Before I came to AFAR, I didn’t know how to live life sober. I had tried many times by myself and failed. Everything was so overwhelming and confusing in the beginning. I didn’t know where to start. I had been drinking alcohol and taking prescription narcotics, like Adderall and Xanax, to help me deal with life for over a decade. My brain didn’t know how to produce its own happy chemicals without a substance. I couldn’t relax naturally, and I couldn’t function or get basic tasks done without the Adderall. It took my body a good 6-8 months to find its equilibrium again. Needless to say, during that time I felt very vulnerable. AFAR provided me with a SAFE, affordable place to live that gave me structure and accountability while I was getting my life together in early sobriety. I was able to save & pay off debt, get a gym membership and learn to feel good naturally. But the thing that meant the most to me was the unconditional love (sometimes tough love), support and community AFAR gave me. The relationships I’ve developed, the self-confidence I’ve gained, the memories I’ve made and the love I received from AFAR have all contributed to the solid foundation and to the fulfilling life I have today. Today I am a productive member of society, I have stable emotional sobriety, I’m a great worker, a great daughter, sister and friend.
And most of all, my life has taken on true purpose & meaning. I sponsor women today and I’m still involved with AFAR by volunteering, It’s the least I can do for the organization that gave me back my life.
– Alexis S
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I hit rock bottom, with nothing to my name but the shackles of addiction. Desperate for a way out, I sought help and found myself at rehab. It was a crucial first step, but I knew I needed more. That’s when I discovered AFAR, a sober house that would become my sanctuary.
From the moment I walked through the doors, I was enveloped in warmth and acceptance. The community at AFAR treated me like family, offering a sense of belonging I thought I’d never know. With their support, I began to rebuild my life.
The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. I discovered a new passion for my career, and my hard work paid off. I met my fiancé, and together we built a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. I became a part of a new family, one that loved and accepted me for who I am.
As I continued to grow, I began to chase my dreams. I always wanted to live in the Pocono Mountains, surrounded by nature’s beauty. And now, I’m proud to call it my home. My own cabin, nestled in the woods, is a symbol of my journey. From the darkness of addiction to the light of freedom, I’ve come full circle.
AFAR will always hold a special place in my heart. It was there that I found my footing, my purpose, and my family. I’ll be forever grateful for the love and support they showed me when I needed it most. My story is one of hope and redemption, a testament to the power of community and the human spirit.
Drew D.
Dear reader,
My name is Sara Enderle, I am an addict. Before I begin with my time at AFAR I would like to give you some background information. My DOC was crack cocaine and fentanyl (preferably the fentanyl that was killing people, the more OD’s it caused the more I wanted it). I was in a physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally abusive relationship and I was also homeless in Camden NJ for a year at the time I decided to go away to treatment. With no active health insurance or the resources, I have now rehab options were limited. I went to a ‘rehab’ in WV. I spent 4 months at a place who is now under the investigation of the FBI for human trafficking, money laundering and various other things. My mom picked me up from said rehab and I came back to NJ. I was calling around for sober living options and I accidentally called a male sober house. They recommended me to the Hamilton AFAR house and gave me Stacey Ross’ cell phone number. I was nervous to call given the circumstances of my last rehab, but I knew I had to do something different this time. When I called Stacey I was greeted with nothing but warmth and compassion. I gave her all my details, and she told me she would touch base with me after she was done at a meeting she was on her way to. That spoke volumes to me because I now knew she was working a program, so I trusted her. She did call me back and she asked me a few questions I answered then she told me they do have a bed and told me when I could come. My mom drove me out here to Hamilton from Blackwood. My mom was also nervous about this as well because she knew the circumstances I stayed in prior to this. Stacey sat us down the couch and explained everything to us in detail (rules, curfews, UA testing, chores) in depth and I started to move my stuff in. The house was beautiful, and I was extremely grateful to have a bed, because I didn’t always have a bed. I have been shown NOTHING short of love and compassion in this house. Stacey also explained the importance of working a program in this house, which was something I didn’t follow through with before, but I was willing to do anything to change. I also didn’t doubt her one bit because I knew she herself worked a program. During my time at AFAR that I have been graciously given the opportunity to be at, I have grown tremendously. Stacey and a previous house member at the time were able to give me recommendations on a sponsor I took their recommendation and over 2 years later, she is still my sponsor to this day. In this house I have built meaningful and fulfilling relationships. I have gone from supervised visits with my son to getting him unsupervised and being able to rekindle that relationship. I have found my niche in NA (Narcotics Anonymous). I have gone on to plan out and start a new NA meeting with another addict and that meeting still flourishes today. I have gotten my felony expunged due to doing everything that I need to. My time at AFAR has allowed me to get on my feet financially as well, the low rent rate has helped me and countless other women immensely. When we are new in recovery, we tend to not be finance savvy. Due to the connections and resources, I have acquired being at this house I now work at Creative Change Counseling. I also am in school for my CADC to help addicts/alcoholics just like me. I am also an active intern and facilitating groups. Once I acquire that I am going to go through the necessary steps to acquire my LAC then LCADC so I can then open my own practice. I came into this house wanting to be a welder. Over time, I have come to the realization that I want to help people. The fact that there has been no cap on my stay at AFAR has also helped me tremendously. There is not a stressful deadline that hangs over my head, I know on my own time when I am ready to take the next step I can, and if that takes longer than I originally anticipated then I would still be safe. I have also advanced to being the only house manager here and it brings me great pleasure to help these ladies find their way. AFAR has been a CRUCIAL tool to me to help me start a new life. I have changed everything about myself and everything has improved. I no longer fear the future I embrace it. I thank the God for my understanding every day for AFAR and for Stacey Ross who has not only acted as a role model in my life, but as a safe person as well. AFAR has helped me help myself and get into the habit of working a program. Therefore, AFAR has helped me and everyone I will help in my future. I can never say enough how truly grateful I am for this life changing this house and the tools and lifestyle it has brought on me. I came into this house not even knowing what my favorite color was because I got so lost out there. Today my favorite color is purple. Thank you for taking the time to read. I truly want to thank ALL of the members of the AFAR board for helping me save my life.
Love,
A recovering addict named Sara
I am writing this letter with immense gratitude for the life-changing experience I have had through the structured environment of A.F.A.R Sober Living House and the guidance of the AA program.
When I first walked through these doors, I was unsure of my future. But through the structure, support, and accountability provided here, I have found a new way of life—one built on faith, honesty, and growth.
The principles of AA, combined with the safe and encouraging environment of A.F.A.R., have given me the tools to face life with strength and purpose. The sense of community, the wisdom shared in meetings, and the unwavering support from the directors and the house staff have all played a crucial role in my recovery. I have learned to surrender, to trust in a Higher Power, and to embrace each day with gratitude.
Because of this journey, I am no longer bound by my past. I have hope, purpose, and a renewed sense of self. Thank you for your dedication, for believing in me even when I struggled to believe in myself, and for providing a space where transformation is possible. I will carry these lessons with me always, and I am forever grateful.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Julia K.
Thank you AFAR!
I can’t express enough how thankful I am to AFAR, the staff and volunteers.
AFAR has provided a safe and affordable sober home for my daughter. Because of AFAR I see a great future ahead of her.
Bless you all!!
Signed, A Thankful Mom
Louise