Catholic Charities, Inc.

The grip of addiction can be a life-long struggle. Until Susan found Catholic Charities in Columbus, it was an endless cycle in and out of ten addiction recovery programs. For nearly 30 years, she never stayed sober for more than ten months. She had lost all hope as her family had severed contact with her and she was living on the streets, using her suitcase as a pillow, just waiting to die.

Now, family and hope are the themes of her life, thanks to the support she received at Catholic Charities. “Columbus changed my life,” Susan says. “I would not be alive today without the program and the people.” The Columbus program is different because it provides long-term treatment and accountability. We not only guided Susan through eight months of treatment, but helped her find a job and a place to live. “They became a partner in my life and they are always there when I need them,” Susan added. Now more than two years sober, she has reunited with her family and started a new life.  “I now have two important families in my life, my own and Catholic Charities,” Susan reflects. “What an experience it is to be called Grandma.”