Experience, Strength, HOPE, and Resilience

I arrived at SSAA in 2019, overwhelmed and struggling to cope with the profound impact of childhood abuse by my sibling, as well as subsequent traumatic experiences. The weight of those experiences had cast a dark shadow over my life, leaving me in a state of constant hypervigilance and self-blame. Recognizing I couldn't continue down this path, I sought help that winter, and SSAA provided a safe and welcoming space for me to begin my healing journey. The community's understanding and empathy helped me feel seen and heard, even when I couldn't find the words to express my pain. As I worked through the 12 Steps, I began to confront and process long-buried memories, which, at times, made things more challenging before they got better. However, with time, patience, and support, I've started to rebuild my life, cultivating healthier, more loving relationships – most importantly, with myself and my inner child. I'm deeply grateful to SSAA for guiding me on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I've come to realize that this program truly works, but only if I commit to doing the work. And I want to encourage others to do the same: you are worthy of healing, and it's never too late to take the first step towards reclaiming your life.