Testimonies

We want to write your testimony here!

Cory.

Mar 2023 - Mar 2024

GRACE HOUSE IS MY LIFE LINE

'In March 2023, God’s grace brought me to Grace House. He carried me in when I no longer could carry myself. This disease had taken absolutely everything from me, including my beautiful 31-year-old daughter to an overdose in June of 2022. When I arrived at Grace House I was completely broken beyond words. After eight detoxes in eight months, being committed, being arrested for a DUI, I spoke out loud for the first time in my life, “If I could just dedicate one year of my life to my sobriety, I would give anything.” The very next morning my wish was granted. I know now that God did not hate me back then and was doing for me what I could not do for myself. This journey has proven difficult and some days even impossible. For months I borrowed the other women in the house for strength, faith, laughter, and prayers to make it another day. I would watch and listen to our empowering counselor, Jo Anne, our amazing director, Kayla, and the other women in the house. I began to pray for just an ounce of what they had.

Today, I have exactly that and more. I cannot begin to explain the gratitude I have for Grace House, to my sisters in this house, to our Christian friends The Paper Dolls, and the community of Brunswick for their wholehearted support… They are my lifeline! Grace House has saved my life and given me hope in my heart where there was truly none. Today, because of Grace House and all who surround it, I get to be my precious son’s mother again and be the voice of my beautiful daughter, Ashley Marie. God surrounds us here at Grace House and He blesses us with miracles every single day."

Lauren.

Dec 2022- Dec 2023

I HAVE FOUND SELF-WORTH & FREEDOM

"Lost, hopeless, and broken. Destined to die another statistic. I lost it all. My family, my soul, and my sanity. I was in complete bondage to drugs and alcohol. I couldn’t see another way out. Death was my only solution. At that point, sitting in a hospital bed after another three-week coma, I cried out to God for help. The answer came quickly…Grace House. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was blessed with the gift of desperation and willingness. I came to Grace House, completely defeated and scared to death. I didn’t know how to live. Since entering into Grace House I have learned so much. I have a life I could’ve only dreamed of, one that I never thought I was deserving of. I have a relationship with God, my family has been restored and I have real friendships. I have since found self-worth and many more gifts! The best one yet is freedom. Who would’ve thought the gift of desperation would lead to the power of restoration. I am forever grateful."

Shelia.

Feb 2022 - Jan 2024

MY LIFE BEGAN THE MOMENT I WALKED INTO GRACE HOUSE

At 39 years old, I was at my bottom. My life had fallen apart, and I had lost everything. Alcohol and drugs consumed me for nearly twenty years. At last, I reached the jumping off point where I couldn’t live with it and couldn’t live without it. I knew I needed help to escape this darkness. I came to Grace House so broken and exhausted from trying to numb away all my feelings. Completely hopeless, scared, and drowning in my defeat, I was desperate for change. However, God knew exactly who and what I needed. Being at Grace House, I’ve learned how to truly live, not just survive. I can process my emotions without numbing them away. I have an amazing relationship with God now. Also, I’ve been able to repair the relationships with my children and my family. I have a grandchild on the way that I get to be present and sober for! One major milestone for me was being able to purchase my car on my own. During my year here I had knee surgery and was able to recover in a safe environment. Surrounded by my sisters in the house and support of staff, I was taken care of completely! I never could have imagined my life to be so good and I am excited for all that God has planned for my new future clean, sober, and forgiven. Grace House has saved my life and is the golden thread that God used to stitch my life back together!

Heather.

Dec 2022 - Dec 2023

MY LIFE BEGAN THE MOMENT I WALKED INTO GRACE HOUSE

"My life began the moment I walked into Grace House! I have depended on drugs and alcohol for over 20 years. It was my solution to any problem I had. I realize that I put alcohol before everything and everyone. I knew I had to do something for me for the first time in my life so I decided to come to Grace House and commit to a year. I moved away from my kids so I could learn to live and not just survive. While at Grace House, I finally learned how to surrender and let these wonderful people show me a better way. I’m learning there is freedom in friendship and that God has saved my life. I am thankful and so blessed I finally found myself, the precious daughter of my Savior! I know now that my suffering was the beginning of my spiritual awakening. I owe everything to Grace House and the recovery community! I’m truly happy to be alive today."

