“In this house, we’re not clients, we’re family.”

"My sobriety date is October 22, 2020, and this is my first sober house experience.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I came to Manchester in 1997 and ran the streets for 20 years. I’ve been institutionalized, homeless, lost my kids, and my family.

This house has been a game-changer for me. I have goals, a future, even little things to look forward to because of the guys at this house. This house has taught me how to live life in a different way, a way that I had never experienced before.

I didn’t know how to be a responsible human being when I was out there using. I’ve learned how to set and achieve little goals like getting a job, paying rent every week, buying food, going to meetings - all of these things have helped me with my sobriety and I’m working hard for it.

This whole experience has totally changed my life.

When I was in between jobs and struggled to pay rent, the people here treated me exactly the same. We’re not just money to them. They care about you here. It’s so personal. Everyone gets along here and we just want to help each other. I know that I can count on any of these guys for anything.

I’ve found a happiness on the inside that I never knew before and being here has shown me that there is hope.

We have the best house."

“I was in a bathroom, crying; relapsing & letting myself down for the 30th time. COVID-19 had me discouraged about "if I could get sober during a pandemic", but deep down I knew what I had to do. I was insecure & afraid that I didn't have the strength, or deserve a bright future.

Still, I committed to 5 months of residential treatment. I went to sober living after. I made meaningful connections with sober people. I got a job that I love, where I get to give back to others. I threw myself into the center of the sober community & followed directions. I wrote inventory like my life depended on it; because it did.

A lot can happen in a year. Today I'm trusted to manage a sober house, and earned a promotion at that job I always show up for. I can afford anything I need or desire. I feel loved and can express love. I have meaningful relationships in my life. I am happily & usefully WHOLE.

But I'm not special. I owe all of this to the universe - my higher power, the family and friends who supported & loved me always, even people I barely know who prayed for me. I am blessed, but not different. I did what people before me did, and jumped when they said jump - even when I didn't want to. You can fly too, just make the jump.”

"Accepting life on life's terms was never an easy assignment.

After 20+ stints in rehab, hospitals, and jail cells I believe I've finally grasped a sense of serenity. Whatever curveballs got thrown my way, I found myself making it through with just simple prayer and meditation.

The past year and a half has consisted of different sober livings where I was either a resident, floor manager or house manager. Every single house I stayed in gave me experience and taught me humility that I never would have understood otherwise. After my last slip-up, I decided to give Into Action a chance. At first, I was skeptical, not of the house but of the mindset that I was in at the time. I had to fight a battle in my head to stay a little longer and push through the R.I.D.

So many times I had to reassess situations and sit with myself for a while, coming home to a solid group of guys who would listen was extremely helpful too. Having the opportunity to live at the step-down house at Chestnut was what really motivated me to get my life outside of sober living started. Working 60h hour weeks while balancing a long-term relationship, a program, and self-care wasn't easy but over time I learned how to schedule and put money away.

Going on 7 months sober now, I've been able to check off some big goals that I set over a year ago. September 1st I finally moved out into my first apartment with my girlfriend (soon to be fiance 🤫) and her doggo. 2 days prior to the move, I had started a new job as a BHT at Blueprint Recovery. The last rehab that I had stayed at that pushed me towards Into Action in the first place.

Today I wake up grateful, motivated, and ready to accept life on life's terms. By the grace of God, and the help of everyone I've encountered on this journey, I can say that I'm genuinely happy for once.

Thank you to Bill Brennan, Jon Gerson, Dan Cotter, Brendon Yoksh, and everyone who I got to know personally at Into Action sober living. I'm not sure where I would be today if it wasn't for these guys."

"I came to Into Action Sober Living January 2021. I was about 30 days sober coming from Granite Recovery.

Let me tell you, I was broken. I was so broke. I truly hated myself; I was unable to forgive the mistakes I made. I immediately got to work. Back to my job, yes, but more importantly, I got to work on my recovery.

I did have a slow start with the steps; however, that changed when I got a new sponsor. We jammed out and made amazing progress. My sponsor is truly an inspiration to me, and I am beyond grateful for her.

More of my inspiration comes from the woman I have lived with for the past ten months. Chelsea, our house manager, is the hardest working human that I know. Her ability to put her recovery before anything else every single day is an absolute blessing to watch. Stephanie, our assistant manager, is legitimately the reason that my path led me to Into Action. She works at the treatment center I was a client at. My case manager there asked her what sober house I should go to, she said Into Action, of course! I've told her many times, but I don't think she'll ever really know the gratitude I have for her. That suggestion changed my life.

Today I am eleven months sober; my family is back in my life, which is the most beautiful thing I can't even describe it. That would not be possible without a 12-step program and the unwavering support of a higher power.

Sober living is a beautiful thing, but Orange street is truly magic. It gave me all the tools I need to get my life back; I am forever grateful. And my motto is the same as ever, I believe in the kindness of strangers."