**Testimony from Nina**

 

I've been a client and friend of Rising Up for 10 years now, and like many of their clients who have faced challenges on the streets, I've experienced my fair share of ups and downs.I'm currently 52 years old, and I have a few interests that keep me grounded – I enjoy walking, cooking authentic Mexican food, and helping others. Getting sober has been a tough journey for me, but I’ve discovered that “it is pretty cool getting sober, you get to find things you’d like to do.”

 

**Recovery Background**

 

I started drinking when I was just 14. My boyfriend back then encouraged me to try it, and I found myself hooked. It gave me a sense of belonging, which was something I craved. At first, nothing major happened; we were just kids having fun. But over time, things took a turn. I dabbled in drugs, but alcohol became my primary addiction. By the time I was 15, I became pregnant and gave birth, all while grappling with my addiction. I’ve since been working on building relationships with my four daughters and two sons.My addictions caused me to spiral out of control. My aspirations and life goals took a backseat, and my only daily mission turned into finding alcohol. That’s when everything went wrong, leading to numerous jail stints and rehab trips, most of which were court-ordered. At that time, I just wasn’t ready to quit.

 

**Leading Up to Real Recovery**

 

Over the years, I frequented Rising Up. I utilized the warming center, the showers, and the food pantry. Pam would often tell me that I was welcome and could receive support, but embarrassment often held me back from facing her. There was a time last year when I truly hit rock bottom. Police involvement became a regular occurrence due to fighting and public disturbances.Last winter was particularly harsh; I almost lost my life to the extreme cold while sleeping on the streets. I thought drinking would warm me up, but it only landed me in the hospital. After my brief hospital stay, I returned to Rising Up. The staff there showed genuine care and encouraged me to stay sober and seek help. I realized I wanted to be successful! I started volunteering in the donated clothing department at Rising Up, and I loved it. My boyfriend, who has been clean for a year, continues to support my sobriety. Conversations about my sobriety now revolve around the question, “What am I really willing to do to stay sober?” This time, I'm committed to listening, being honest, and putting in the effort.I am pleased to say that, with help from the Rising Up street outreach program, I finally have stable housing through United Way Rapid Rehousing initiative. I still volunteer at Rising Up as part of my sobriety journey. I won’t sugarcoat it – it’s tough. But I truly believe I can succeed.