Lisa.

Sept 2021 - Sept 2022

I HAVE BEEN GIVEN MY LIFE BACK

"Deciding to give up a year of my life of what I thought was freedom, was extremely hard. Now after spending a year at the Grace House I can honestly say I have true freedom and a life that is filled with joy and peace. I know it sounds like a cliche, but I wake-up every morning with a child like wonder at what God has in-store for me. My problem wasn’t only alcoholism, it was how to stay sober and not pick up that first drink that always led to chaos and darkness. At the Grace House I was able to focus on myself. By listening to and following suggestions of people who knew how to live sober, fulfilling and joyful lives, I have been given my life back. The Grace House gave me the opportunity to restore my faith in a never changing and loving God and to trust in the fellowship of AA. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to say I am a Grace House graduate."

Laura.

July 2021 - July 2022

MY LIFE HAS FINALLY BEGUN

Before coming to Grace House, I was alone, profoundly sad, overwhelmed, and hopeless. I was a shell of a person, and I was slowly killing myself with alcohol. I was destroying my relationships with my family, especially with my daughter, and hating myself more each day. I just saw no way out of the deep pit I was in. July 7, 2021, I finally surrendered. I had no idea if I was strong enough, but my faith in God and in myself got bigger each day and life slowly became beautiful again. The 12 steps, the staff and other women in the house that gave me unconditional love, and a Christ centered life made me finally feel whole again. The staff, counselors, and an amazing group of women in the community brought me back to life again, and I will forever be grateful.

Sydney.

Dec 2020 - Dec 2021

MY LIFE HAS FINALLY BEGUN

"Before coming to Grace House, I had a miserable existence. I had been struggling with alcoholism my whole adult life and couldn’t see a way out of the hole that seemed to keep getting deeper. Nothing I tried ever worked for me. When I was finally ready to surrender, God opened all the right doors for me and led me to Grace House. I feel like my life has finally begun. As terrifying as it was to start completely over, that is exactly what I needed. I was willing to do whatever this program suggested in order for me to recover. I was surrounded by people who had been in my same shoes and made it out of the same dark hole I was in. It gave me hope for the first time.

I just wanted to be sober, but I got so much more than that. Grace House has provided the tools for me to grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Between the Bible studies, working a 12-step program, and the in-house counseling, I have learned how to live a stable and productive life. This house has taught me how to have structure, healthy boundaries, and integrity. My relationships with my family have started to heal and I have experienced peace for the first time. I want anyone who is struggling with addiction to know that there is a way out and it all starts with willingness to ask for help. One of the most important things I have realized is we can’t do this alone. "

India.

Nov 2020 - Nov 2021

I NEVER HAVE TO BE ALONE AGAIN

"Before coming to Grace House, I was broken, scared and hopeless.  I have struggled for years with alcoholism, which caused me to have a life without direction or a purpose. The last 15 years, I have been in and out of rehabs, detoxes, jails and institutions due to alcohol abuse. I was completely stuck in a vicious cycle of insanity that was ultimately going to kill me. Before coming to Grace House, I was at the darkest, lowest bottom that I could have ever imagined was possible.  Grace House and the community within recovery, which I know is divinely inspired, has changed all of that for me.  Not only was I saved physically but Grace House has given me a life worth living. Everything I thought I knew about life and how I viewed life has changed since I came here in November of 2020. In the beginning of this process, I was terrified to look at myself and my past, but with all the help they gave me, I was able to begin to look inward and change my thinking and my old views.

