Arizona Alcoholism Treatment Center
I came to Crossroads for Women in June of 1997, straight from Estrella Jail. Prior to being incarcerated I had been living on the streets because I had been asked to leave CASS Shelter. They had a policy that they would not admit you unless you were sober and I was usually drunk or loaded. Basically, I had lost everything, including my son, husband, family and friends. All my enablers were finished with me and I was seriously considering a life of homelessness and crime. I figured that I could handle the homeless circuit, summers in Denver and winters in Phoenix. Basically I had given up and had no hope that I could live a sober, meaningful life. When I got arrested I felt a great relief. My time in jail gave me a chance to dry out and re-evaluate the direction my life was taking. Today, I know that God did for me what I could not do for myself.
My probation officer required that I live at a halfway house and she strongly recommended that I make it Crossroads Midtown for Women. When I walked through the doors of Midtown, I was scared to death and had little confidence in my ability to stay sober and out of trouble. Fortunately, Crossroads required us to attend a 12-step meeting daily, get a sponsor and work the steps. Another requirement was to work and pay my own rent. I had not worked in years and remember being absolutely terrified about how I would present myself. After all I was now a felon, with large gaps in my employment history. My sponsor told me to get a job that did not matter and would just pay the rent. So that is what I did. What is unbelievable, is that when I got that crappy job and started to become self-supporting my self-esteem and confidence returned. It’s funny how taking the right action will do that for a person. Living at Crossroads helped me to lay a strong foundation for my sobriety that I carry with me today.
After I had been at Midtown for a period of time I was asked to become the Resident Manager and work nights as well as reside at Crossroads. During this time, I attended Phoenix College and obtained my Associates Degree. Living at Crossroads gave me this opportunity. It also enabled me to work on re-establishing relationships with my family and son. I developed a strong support group and friendships that I still have today.
Eventually I moved from Crossroads, but have never severed my ties. I have worked at the women’s facility in all the various positions. Currently, I am the Program Coordinator and responsible for making sure the facility stays full and runs smoothly. Personally, my son has returned to live with me and I have re-married. My experience with the AA program and Crossroads has been one of great personal fulfillment as well as immense professional growth. I believe strongly in Crossroads mission, and it is an honor and privilege for me to watch other women grow and achieve sobriety. There is nothing better then watching a person go from complete despair to great joy. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity!
Thank you,
Karen Barraclough
Crossroads, Inc. is a non-profit, drug and alcohol recovery, organization located in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. Crossroads is a Level Four transitional facility licensed by the State of Arizona. The Crossroads program addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of alcoholism or drug addiction, by providing food, shelter, 12 step structure and discipline. We can help you find direction to sober living. Pick up the phone and call us: 602-279-2585. Visit our website at: http://sober360.com
My probation officer required that I live at a halfway house and she strongly recommended that I make it Crossroads Midtown for Women. When I walked through the doors of Midtown, I was scared to death and had little confidence in my ability to stay sober and out of trouble. Fortunately, Crossroads required us to attend a 12-step meeting daily, get a sponsor and work the steps. Another requirement was to work and pay my own rent. I had not worked in years and remember being absolutely terrified about how I would present myself. After all I was now a felon, with large gaps in my employment history. My sponsor told me to get a job that did not matter and would just pay the rent. So that is what I did. What is unbelievable, is that when I got that crappy job and started to become self-supporting my self-esteem and confidence returned. It’s funny how taking the right action will do that for a person. Living at Crossroads helped me to lay a strong foundation for my sobriety that I carry with me today.
After I had been at Midtown for a period of time I was asked to become the Resident Manager and work nights as well as reside at Crossroads. During this time, I attended Phoenix College and obtained my Associates Degree. Living at Crossroads gave me this opportunity. It also enabled me to work on re-establishing relationships with my family and son. I developed a strong support group and friendships that I still have today.
Eventually I moved from Crossroads, but have never severed my ties. I have worked at the women’s facility in all the various positions. Currently, I am the Program Coordinator and responsible for making sure the facility stays full and runs smoothly. Personally, my son has returned to live with me and I have re-married. My experience with the AA program and Crossroads has been one of great personal fulfillment as well as immense professional growth. I believe strongly in Crossroads mission, and it is an honor and privilege for me to watch other women grow and achieve sobriety. There is nothing better then watching a person go from complete despair to great joy. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity!
Thank you,
Karen Barraclough
Crossroads, Inc. is a non-profit, drug and alcohol recovery, organization located in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. Crossroads is a Level Four transitional facility licensed by the State of Arizona. The Crossroads program addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of alcoholism or drug addiction, by providing food, shelter, 12 step structure and discipline. We can help you find direction to sober living. Pick up the phone and call us: 602-279-2585. Visit our website at: http://sober360.com
posted by Crossroads at
4:09 PM
1 Comments:
What a great inspiring story. Hope we could get this message to those who still suffer.
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