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Recovery is Looking Forward, One Step at a Time
During Recovery Month, we are sharing stories and voices to celebrate recovery. Peggy, formerly a Peer Support Specialist in our Durham office, is now a Qualified Professional on the Durham Community Support Team.
We asked Peggy about her own recovery journey. Here’s what she shared:
The staff that played such an intimate role in my recovery were Peer Support Specialists.
In 2016 I experienced a life-altering event that forever changed the trajectory of my life. Wanting to put the broken pieces of my life back together, I sought help from StepUp Durham. The staff at StepUp Durham helped me tap into my resiliency and recognize my strength to face this new reality. The staff that played such an intimate role in my recovery were Peer Support Specialists. I had to learn more about Peer Support. As I learned about Peer Support Specialists, I realized I had found the ideal fit for me and the change in direction I needed to make.
Now, here’s how Peggy helps others on their recovery journey
I always tell my clients to just keep looking forward. As a Peer Support Specialist, I’ve been
there. I’ve walked along a similar path. I tell my clients that recovery is looking forward and not
living in the shame and guilt anymore.
I tell my clients that recovery is looking forward and not
living in the shame and guilt anymore
I see recovery happen every day at SouthLight. One story that really shows the impact we have on people’s lives is a client I’ll call Steve.
I met Steve in the ER on New Year’s Day 2019. He was at the point of giving up and was struggling
with PTSD and depression. He had been homeless for several years, was actively using substances and had
some major health issues.
On top of all that, COVID hit. Steve needed help, and fortunately, he found SouthLight just in time.
We help clients like Steve get connected to community resources that provide affordable housing.
Here’s how I helped Steve along his recovery journey.
Step 1: Get his health back on track
One of the first things I did for Steve is to get him connected to a primary care provider. I helped him get appointments with specialists to get his health back on track.
Step 2: Help him find secure housing
We help clients like Steve get connected to community resources that provide affordable housing. We look online. We make phone calls. We help them fill out applications. We sit by their side and help them navigate the system.
Step 3: Connect him to community services
That’s what we do in Peer Support—we connect our clients with community services and resources. For example,
- We take clients to the DMV.
- We help them fill out job applications,
- We deliver food.
- We take them to doctor appointments.
That’s the difference with SouthLight; we’re there for our clients. We don’t give up on anyone.
Every week, I sit with a client during her chemo treatments. She’s told me that she’s never been able to count on anyone before. That’s the difference with SouthLight; we’re there for our clients. We don’t give up on anyone.
People trust us.
Learn more about SouthLight’s Peer Support team. With shared lived experiences, they guide and support individuals on their unique recovery journey. They model recovery values to encourage wellness and empower individuals to meet their goals.
About SouthLight Healthcare:
Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area’s largest nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. SouthLight partners with individuals and communities to provide innovative treatment solutions delivered with compassion and dignity. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education, and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. Call 919-787-6131 for help or more information or visit www.southlight.org.