Alumni & Staff share their second-chance stories to bring hope to others! View more.
Jarrett, Housing Coordinator at TCC
WHEN DID YOUR JOURNEY START WITH TCC?
I started with TCC as a client in 2008 at Kindred Spirits. After completing treatment, I got employed by TCC in November 2010. I have worked in housing for 13 years. I see an authentic side of people and love being there to help. I moved from a part-time employee to a shift supervisor, site supervisor, and coordinator. I thought about transitioning to the clinical side multiple times, but my heart is in housing.
TELL US ABOUT THE POPULATION YOU SERVE.
The population I serve is different than when I first started. Guys and girls are a lot younger and coming into our services, already hitting bottom. As drugs and drug use change on the street, the clients are becoming sicker and more progressed. A structured environment and access to mental health services are super important.
WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU HAVE TO PEOPLE IN THE FIELD ABOUT TCC AS AN EMPLOYER?
TCC is top-notch. The opportunities here are endless. It’s not just a job; it’s a career. It’s a family.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WAS ON THE FENCE ABOUT SEEKING HELP FOR THEIR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER?
Cross that threshold. Make that jump. It’s worth it. Don’t let disappointments distract you from your dreams.
Lura from Gallipolis, OH
HOW DID YOU WIND UP IN TREATMENT?
I went to detox at Breakthrough at Southern Ohio Medical Center. I was court-ordered to treatment for some legal charges, so after detox, I had to go somewhere. I completed the St. Lucy’s women’s program and stayed in Transitional. Unfortunately, I had a relapse – but I was able to come back to treatment in the Stepping Stones program, and I’ve been clean ever since.
WHAT ARE SOME WORDS OF WISDOM FOR SOMEONE NEW TO RECOVERY?
It’s worth it. There is nothing terrible. Only benefits. It was hard to give up chasing one more, but I was always miserable. I am a productive member of society.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO YOURSELF BEFORE TREATMENT, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
If I were getting high, I’d be as blunt as I could with myself. “JUST GO TO TREATMENT!” I would tell myself to sit still and let the healing process happen.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE ABOUT THE SERVICES TCC OFFERS?
I would tell them how amazing it is and how we can touch on their addiction, mental health, and physical health. I know people who don’t come here for drug treatment but for mental health therapy that take advantage of the things we have, like the gym and the positive community, and stick around and get better. I would tell people they can come here and become better people.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CLEAN?
I have been clean for two and a half years.
Shilyn from Fairborn, OH
HOW DID YOU WIND UP IN TREATMENT?
Hrm. Well, to be honest with you – I about died. I came to TCC first in 2019, and my partner at the time convinced me to go to treatment, which is what introduced me to this place. It saved my life. When I left, I didn’t stay clean, but when I was out there – I knew where I needed to go to get help. I came back because I learned that a head full of recovery doesn’t mix with a belly full of dope. I had some recovery knowledge; I had a little taste – and I knew if I came back to treatment, I could change, and thrive here.
WHAT ARE SOME WORDS OF WISDOM FOR SOMEONE NEW TO RECOVERY?
Just stay. Try to find out what the reasons are you do the things that you do. What are your morals? Your values? Why do you hang around the people that you do? And then take positive actions. Answering those questions and then taking positive action, has got me to interact with people who inspire me, help me grow, and lift me up.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO YOURSELF BEFORE TREATMENT, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
Before treatment, I would have told myself to go sooner. The things that I am doing now, I could have never pictured or imagined that I could do. I knew I was going to come and give 110% and do the best I could, but I never knew that I would be doing the things I am now.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE ABOUT THE SERVICES TCC OFFERS?
Just take suggestions and apply them. Coming here felt like home. It was warm. It was welcoming. It felt comfortable. When I arrived, I wanted to change everything, and I had the chance to do it here. I always wanted to be active, and I channeled a lot of what I had been dealing with in addiction to get in the best shape of my life. I hope to inspire other people to do that too. TCC is a great place to build good habits.
Victoria from Washington Courthouse, OH
HOW DID YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE COUNSELING CENTER?
I reached out to friends I knew had a significant amount of clean time. I had yet to learn how they did it. I had lost my partner and wound up with legal charges. I was losing the will to care about consequences. After a bunch of tries at detox, I arrived at TCC. I am an alumnus of Foundations (which took some forced willingness for me to stay), the St. Lucy’s women’s program, and then Transitional Living for about ten months. I currently live in long-term supportive housing with TCC, although I just became a homeowner – so I’ll be moving soon!
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEBODY THAT IS STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW ABOUT TREATMENT OR RECOVERY – WHAT’S THE MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO DELIVER TO THEM?
People out there are struggling just as much and maybe the same as you. And there are places you can go where people will set you up for a shot at long-term recovery – if you’ll try. You’ve just got to take that first step.
HOW IS TCC DIFFERENT?
Foundations at TCC was the first place I went, and I was serious about getting clean. I tried to call my dad and my grandma to come and get me. I wanted to leave. But neither one of them answered. I thought treatment was a circle of people who sat around, talked about their problems, and then went home—having the opportunity for aftercare, staying in treatment, and participating helped me remain here and get better.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CLEAN?
My clean date is August 7th, 2021.
Ryan from Ironton, OH
HOW DID YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE COUNSELING CENTER?
I was referred to treatment by the Ironton Probation Department after I violated home confinement. I was dirty. I went to withdrawal management on an ankle monitor, facing a Felony 3. After that, I’ve been all around. I went to Second Chance, a men’s program at TCC. I transferred to the Hughes Re-Entry program, where I got my plumbing certification and decided to go to Transitional Living. I got involved in the Workforce Development Program and was employed with TCC during COVID.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEBODY THAT IS STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW ABOUT TREATMENT OR RECOVERY – WHAT’S THE MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO DELIVER TO THEM?
Go to Day One. Recovery is beautiful – it is a lovely thing.
HOW IS TCC DIFFERENT?
There is a feeling of being part of a family. When I came to TCC, the people were like me. Everyone was equal. I felt equal.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CLEAN?
I’ve been clean since December 2020.
Natasha Arnett , LSW, Program Coordinator of Transitional Living at TCC
WHEN DID YOUR JOURNEY START WITH TCC?
2006 was my first outpatient experience; Andy Albrecht was my counselor. I started working here in July 2020. I’ve worked at the Health and Wellness Center. I’ve also provided Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment Services and Mental Health Counseling. After finishing my degree, I transitioned into a management role with the Transitional Living Program.
TELL US ABOUT THE POPULATION YOU SERVE.
They are some of the best people I’ve ever met—the most intelligent, Sweetest, and Hard-working. Most people with a substance use disorder need a hand. They need someone to care about them and show them how to live.
WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU HAVE TO PEOPLE IN THE FIELD ABOUT TCC AS AN EMPLOYER?
The Counseling Center has been a great employer. They worked with me on my schedule while I was in school. I’ve learned so much. I see people grow and change, and it is incredible to contribute a small part to something big.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WAS ON THE FENCE ABOUT SEEKING HELP FOR THEIR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER?
Well, if they’re on the fence -I’d tell them to jump over. I would say to them that their disease is a liar. That they are worth a good life.
