My Nonprofit Reviews

A little over two years ago, I began attending Friends 4 Recovery. I was 50 years of age and with the exception of my family I had lived a life of almost complete isolation. Indeed, the only job I had ever held was working in the family business for my mother. However, my mother had passed away, the business had failed, and my family had decided that it was time for me to live on my own for the first time in my life. I did not drive and I suffered from debilitating social anxiety and panic attacks. I felt as if I had no viable options for my future. I thought about taking my own life but lacked the courage to do the only thing I felt could solve my problems. It was in this context that I first began to attend Friends 4 Recovery. It was a life transforming event. For the first time in my life I learned that there was such a thing as recovery from mental health challenges. I learned the value of peer support and in interacting with other individuals who could relate to my experiences because they had suffered in a similar way, As a result, for the first time in my life I began to make friends and build relationships. I began to participate in group discussions and eventually began to lead groups on my own. As someone who had always been terrified of speaking in public, I can not even begin to describe what an empowering experience that was for me. I had come to Friends 4 Recovery feeling broken beyond repair as a result of the depression and anxiety that had always controlled my life, and now I felt as if I was giving back helping others and helping myself as a result. Eventually, because of my profound belief in this wonderful organization, I took on additional risks and joined the Board of Directors in an effort to play a leadership role. Today, I serve as President of the Board and continue to volunteer facilitating groups and contributing in any way that I can. I continue to struggle with the issues that have always been apart of my life. However, I am no longer defined by my depression and anxiety but rather feel as if I have found meaning in my life through my commitment to Friends 4 Recovery.

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