Grace House gave me guidance, accountability, and structure to help me build a solid foundation in sobriety. I was slowly introduced to the real world; one of beauty, love, hope, and most importantly a sisterhood that I call my FAMILY today. I have a sponsor who worked the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous with me Step by Step. In working these steps, I’ve learned how to get honest with myself and the ones around me.  I’ve learned if I remain honest, openminded, and willing I’ll NEVER have to return to the darkness of this disease!  These relationships in our network, that pour out so much love to all of us women in Grace House has helped me to develop a REAL relationship with God!

Grace House is amazing haven for women who struggle with addiction and all the life challenges that comes along with it.  Grace House has given me the tools to succeed and be proud of myself. I’ve learned how to be responsible financially and emotionally for the first time in my life. I learned how to be a friend and have a friend, as long as I stay in the middle of recovery…. I’ll never have to be ALONE!  I no longer need to run or hide from life or people. Today I am truly happy, joyous, and free. Most of all, I have learned that in order, to grow, I need to be willing to let go, trust God, clean house, help others! "

Allison.

Oct 2020 - Oct 2021

MY SON GOT HIS MOM BACK

"I decided it was time to get some help. I came to Grace House on October 15th 2020, and that was the best decision that I have ever made! I knew that my life was headed down a very dark and familiar path. I was CONSUMED by alcohol. Day in and day out I tried everything I could to change the way I felt, because I was so uncomfortable in my own skin. I never knew why though. My addiction stole me away from my son, and all responsibility. I hated myself for letting my life turn into what it was. I was a drunk, a raging alcoholic!

Today, I am loving my life. After a year at Grace House, I have learned to love myself, something I never thought was possible. I thought I didn't deserve anything good, but boy was I so wrong! I have formed amazing relationships with women in recovery, and best of all, my son gets to have his mom back. Before I came to Grace House, I thought I had lost everything. But God gave me another chance! I believe that he has a plan for me, and that includes being an honest, sober woman. My faith is stronger than ever. Today I have Grace House, God, and women in recovery to thank for that. I get to have a new life, and break this vicious cycle! I am eternally grateful for that."

Windy.

Oct 2020 - Oct 2021

THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE

"I can wholeheartedly say - coming to Grace House was the best decision I have ever made. I came to Grace House a week after being released from prison in search of guidance. I knew Jesus but had lost my way. I had no idea how to live my life free from drugs and alcohol. I could not navigate the highs and lows that life entails. I never made that transition from adolescence to adulthood and was terrified of the responsibility. My time at Grace House taught me how to be accountable! I was blessed with a wonderful sponsor and gained so much insight by working the 12 steps. I still have solid friendships with the women I got to know and love while I was in the house. I worked my way up to general manager at the job I chose because I learned how to be responsible with what God gave me. I can’t thank God enough for the quality of life I have today and I’m grateful for every soul who has made it possible. My life is truly a miracle!"

Tonya.

May 2020 - May 2021

I AM HOPEFUL AGAIN

"For the majority of my life, drinking was the sole method of dealing with my problems. Fear and anxiety ruled me, and alcohol provided temporary relief from my unease. I became isolated and existed in a fog, with only a bottle for company.

When I entered Grace House I had a family who loved me, and friends who cared, but I didn’t feel I deserved their compassion. All I felt was shame and guilt. I was enveloped in love from Caroline, Victoria, Jo Anne and the ladies in the house. I began to see a path forward in recovery and the foundation is the Grace House. Little by little, I am becoming open to receive the gifts sobriety brings, and a new design for living. Once bereft of joy, I am hopeful again."

Mallory.

Apr 2020 - May 2021

PATH OF PEACE

"The moment I received the phone call that I had been accepted to Grace House, I knew my life was going to change forever. I was physically and spiritually ill and I had long before accepted the fact that life was simply going to be this way for me. I had lost touch with my Higher Power, reality, personal relationships, & myself.

