Four and a half years ago, I arrived at Milestone broken, spiritually bankrupt, and coming off a two year relapse. I had been through the program before, and the lifelong friendships I made there were some of the very people who helped carry me back when I was at my lowest.

When I returned, I was met with open arms by Nikoleta, Rebecca, and Mike Frank. They saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself at the time. I was given a scholarship to their Excell IOP treatment program and, more importantly, I was given another chance. Milestone gave me the tools, support, accountability, and community I needed to build a new way of life, yet again.

There is something incredibly special about Milestone. For nearly 25 years, it has been so much more than a sober house or a treatment program. It's a community. It's a place where people show up for one another, where friendships become family, and where you're reminded that you never have to do this alone. I truly believe there is no other place like it.

Milestone was there for me when I needed it most, and the life I have today was built on the foundation of my recovery. I will never forget what this community gave me, and I will do anything I can to give back so that Milestone can continue being there for the next person who walks through its doors looking for a way out.

Recovery changes everything. Milestone helped change mine.

I'm raising funds for The Milestone House in Dover, New Jersey, a nonprofit recovery housing organization that provides structured, peer-supported housing for individuals in early recovery from substance use disorders.