A Second Chance: Sandra's Journey Toward Stability
Sandra began experimenting with drugs at age 14, setting in motion a cycle of addiction that followed her into adulthood. When asked about life before Saint John's, she describes it as chaotic. Yet in many ways, she had become comfortable in that dysfunction because it was all she knew.
Losing it all was a devastating end, but it also marked the beginning of her recovery. Overwhelmed by despair, Sandra found herself at a crossroads. A court-ordered stay in a rehabilitation program became the turning point she never expected. There, she met a counselor who had once been a client at Saint John's herself. Seeing Sandra's potential, she encouraged her to consider Saint John's.
In August 2025, Sandra walked through Saint John's red doors. The transition was not easy. She was nervous for many reasons, especially because she would have to give up smoking. Living alongside so many women with different personalities also felt intimidating. Most challenging of all, she would need to let go of the need to control everything.
Through the program, Sandra has learned to get out of her own way and trust the process.
"Now I get to have this second chance, and I don't want to rush through it," she says.
One of her greatest motivations is reunifying with her 10-year-old daughter. That goal keeps her moving forward each day.
Today, Sandra has completed all of her core classes, employment training, and job-readiness coursework. She is actively seeking employment and preparing for the next chapter of her life. Along the way, she has emerged as a leader among her peers, offering encouragement and support to other women as they navigate their own journeys.
When asked what has been most helpful during her time at Saint John's, Sandra doesn't hesitate. "I'm finally able to breathe. I've been given everything I need. I have accountability for the first time in many years. Everyone at Saint John's is for me. All of this is getting me closer to reuniting with my daughter." For perhaps the first time in a long time, Sandra is learning to be her authentic self.
Her goals are clear: maintain her sobriety, achieve financial independence, continue her education, and ultimately regain custody of her daughter. She also hopes to give back to others one day, using her experiences to help women facing challenges similar to her own.
Because she knows firsthand how difficult it can be to enter a new program, Sandra offers this advice to women who are just beginning their journey: "What you feel right now is okay. But don't give up because of a temporary feeling. You have a great opportunity here." These words reflect the way Sandra is living her life today—with perseverance, hope, and a commitment to growth. Recently, she completed 80 hours of peer support training and hopes to use those skills as she builds her future.
Sandra's experiences have shaped who she is, but they do not define where she is going. With determination, support, and a renewed sense of purpose, she is embracing the opportunities before her and looking forward to all that lies ahead.