From the moment I walked through the doors on the morning of April 28, 2020, I felt at home. I had an immediate sense of belonging with the women here. We all had the common denominators: addiction and the desperate need to grasp onto a glimmer of hope. Grace House has been that beacon of hope for me - a light house in the storm. The structure and unity in this house is what I was so fiercely craving. Grace House has taught me that sobriety is not simply “putting the bottle down.” Sobriety is a spiritual awakening and a lifestyle change that seems monumentally unobtainable at the beginning. But then one day, you wake up and you love life again, you love yourself again and you are on the path of peace."

Amie.

Dec 2019 - Jan 2021

THE VALUE OF GRACE

"Before becoming a Grace House resident, my isolated and fear based life consisted of only substance and alcohol abuse. Misery and empty hopelessness consumed me. It stole me away from relationships, from reality, and from being a mother to my children. I truly tried countless times to quit on my own only to fail miserably. I reached out to my family and after prayer and research, Grace House was contacted.

Since the very first day I arrived, Grace House has helped me to change the way I view my self worth and has helped me to rebuild and regain my relationships with everyone that I had pushed away and harmed. Grace House offers so many resources that have taught me how to build a structured, happy life with a bright, sober future! While at Grace House, Christ has transformed all of my brokenness so that I could properly receive discipline and learn the value of grace with each step I have taken. God has spoken life and a new identity into my life to be the woman I was truly created to be. I have become the mother, daughter, sister, and friend that my family deserves."

Abigail.

Dec 2018 - Aug 2020

A CHANGED LIFE

"My life has been one of many masks and different personas. Always trying to preform to what I thought someone wanted me to be, left me empty and lost. I have lived most of my life in constant fear and turmoil. Dealing with a tremendous amount of shame and remorse for poor choices that I have made along the way and the hurt I had caused to those who loved me became unbearable. I had absolutely no idea who I was, no purpose, feeling lost and confused. In my late 30s I found myself drinking to relieve the pain of it all.

I had no knowledge that alcohol could become what it had to me. It had beat me! There was no doubt I was on my way to very painful death. Long term treatment was the only option for me. I knew I had to deal with much more than just the alcohol. Looking at my life and getting honest with myself has not been easy. Grace House and all of its supporters has given me that foundation to overcome my past and move forward with who God has created me to be. I am forever grateful for my supportive family, the constant encouragement by the director of the program, the staff counselor, my sponsor, a welcoming church and most of all; my willingness to surrender to the process."

Lauren.

Oct 2018 - Oct 2019

CHOOSING A DIFFERENT PATH

"I made the decision to come the the Grace House while in my 4th rehab. My life for the past 10 years had been a revolving door of treatment centers, hospitals, detoxes, jails, and mental institutions. I was miserable and full of fear. The only thing that I knew of that would fix those things was drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol quieted those thoughts and feelings... until they didn't anymore. I just wanted to die. I felt hopeless, broken, and terrified. Its an absolute miracle I survived. I went to rehab, again, and knew something had to change. I couldn't keep doing what I was doing. They told me about Grace House and I went. I knew that I could go back home to the same situation I was living or I could do something different. The Grace House has given me my life back, One that I actually want to live. It has shown me a way to be happy in my own skin and how to be an adult. It has taught me that I no longer have to run from my problems. I can face them head on. It has given me time to figure out who I am as a person. I am no longer just a broken shell of a human being. My days are no longer filled with overwhelming fear and anxiety. When the fear and anxiety creep up today I have a solution and I know that I am not alone in anything."

Michelle.

