Once a Dove, Always a Dove: Beth’s Story
Triumph through Tragedy
For longtime Dove House client Beth, the road to recovery has been filled with twists, turns and heartbreaking tragedy. But through it all, her Dove House family has been by her side—even when she tried to push them away.
When Beth first arrived at Dove House in 2016 following a court order to do so, she admits it was the last place she wanted to be. She resisted the people and the program and felt angry most of the time.
“I used to run away from my therapist when I first got here,” said Beth.
Despite her resistance, the Dove House staff remained steadfast, believing in her potential and knowing she could live a life of recovery. They loved her fiercely until she could eventually learn to love herself. In fact, when Beth returned to Dove House in 2020 after struggling with sobriety, they welcomed her back “home” with open arms.
“The staff here never turned their back on me,” said Beth.
The last year brought pain beyond imagination when Beth lost friends and several family members due to drugs and violence, including a brother, a sister and a cousin. During the difficult times, she leaned on the love and support that the residents and staff at Dove House offered.
While every day isn’t perfect, Beth is grateful for her time at Dove House. The supportive community is something she believes sets Dove House apart from other programs.
“We all want what’s best for each other, and we all want to be clean,” said Beth. “Once you’re a Dove, you’re always a Dove.”
Last month, Beth graduated from the Dove House residential program and is now participating in the Steps to Success program. In this transition, Beth is a tenant who pays rent and has access to a different set of services aimed at helping women live more independently and gain skills to maintain a successful, stable and sober life.
In her last month as a Dove House client, Beth was also named “Dove of the Month,” a new recognition given to someone each month who models empathy, attendance and responsibility.
Today, Beth no longer runs from her therapists or recovery. She does quite the opposite. Beth is a role model for other women at Dove House as well as within the recovery community. With over a year of sobriety, Beth chairs her homegroup meeting, was recently promoted at her job, and best of all, she is getting plenty of quality time with her ten-year-old son.
“If I weren’t here, I wouldn’t have stayed clean,” said Beth. “I feel like I’m living a dream.”
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When you donate to Dove House, you support women like Beth. Women who stay connect with Dove House for more than a year significantly increase their likelihood of remaining sober. Support for one client for one year costs ~$15,000. This funding is covered entirely through grants and individual donations. You can support women like Beth by donating to our Fund a Dove Campaign here.
