12 years ago Open Arms saved my life when even I wasn’t sure it was worth saving. If I said thank you 10,000 times, that still would not be enough. Almost everything I have achieved is a result of being at Open Arms. They showed me how to build a bridge back to life.

I’ve lived in Haverstraw for 40 years and never knew Open Arms existed until about two years ago. That’s when I began my recovery from substance abuse. I found the support I needed right in my own backyard.

For as far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be part of something, but I always settle for less. All my adult life I made bad decisions, then tried to escape the results with drugs and alcohol. But finally I found out how, and where, to make sound decisions. I finally found Open Arms. I finally know what it’s like not to settle for less.

I learned how to set goals in my recovery, how to live in recovery, and how to prevent a relapse. I learned coping skills to use for the rest of my life, and to save my life.

I honestly don’t believe I would have been able to make it this far without the guidance and help from Open Arms.

I came to Rockland from the streets of White Plains at the age of 49, after living in a cardboard box for 17 years. I entered the Open Arms program where my recovery from a hopeless condition began. It all began by accepting the guidance and support of Open Arms. For that I am forever grateful.

Open Arms has taught me so much! They have given me strength for a real future, courage, and hope. I’m clean, and sober!

Coming into Open Arms has changed my life. At the beginning I had no idea what a halfway house was, but I was willing due to the fact that I had lost all hope. Coming into Open Arms has restored my hope to life, prosperity, and others. I have regained my life and have learned to help others regain their life and share it with others. So if you are in doubt what Open Arms can do for you, then maybe you’re not ready. But, if you’re ready, then let’s start a new life. Good luck to you.

Open arms was a necessary and essential part of my recovery process. It gave me the stability that I needed, and the foundation that I had lacked in the past in order to stay sober. I was able to have time to work on myself, which I feel is most important in the beginning. Three years later, I am forever grateful and I owe a great deal to the staff and the Open Arms community.

Today, I actually like myself. My family and friends are back in my life. This experience has enriched my life. I know that by the grace of God, I’ll never have to go through this again.