Success Stories

The Women's Recovery Association exists to instill hope for a quality of life where each woman can become a successful, productive and healthy member of society. Since 1970, WRA has served women, girls and their families without regard for age, ethnicity, ability, sexual preference or socioeconomic status. We draw our strength and inspiration from every woman and family we serve.

Recovery

  • "Recovery is not a bowl of cherries.. .but recovery makes me feel good about myself and I can be a real mom to my girls." - Andrea, The Elms. 1996
  • "You helped me to see a lot of good things about myself and made me aware that it is still a long road to recovery."  - Christy, The Elms, 1996
  • "I have a lot more to learn. I am a baby and WRA has helped me grow." - Jessica, 2008
  • "You never gave up!! Thank you so much for telling me I would be OK. I believed you and I am OK!!" - Linda, The Elms, 1991
  • "When I first came to WRA, I wasn’t used to your methods. I didn’t want to deal with the sadness and my resentments. When I tested your methods and it worked, I respected that." - Susan, Laurel House, 1996
  • "I don’t let people in, even myself.  When you told me it wouldn’t always hurt so much, I believed  you. I don’t feel so hopeless about my life anymore." - Joan, Laurel House, 1994
  • "I’ll never forget the lessons I have learned at WRA and would not trade the past three months for anything." - Sandy, The Elms,  1995
  • "I have had many unsuccessful treatment attempts in the past. For some reason, WRA is the only one that’s worked. I’ve never been in a facility that’s as thorough and complete as this one. I’ve gotten everything I need here. I’ve become a real person here (WRA), and I got here feeling subhuman." - Dayna, January 2002
  • "It wasn’t until after I had left WRA that I realized how valuable what I had learned was to me." - Sherri S., Perinatal Outpatient, 1997
  • "How does one say thank you for a new beginning? Over and over again, I guess." - Gloria, Outpatient Individual and Group, 1996 
  • "WRA has assisted me in so many ways to recover from my disease as well as my emotional and mental problems. I am truly grateful to the staff's professionalism in helping me every step of the way here." - Anon, 2008
  • "Being able to use the tools WRA staff have given me has made me a different person." - Lucille, October 2001
  • "You have helped me see a lot of LIGHT!" - Alexa, The Elms, 1996

Acceptance

  • "WRA has breathed life into my whole being. No longer hollow, I am filled with love, high spirits, and hope. I am excited to be alive and to be me." - Karen, January 2002
  • "By learning to accept others exactly as they are, I am learning to accept myself." - Barbara, Laurel House, 1997
  • "I feel comfortable to speak my feelings to my therapist. WRA is helping me regain my structure and confidence." - Anon, 2008
  • "It has not been easy for me. I am not used to trusting other women or having them care about me."  - Christina, Laurel House, 1994
  • "I never cried before. I cry now, all the time, as a matter of fact. I no longer feel the horrible guilt and shame that brought me to WRA." - Shannon, The Elms, 1995
  • "In spite of everything that has hurt me, WRA has taught me that there are people that are really good at heart." - Susan, Outpatient, 1996

Family

  • "Thank you very much for everything you have done for me. My baby and I wouldn’t be together if WRA wasn’t here. If I never found out about WRA, I would still be using. I love being sober." - Anon, October 2001
  • "Everything you have taught me will always stay with me. My family now WANTS me to be a mother to my baby." - Ann, Laurel House 1995
  • "WRA is the reason I am sober today. Today I have 19 years of sobriety, am owner and manager of three apartments with my sister and grandmother to six healthy grandsons. Today gratitude is my favorite word." - Barbara, April 2002
  • "If only people, especially the young, could realize what happens from addiction. It is so sad for us to see the damage it had caused our daughter." - Anonymous, Family and Friends, 1996
  • "I've learned so much and come so far, I feel alive for the very first time in years. I have built a family support system in the program." - Anon, 2008
  • "My son and I have a lot to be grateful for these days. Especially for the people God put in our lives this year." - Claire, Perinatal Residential, 1995
  • "I have a life today as I never have before. My mother and I have a relationship again. My dad is proud of me and my kids trust me." - Julie, The Elms, 1995
  • "Thank you for giving my daughter back her life.  I am sure there are times when you must think that this is a thankless job, but I am one mother who will always be grateful." - J.J, 1994
  • "Thank you for helping me love myself so I can love my children." - Alisha, The Elms, 1995

Community

  • "Isn’t wonderful that we never have to stand alone again???" - Anonymous,  Hillside House, 1994
  • "It feels really good to have WRA in my corner." - Noelle,  The Elms, 1996
  • "WRA….if each day brings you even half of what you give to others, I know you’ll have a truly blessed life." - Karen, Outpatient, 1995
  • "Thank you WRA for being there when I need you the most." - Carla, The Elms, 1995
  • "I never forget the caring and the drive of the staff at WRA in showing me the way to a clean and sober life.  Life is good without drugs!" - Donna, The Elms, 1993
  • "Thank you so much WRA for being there through the hardest time of my life." - Angie, Outpatient, 1994
  • "The women at the houses are excellent source of support." - Anon, 2008
  • "It makes me feel more peaceful to have WRA. It makes me feel, well, not alone." - Gloria, Outpatient, 1996
  • "Thank you to the staff of WRA. I don’t have to guess at what normal is anymore." - Linda, The Elms, 1994
  • "Thank you WRA for your help. I often think you have the biggest ears in the whole world to listen to each of us everyday." - Susan, The Elms, 1996
  • "I want to tell you how much you’ve helped me at WRA. I do not have the words." - Connie, The Elms,  1994
  • "WRA, you have touched my life forever." - Elaine, Perinatal Outpatient, 1996
  • "Thank you for another 24 hours of caring and joy." - Anne, The Elms, 1994
  • "I love you guys!" - Anon, 2008

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