July 2018 - Sept 2019

THE EASIER SOFTER WAY

"I came to Grace House on July 31st 2018. I was scared and broken. I had experienced 3 major losses in 4 years. My drinking was at an all time high. I was given a gift at Grace House but at the time I did not know just how much of a gift it was going to be. I knew for awhile that I needed a change in my life. I could not keep doing each day the same. I had lost everything. I hit my ROCK BOTTOM! I lost my relationship with God. I had to change everything in order to have a true chance to really know what joy felt like. I had to get honest and deal with some very uncomfortable things about myself and my life. I had to learn to let the past go, live in the present and build a future that I can be proud of. I have found a life that I am becoming very happy with. The pain is going away. Life is always going to show up, but I have tools today to deal with the issues without a drink. I was scared to get close to anyone when I walked in the house. I had a MAJOR wall around my soul. For me the Grace House has given me far more than sobriety. Its given me a home, family, and sisters that I love dearly. If you knew me when I first walked in to the house you would never have thought that today I would being saying that. I have great friendships with some of the most amazing women I have ever met. I can not imagine my life without them now. I have learned to trust and to not take myself so seriously. I have a relationship with God that just makes me smile. I have learned to be happy in the giving and give with out any expectations. This year has truly been a journey of a life time. I would not expect everyone to understand what we as addicts go through and the work it takes to get truly sober and live that way, but I sure am glad I found my people that do get me, love me and understand me. This journey had been filled with tears, anger, fear, but a lot more of hugs and I love yous. Thank you Grace House, for you are the easier softer way."

Alex.

Mar 2017 - Mar 2018

MY LIFELONG STRUGGLE

"I am truly grateful for the grace house and all it has done for me this past year. I’ve struggled with addiction my entire life and was always living in the problem instead of trying to find a better way out for myself. I struggled mainly with depression, which shifted me into addiction at an early age. Over the years it became worse, and I only went further down. I’ve tried to get clean several times and the result was relapse every time because I chose to see the differences instead of the similarities between me and everyone else. Once I got to the grace house this time something just clicked. Something changed for Me, and it was my perspective on myself and where I wanted to go in life. While there I learned to love myself, gain tools to fight this disease, and truly enjoy being around the other girls and have real friends. This house helped me push myself forward and means the world to me. I owe everything in my sobriety to God and Grace House. This place saved my life and helped me change my thinking to ultimately better myself. I can’t tell you enough how much this place means to me and other people who have graduated the program. My life is the best it’s ever been and for that I’m grateful!"

Michelle.

Feb 2017 - Feb 2018

HANDCUFFS & SHACKLES

"I was so very broken when I walked through the doors of the Grace House. I came threw the doors physically with handcuffs and shackles on. I can honestly God, Linda and the Grace house have gave me life today. I am so very grateful for my life today."

Erin.

April 2017 - April 2018

FINDING ME AGAIN.

"Where do I even begin...Prior to coming to the Grace House Alcohol was all I knew! I was broken, tired, hopeless and the best word I can think of to explain it all is EMPTY...spiritually, mentally and physically! I couldn’t do ANYTHING unless I was intoxicated...and I ended up hitting some serious LOWS...from being homeless, in jail, to car accidents and the list goes on...I literally gave up and the only answer I could think of was suicide but TODAY I thank God for my family who loved me enough to realize that I had a problem and loved me enough to get me some help...after being on suicide watch then detox then a rehab I was given the opportunity to come to the Grace House...I DID NOT WANT TO COME...but being so empty and broken and after everything I tried wasn’t working I said why not just TRY it so I did. It was VERY HARD for ME at first but I had nothing else so I stayed and listened and took suggestions and just TRIED SOMETHING DIFFERENT and TODAY by the grace of God with the love of my family and BECAUSE OF THE GRACE HOUSE I CAN SAY I HAVE ONE YEAR OF SOBRIETY I HAVE MY OWN CAR I HAVE AMAZING FRIENDS AND I AM CURRENTLY TYPING THIS IN MY VERY OWN APARTMENT. So thankful that I was 1% willing to just TRY...I have a relationship with God that is out of this world and a whole new perspective on life I can honest say I am FILLED with Joy happiness and freedom...if you are reading this and just one percent of you is wanting to do it DO IT! Trust me! Thanks Grace House for helping me find ME again."

