Today I would like to share with readers a true story of resilience and success from one of the residents of Sarah’s House.  Sarah’s House, located in Northfield, opened in 2020 to serve women returning from addiction treatment.  Since opening, Sarah’s House has served 22 women including Kimberly who shares her story below. (Her name has been changed for privacy)

Kimberly moved into Sarah’s House on a cold December afternoon after completing inpatient alcohol treatment. Kimberly described herself as a severe alcoholic who previously hadn’t had the desire to get sober. Kimberly’s two grown daughters had heard “a million times” that their mother was going to become sober. Her family had given up hope.  Sarah finally accepted her need for help. That’s where Sarah’s House and the staff stepped in. Sarah’s House appealed to her because they held her accountable. Sarah’s House requires that residents attend AA or NA meetings weekly, have a local sponsor, follow inpatient aftercare, be active in the community as a volunteer and submit a drug and/or alcohol test upon request. This time Kimberly also had the drive and desire to change her life.

“It’s hard to keep motivation when homeless. It perpetuates you. If I didn’t have a safe place like Sarah’s House, I would not have been able to start this journey. I had burned all my other bridges” 

That accountability along with connected community resources like the Community Action Center (CAC) that Kimberly utilized helped her to stay sober. After Kimberly’s daughters saw her maintaining her sobriety they started having a relationship with her. Kimberly found a job that she enjoyed and succeeded in it. Kimberly is currently acquiring credits to become a Peer Recovery Specialist.

Kimberly recently celebrated 14 months sober and moved out of Sarah’s House after finding, with the help of her case manager, a two-bedroom apartment in the community. She now has a bedroom for her daughters to visit while they continue to rebuild their relationship.

“No matter your age you can rebuild. However much work you put in is how much you will get in return.” 

Congratulations Kimberly.  We are so proud of you.

Thank you to the supporters of Sarah’s House and the community of Northfield for providing a kind and supportive environment for Sarah’s House residents to thrive.

Susan Stout
Ruth’s House/Sarah’s House Outreach Coordinator