At Fellowship Missions, we believe recovery is always something to celebrate! We love being able to give those who are working hard every day on their recovery journey the opportunity to share their stories of hope and healing.
One of our residents at Fellowship Missions agreed to share her own recovery story with you. Nikki became a part of our Fellowship Missions story in 2023 and we’re grateful she was willing to share her story of recovery.
What is your background?
I grew up in Kosciusko and have spent most of my life here. I was married before, but not anymore. I have three kids and grandkids, but I am really only in contact with one of my daughters today.
I haven’t been working since 2016 because of a back injury. For years, I was getting high on methamphetamine to cope. I wasn’t living in a good place, the people there were stuck in their own addiction.
Why did you come to Fellowship Missions?
I decided to quit using drugs on June 13, 2023, and I knew I needed to leave where I was staying. I had nowhere to go. None of my family could take me in, as they didn’t have any room in their home. My daughter, who I do have a relationship with, was already taking care of so many people.
In the fall, Fellowship Missions had an opening, so I came right away.
How has being at Fellowship Missions helped your recovery?
Coming to Fellowship Missions has helped me stay sober. The biggest impact has been the staff, who encourage me and help me stay positive. The recovery program is good, but it is hard to go through some of the topics. I deal with PTSD, and it is hard to bring hard memories back and deal with them, even though I know I need to.
I have two certificates of completion with The Bowen Center for substance use, which I completed in February 2024 and I celebrated my first year of sobriety in June.
I work in the kitchen as the breakfast assistant. I like working in the kitchen because it’s a way for me to help other people and also work with a team. I enjoy being able to help the Kitchen Lead with whatever needs to be prepared for breakfast.
Are there any life lessons you’ve learned at Fellowship Missions?
I am learning how to trust people. I came into Fellowship Missions not trusting anyone because I have been hurt a lot by others. But being around nice people, and having them around to support me, I am learning how to trust again.
With that, I am letting people in again. Instead of being scared that they will misuse my kindness or vulnerability, I learning how to trust people again.
What are your goals for your life moving forward?
I want to quit smoking, I don’t want to have to smoke when I am stressed and I think my next step will be to try nicotine patches to help me quit.
Since I can’t work due to my back injury, I am reapplying for disability. My goal is to save up for a car to get myself to my medical appointments, and then be able to save up for a place to live.
When I get a car, I plan to travel and see my kids. I miss them and want to stay connected to them.
Fellowship Missions is here to help!
Through Fellowship Missions’ Addiction Recovery Hub, we are committed to helping unite our community around the areas of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and to offer support to those struggling with alcohol or substance use disorder and their families.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder and addiction, call the Fellowship Missions hotline today to get the help you need: 1-800-337-3219
If you would like to get involved with our Recovery Mentor program and help those like Nikki who are walking their recovery journey, click below to learn more about how you can become a volunteer.
