House. I have struggled for many years with the disease of addiction, unfortunatly i have been in several halfway houses in my attempts to get clean and sober. Never in my life have i felt comfortable and at home like i do at Dignity. I have tried many times to feel at home in many different places and nowhere comes close to the warmth, love and acceptance you give to the girls at your house. Not only are the houses very welcomong but they also are absolutly beautiful inside and out.
The two of you definitly go out of your way to make us comfortable, happy and feel very loved.
I consider the two of you family. I lived in your house last year for about 5 months, somewhere in that time i decided i was not ready to be sober.
In my attempts to leave Poe yourself and another client tried extremly hard to convince me it wasnt any better out there and that you would be heart broken if i left.
I left anyway and in the 5 months i was gone i missed you and the girls in the house more then i missed my own family.
I came back a few months later lost, broken and ashamed.
You welcomed me with open arms. Since then 5 months has passed and i have gotten my life together more then i ever have imagined.
Addiction is a very ugly thing that will rip people apart from the inside out.
Recovery is something so dear and special that saves lives everyday and you help many,many girls believe in their dreams.
I could not imagine my life without Dignity House, I would never have gotten where i am without it.
I thank god everyday and night for putting you and Poe in my life and i know you will always be besides me in my journey through recovery.
I do not know what i would do without your dedication to the growth and wellness of my best intrest.
Thank you for believing in me and all the girls that have come and gone..
Love Sincerely,
Amanda A.
Randi and Poe,
The place dignity house has in my heart is indescribable. When I began my journey I fought the idea of being in a halfway house, not knowing that it would change my entire life. When I met Randi and toured dignity house I felt sense of ease and comfort. I moved in and struggled I had to learn how to be an adult. That I learned, along with lessons in living a sober life. How to have people care about you and truly care back. I learned in my time here that anything worth having takes work but the end result is worth every bit of work that goes in to whatever it may be. Ultimately, working at staying sober is number one. When I thought no one else knew how I felt I realized I was not alone and dignity house was the foundation and the rock of my recovery. An amazing transformation took place in me while living at dignity house; I grew up and did things that I thought were impossible. Living at dignity house has given me lifelong friends and has been the strong foundation which me recovery rests on. Miracles do happen and I am eternally grateful that you believed in me when was not capable in believing in myself. I am truly blessed to be a part of the dignity family. I love you!!
Sincerely,
Val
