William’s Journey to Recovery and Stability
William faced a lifetime of challenges with substance use disorder. After experiencing housing instability for nearly eight months, his life reached a breaking point. “I woke up disgusted, under a tarp by the water in College Point,” he recalls. That moment sparked a decision to seek help.
In October 2024, William entered Ujima House, a Services for the UnderServed (S:US) recovery program in East Harlem. There, he found more than shelter; he found hope. “S:US saved my life,” William says. “They gave me food, clothing, and the chance to start over.”
William embraced every opportunity through our programs. He participated in relapse prevention groups at our Wellness Works Clinic, accepted peer engagement support through Connections to Care, and committed to rebuilding his life. “I walked in knowing I never wanted to pick up [substances] again,” he shares. His dedication and commitment paid off. William remains actively engaged in his recovery.
Beyond sobriety, William worked to mend broken family ties and rebuild trust. “I had burned bridges with my family,” he admits. “But during treatment, those relationships were restored.” He also received transitional housing through The Fortune Society, giving him the stability he needed to focus on his health and future.
Today, William is thriving. He continues to prioritize his well-being, attends support groups, and looks forward to securing permanent housing. His message to others on their path to recovery is: “Get humble, get grateful. Recovery is a bridge back to life. It takes patience and effort, but it’s worth it.”
