Those in recovery work hard every day for their sobriety and deserve all that life has to offer.

Stages of Transformation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was founded in December 2020, to provide support and resources to those in addiction recovery. Addiction knows no boundaries and has affected families for generations. It is only recently that we are more willing to openly discuss. Today, it is widely accepted by major scientific associates that addiction is a mental illness. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NISA) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) both define addiction as a “brain disease,” a mental health condition called “Substance Use Disorder.”

In my experience, living with someone who suffers from addiction, I was not open or willing to share with anyone what my family was living through as I felt a lot of shame and embarrassment. For many, this may be the first time they are learning about our journey. Everyone’s family seemed so perfect compared to ours and no issues with their children. Meanwhile, my number was on speed dial with the dean of students where my son attended high school. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of how this story could have possibly ended.

I am no longer embarrassed or ashamed. I am so proud and extremely grateful for my family’s journey. We are blessed to be one of the lucky ones. For some families they are not as fortunate. In 2020, according to the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) the number of overdoses reported by hospitals was 203, and sadly 42 of those individuals did not survive. In addition, there have been over 81,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States over the past 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, according to recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). My son Bryan has been in recovery for 5 years now and his journey inspires me daily. I have so much gratitude to all those along the way that provided the steps, tools, support, and guidance to my son in his recovery journey. From his Public Defender to the McHenry County Mental Health Court Program, The 12 Step Recovery Program, and his sponsor. Stages of Transformation, Inc. has come to fruition largely because of all the support he received along the way.

Those in recovery work hard every day for their sobriety and deserve all that life has to offer. Sadly, for many the journey in recovery can bring additional difficulties and struggles. That is where your help is needed, and your donation will TRULY make a difference in someone’s life. Your donations will fund Sober Living Homes in McHenry County that provides a safe environment with the necessary guidance, resources, and support for individuals to continue in their recovery journey and transform into the best version of themselves. Your donations will provide solutions of change and a way to make a difference in the world.

I am proud to be the Founder and President of Stages of Transformation, Inc. with my son Bryan, Co-Founder and Manager. Together we dare to dream big and make a difference in our community.