“I chose to focus on my recovery!”

When I came to SiterHouse, I had no idea what to expect, except for what I was told during my interview. I have been here two months and I have chosen to just focus on my recovery. Guess what!? It’s working. I now have a sponsor and am learning to love myself. Thank you SisterHouse for all that you do to help me and my sisters.

— Submitted by a Phase I Resident, 2020

“My full potential”

I came to SisterHouse about six months ago and I recently completed the job program at CARA. I remember my first day at CARA. I was so scared and now, I am working in their Clean Slate Program until I identify a full-time job. I never would’ve thought that I could do this. In the beginning, it was hard. I thought I was just going to come to SisterHouse and rest. That was not the case. I had to meet with the Program Director on a weekly basis. In the beginning, it wasn’t so bad, until she started reviewing my drug history. This was when it became very difficult for me. There was a lot of stuff that I did not want to address, however, I came to realize that in order for me to recover, I had to begin addressing some things in my past. Although it is uncomfortable sometimes, I know I have to do it. Thank you SisterHouse for pushing me to my full potential.

— Submitted by Phase II Resident, 2020

“SisterHouse Saves Lives and Strengthens Our Community”

I am grateful that over the last year, I’ve been able to do my small part to support the important work of SisterHouse. I do some clerical work, some baking, and jump in wherever I can to help. It’s very difficult to change the direction of your life, even when you have made the decision to do so. The staff and residents of SisterHouse help give each other the strength to go on. SisterHouse is small enough and the length of the program is long enough to give women a solid foundation on which to transform their lives. The involvement of alumnae in supporting each other and new residents of SisterHouse helps keep them on track. I am proud to be part of the talented and dedicated team working at SisterHouse and every day take joy in the successes of residents and the encouragement they give to each other.

— Submitted by Nancy Cohen, Volunteer, 2020

“A New Me”

Sister House has offered me more than recovery from alcohol. They have provided me spiritual guidance through a number of outside community organizations that have opened my eyes and heart to the greatest relationship I needed to further develop, and that is with God. The opportunities to work on my relationship come in the forms of daily mediation, working with my sisters, and community service. I am truly grateful for the many other disciplines and responsibilities Sister House is providing me. I look forward to my continued growth with my fellow sisters and support team at SisterHouse.

— Submitted by Anonymous Phase III Resident, 2020

“My Stay at SisterHouse”

On my way to the office that day I looked into the Meditation Room and saw some ladies sitting in there, so I just imagined myself sitting in there, too. IT WORKED! Here I am at SisterHouse!

When I arrived at SisterHouse for my assessment, I did not know what to expect. I did not know anyone. All I knew was that I did not want to use, and I would do anything it took to live that change. I was willing – just like I was once willing to get one more.

I began on February 26, 2008. I found out that Ms. Rochelle wants the best that life has to offer for me. She taught me integrity and that I could depend on God to supply my needs. Eighteen months later, I still thank her. She was so right on.

I am an active member of a church, I am deepening my spirituality, and I am learning responsibility, accountability, respectfulness, and a whole lot of humility. I am blessed to work at Healthcare Alternative Systems, H.A.S., to be of service to other suffering addicts. I have a sponsor and go to meetings regularly. SisterHouse has given me hope and confidence so that I do not have to use about anything ever again in life, living it one day at a time.

SisterHouse is like a transformation home. I came spiritually, mentally, and physically broken but, thank God, I got better. Currently, I am Senior Resident, and being SR is teaching me REAL HUMILITY! But guess what? I am going to need it out there when I make my transition to leave SisterHouse.

Now SisterHouse is allowing me to save money and give back a portion that was freely given to me when I first walked through the doors. SisterHouse is free but the price I pay is my time. SisterHouse is home away from home and one of the learnings is that there are consequences for anything you do. The best is to avoid doing what is not in the will of God for you.

— Submitted by Sandra, Alumna, 2009

An Alum’s SisterHouse Experience

I started at SisterHouse just like all the women here looking for a new start on life, after years of being lost within the world and myself, not having a God of my own. My first contact with SisterHouse director, Rochelle Sims, was that most important assessment. Many applicants shine during this process but for me, it was like a visit to the dentist! I had nothing to offer yet, for some amazing reason, Ms. Rochelle looked past such a horrible interview and gave me a chance.

The biggest adjustment for me was getting in tune with the day in the Meditation Room. I did not understand then but now I realize that that was where and how to learn about God, self, and sobriety. The second challenge was getting used to the ‘other’ ladies. I thought I would never learn to like them, but those ladies are now my friends and family. Today we can laugh at the moments we shared in the growth process.

Did I get into trouble? Yes, trying to take back my will from God and this program. Did I learn from any and all my consequences? Yes, I remember why and how it affects my thought process today. I do the right thing, not the next right thing.

The SisterHouse program has five major components: to start the recovery process from substance abuse; to work with a sponsor; to attend a job training program (CARA) or school (GED or college); to get a job, and to obtain your own living situation. Today I keep my recovery upfront, I continue to work with my sponsor, go to school, work, and, yes, I maintain my own apartment.

If it were not for SisterHouse, the listening and understanding, my goals would not be reached. September, 2009 I graduated from The Illinois Institute — Chicago with an AAS in Culinary. During my school years, I was able to use SisterHouse in several school projects: one was when I acquired my Safety and Sanitation License, and the last requirement was an 11-week internship where I assisted the ladies in menu planning, shopping, and education on nutrition. 

I started my own catering business, “DREAMS COME TRUE we cook for you”. It is small but I am not giving up. I continue to work in a variety of hotels. I am truly thankful for SisterHouse and there is nothing I would not do to ensure that this program continues.

I give back by volunteering—sharing my experience, strength, and hope with the residents. Sometimes I prepare a meal—that is why I am aka The Chef. I just continue to give hope as the hope was given to me.

— Submitted by Lynne, Alumna, 2009