“None of This Happened Overnight”
When I first connected with Bert Nash Center, I was in one of the darkest periods of my life. I was struggling with severe mental health challenges, active suicidal thoughts, substance use, and overwhelming feelings of hopelessness. I could not imagine a future for myself, let alone a path toward recovery.
Throughout my recovery journey, Don, my Bert Nash case manager, has been an incredible source of support. While I was initially resistant to help, Don consistently showed up with patience, encouragement, and a genuine belief that things could get better. Over time, that support became a critical part of my recovery.
As I began to stabilize, I started thinking about goals that once felt impossible. One of those dreams was returning to school to pursue a graduate degree in social work. At the time, it felt more like a fantasy than a realistic possibility. Don encouraged me to believe that recovery could include building a meaningful future and helped me navigate the many steps required to get there.
From exploring educational resources and financial assistance opportunities to working through application requirements and unexpected obstacles, Don was there every step of the way. Whenever challenges arose, he helped me problem-solve, stay focused, and keep moving forward.
Today, I am enrolled in a graduate social work program and preparing for a practicum experience that will allow me to help others facing challenges similar to those I once faced. The person I am today is very different from the person who first sought help.
None of this happened overnight, and none of it happened alone. The support, encouragement, and guidance I received through Bert Nash, and especially from Don, helped me move from crisis to hope, from surviving to thriving.
I am deeply grateful for the care I received and for the people who stood beside me when I could not see a future for myself. Don's support changed my life, and I hope my story serves as a reminder that recovery is possible.
BNC Client, June 2026
