Stepping Stones to Independence

Within the next few days Joyce will be moving from Calvary Women’s Services into her own private room. She will live among a new community of people who are committed to sobriety and making healthy choices. Joyce said that she views the move as one more important stepping stone as she transitions from her old life to a new one.

Joyce grew up in an alcoholic family and drinking created conflict throughout her life. As an adult she made the difficult choice to separate from her alcoholic husband when she decided she needed to live a sober lifestyle. When Joyce came to Calvary, she said it was the first time she accepted her alcoholism. It was also the first time she had ever experienced homelessness. “It was a new way for me,” she said. “It gave me some structure.”

Now Joyce has been sober for almost an entire year. Her recovery is just one of many goals she successfully accomplished at Calvary, and which she will continue in her new home. Joyce said, “Calvary gave me confidence that I can live my life without a drink. I found a lot of things here that are good for me.”

Joyce wants to make other healthy choices part of her new life, including more regular exercise and eating well. She said that she got some ideas about how to choose healthier foods as a result of Calvary’s garden. Eventually Joyce plans to move into her own apartment where she will be able to “sit back and enjoy life.”