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Personal Recovery Stories

Crystale Vega’s Journey

All the Dark Moments, All the Bright Moments Crystale Vega’s Journey I’m grateful,” says Crystale Vega, reflecting on her three years of sobriety. “I’m grateful to be a survivor of trafficking. I’m grateful for my recovery. I’m grateful to have overcome domestic violence. I’m thankful for...

Stories Restoring Hope: Malerie Lockhart

Malerie Lockhart works at the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center (MCRRC) in Belfast through Volunteers of America as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). The MCRRC provides treatment, education and vocational opportunities for incarcerated men with the hope of reducing recidivism. Malerie believes people...

Dan Belyea

Sober, Happily Married and Advocating for Jobs for People in Recovery Dan Belyea’s work as the chief workforce development officer for the Maine Community College System is even more meaningful to him because he is sober — 17 years and counting — and able to...

Stories Restoring Hope: Jim Mello

Recovery Purpose and Self Jim Mello is a man of many passions and pursuits. On Sundays, he’s a Methodist minister in Dover Foxcroft, Milo and Atkinson, but you may also recognize his voice from Colby College’s “The Cosmic Mello(w) Mix Tape,” which used to feature...

Building Better, Building Together

Matthew Jones’ Story A good day at work looks different for everyone. If you’re lucky, your job keeps you busy; makes you feel safe, appreciated and supported; and pays you well at the end of the day. At the beginning of his recovery , Matthew Jones...

Sobriety is a Gift That Keeps on Giving

One of the greatest gifts sobriety has taught me is the concept of choice. Sobriety has been my chosen lifestyle since June 14, 2001, and it has made all the difference. It is freedom from a self-sabotaging way of life. Alcohol’s presence was predominant in my...

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