Robert’s Renewed Confidence on a Path to Recovery
March 12, 2026
Robert’s journey with Services for the UnderServed is one of deep transformation, showing how supportive services can rebuild a life. When he reflects on where his journey began, he remembers a period marked by overwhelming loss and instability. “I grew up in Harlem. I had a mental breakdown one day. I thought I lost my mind.” After hospitalization and years spent with any support, he reached a point where, as he describes it, “everybody distanced themselves from me and it was years that I was in the dark by myself.”
That changed when he connected with Services for the UnderServed (S:US). Through an S:US therapist, Robert found a way to rediscover his voice and begin rebuilding his life. “[My therapist] helped me navigate my thoughts, hear myself talk… it was life changing to me.” Speaking openly about his experiences helped him see himself with new clarity and sparked the first signs of healing.
Robert spent four years in Patchen, a substance use recovery program. It was an environment that forced him to confront the reality of where his life was headed. “Everybody in there was a suffering from substance use challenges… it made me see myself in that lens… and it made me really start putting more work into myself.” By the time he completed the program, he was applying the tools he learned and holding himself accountable to his own recovery.
When Robert moved into S:US’ Marcy Hart supportive housing in October 2021, the stability and safety offered him a sense of peace, something he hadn’t felt in years. “It gave me a place to heal… to clear my mind… I needed that isolation whenever I’m overwhelmed and a safe space at that.” With a studio apartment of his own, he could finally focus on his future.
His case manager helped him navigate the process of applying to the Howie the Harp (HTH) Peer Specialist Training Program. Robert was accepted in August 2024. The program helped him turn his lived experience into a source of strength and empathy. “It helped me channel my past [substance use] challenges to learn the skills to help others navigate the same problems through a peer lens.”
After completing both the training and a 12‑week internship, he discovered a renewed sense of purpose. In March 2025, he began working full-time as a peer specialist. He leads workshops, offers one‑on‑one support, accompanies people to appointments, and advocates for those navigating their own recovery journeys.
“I didn’t think I’d be able to help somebody when I couldn’t help myself. Now helping other people helps me stay on that path. Every time somebody says thank you, everything is worth it. I got my confidence on 1000 now. I believe in myself again. The love I got from S:US, people really coming to me for support, it has changed my life on another level.” Robert’s next goal is to move into independent housing and he continues to work closely with his case manager to navigate the process.
For anyone struggling and considering seeking help, Robert offers heartfelt advice: “Get out of your own way and do it. Services for the UnderServed will help you all you want, as long as you want to help yourself.” Through person-centered behavioral health services, stable housing, and pathways to employment, S:US helped him rebuild his life and renewed his belief in the future.
