Growing Beyond Hardship: A Client Success Story

Tara has been receiving services through Valley (Community Services Board) and residing in Permanent Supportive Housing for the past six years. Prior to entering the program, she experienced homelessness for approximately 13 years and struggled with substance use disorder, with methamphetamine as her primary drug of choice. During that time, she endured multiple overdoses requiring ICU hospitalization and witnessed several friends overdose, some fatally.

Seeking a different life, Tara made the courageous decision to leave North Carolina and relocate to Virginia in order to distance herself from people, places, and circumstances associated with her substance use. During her first two years in Virginia, she remained homeless while working at a local business in Waynesboro. She often slept outside near her workplace so she could maintain employment and safely store her belongings.

Determined to build a life in recovery, Tara began reaching out to community resources for support. She reports that Valley was the first organization to respond and begin working with her toward recovery and stability. Within eight months of enrolling in services, she was able to move into her own apartment through Permanent Supportive Housing—just two days before Christmas. 

Tara has now maintained eight years of sobriety. While she shares that the initial decision to stop using substances came from within, she credits the continued wraparound support from Valley services as a key foundation in helping her maintain recovery through life’s challenges. 

Since entering the program, Tara has remained motivated and goal-oriented. She has maintained employment at various times, rebuilt relationships with her family and children, and continues working toward personal growth and independence. One of her most recent goals has been obtaining her Virginia driver’s license. Despite setbacks, she stayed determined and continued utilizing the support of her treatment team to work toward her goal. She recently completed all required steps and obtained her learner’s permit and expects to receive her driver’s license before the end of the month. She shares that it’s not just about having a license—it’s about achieving a goal she set for herself years ago and proving to herself that she could do it. 

Tara's story demonstrates that recovery is possible, even after years of hardship. Through courage, commitment to sobriety, and support from community services, she has rebuilt her life and continues to move forward with strength and purpose. When reflecting on her personal growth, she shared: “I had to want it for me. I had to want it for me first so I could want it for my kids.” 

Tara recently shared her recovery story publicly for the first time at her church. When asked how the experience felt for her, she shared that it was “amazing, empowering, and freeing.”

*Name changed for client confidentiality