Words From Our Clients

Alec,

I'm sitting here waiting for my last unit exam in Biology, reflecting on this weekend and the past semester as well. I wanted to convey this to you personally but didn't have the chance to privately talk. I wanted to thank you (and of course Tony) for everything that Richards House has done for me since I've been here. Not only has my sobriety and program grown, but I've grown personally as a human being. I've accomplished a lot of things through my military career, but when I came to Richards House I had a rough road ahead - many challenges, many more to come. Without the truest support from you in every way, I don't think I could have accomplished all I have to be thankful for!

I am humbled by the leadership you have instilled in me to persevere through the "*expletive* show" I had become. I look back at the milestones behind, look at the milestones still to come, and realize the choice I made in coming here were the correct decisions. I have truly found in you and Tony the guidance that I have needed. I wish others could find these epiphanies as well, but we as adults and veterans have to dig deep inside ourselves to realize that only we can make our own decisions in life.

I always fall back on my military bearing. This I see every day in the way you try to guide each of us here. I feel each of us is brought here to accomplish different things in our lives. I just wanted to thank you for your guidance and support through my journey. I truly am blessed to have been brought here to rebuild my future and successes!

Sincerely,

(Name Redacted)

Hello, Ms. Gilbert!

I came to see you at the end of June after I was arrested for a DWI. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Your advice and words of encouragement were so important to me. I really appreciate how non-judgmental and sincere you were. I really felt like you understood me, and that was the first time I ever felt comfortable talking about my problem with alcohol. I cannot even express how grateful I am for your service. You gave me the courage to talk to my family and chain of command and encouraged me to seek help. I am now 100 days sober!! I know I would not be here without you. I was convinced that I would not be able to live through this ordeal, but I have been doing it, one day at a time. So thank you for getting me through that first week and for giving me the strength to keep going.

Very respectfully,

Name Redacted)