Hannah.

Dec 2016 - Feb 2018

A NEW YORK GIRL'S JOURNEY.

I came to the Grace House completely broken, traumatized and a lack of purpose for my life. Alcohol and drugs had a complete grip on me, it was the only comfort I had to numb any pain or emotions I did not want to feel. Comfort soon turned into complete chaos and then my life became a dark hole that I didn’t see any hope of getting out of. I didnt know how to live, I didnt know how to stay sober and i didnt have a relationship with God. That has all completely changed, one of the main reasons is because I surrendered and I was ready to make a change. I needed the time at the Grace House to take a step back, focus on myself and become willing to do the next right thing. It has taught me to feel my emotions and work through them with the support of girls going through simlilar struggles. It has taught me how to stand on my own 2 feet and be held accountable for my actions. It has given me a smooth transition into society by taking baby steps and being patient and having faith that God will guide me through my doubts and fears. I had no car for years and I was able to buy myself one while living in the Grace house. I was loved on from the minute i walked through the door and through the whole process. Not having to be alone again is one of my biggest gains because I was alone for a long time. I am so grateful for this place and will be forever grateful for the many blessings I have received while living in the Grace house. I now have the tools I need to live a happy, sober life along with friendships that I could have never dreamed of having. Linda is an incredible woman with such a pure heart for woman wanting a better life and I give thanks to her, her husband Marc and Victoria for always leading me down the right path. I LOVE GRACE HOUSE!

Leigh.

Nov 2016 - Nov 2017

I CEASED FIGHTING EVERYTHING & EVERYONE.

Grace House has taught me that it is possible (and not complicated) to be sober, happy and free from addiction. I spent more than 10 years struggling in addiction because I didn’t know how to live without popping pills all day to get through the next moment. My life was completely unmanageable and out of control. I had no real solution until I decided to stop fighting with myself and everyone else and get the help I had been needing for so long. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication, but my life is amazing today because Grace House gave me the tools and structure I needed to have a firm foundation. I now have my own place, car and a great job. I also have healthy relationships with my family and the women at the Grace House who are truly like sisters to me. Thank you so much Linda and everyone else that helps support Grace House! You saved my life.

Victoria.

2014-2015

A COLLEGE GRADUATE AND FORMER GH STAFF MEMBER.

"Drugs and alcohol consumed my life before I came to the Grace House. I tried to stop multiple times on my own, but I failed every time. My life was miserable. I was without a job, and I had pushed my friends and family away. I felt my life had no purpose, and I was starting to accept that I was going to be miserable forever. I came to the Grace House in 2014. The ladies here loved me until I could love myself. By the grace of God and this program the obsession was lifted from me to want to drink or use drugs. I learned how to hold a job, pay my bills, and be a responsible young adult. I am so very grateful Grace House and giving me and many other women a second chance at life. Today I am a college graduate and was blessed to work at the Grace House for 6 years where I was able give back what was given to me. I love my life, I am truly happy, and I never could have imagined that before getting clean and sober thanks to the Grace House."

Annelle.

2012 - 2013

THE MOTHER MY DAUGHTER DESERVES.

I came to Brunswick with the clothes on my back, misery in my heart, and chaos in my life. I got to Grace House in early 2012. I thought that this was my last stepping stone before I died. I didn’t know that in actuality it was the first stepping stone into a real life that I can be (and am) proud of. Grace House taught me rules, routine, faith, acceptance, and unconditional love. It introduced me to a life that I never thought I deserved. It taught me to never give up. Grace House and what it stands for helped me to be the mother that my daughter deserves. It has helped me to earn the trust of a corporation to manage people and money. Grace House helped me to be happy, to have faith and acceptance in all aspects of life, and has given me lasting friendships that I will cherish until my last breath. Grace House gave me life when I was knocking on death’s door.