My name is Kathryn and I am a recovering addict /
alcoholic. I am honored to have been chosen as a BOSS graduate. I was in my
addiction for the greater part of my life. Suffice is to say, that’s too long a
journey to take you on but I will say this. I spent my whole life unable to hold
down a job or maintaining any stability for a prolonged period of time. In
August of 2002 ; I became homeless once again. For me, that was the last straw
and I attempted suicide, which landed me in psychiatric facility and was
diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder. That was the beginning of my journey in
recovery.
From John George I was accepted at the South County
Homeless Project in Hayward. I spend 7 months there and with the help of staff I
was given the structure and direction I needed to
move forward in my life. As
part of this direction I was required to attend an outpatient recovery program
daily as well as attend groups held at the shelter. From the shelter I moved into the Meekland Transitional Housing where I resided for a year. With a great
deal of help from my case manger, David Hill, I began the journey of how to live
life on life’s terms. It was a difficult process for me and I’m sure David would
agree that I was a handful, but he never gave up on me and taught me not to give
up on myself. The life skills I learned there allowed me to go out into the
world and live on my own successfully.
Here I am today taking another big step in my life; one
I’ve worked very hard for and I know I’ve earned it. I want to thank my entire
family for loving me when I couldn’t love myself and being here today to see me
be all that I can be. I am grateful for your love and support. And a very
special thanks to two of my greatest supporters; David and Angelique Hill. I
will be eternally grateful for all you’ve given me in this my journey in
recovery.