From rock bottom to leading the way: Careshia’s recovery journey

When Careshia first shared her Avivo story in 2023, she reflected candidly on how quickly her life had unraveled before reaching recovery. “I hit rock bottom,” she said, recalling a 2-year struggle with methamphetamine use that led to losing her home, her job, and, most painfully, temporary custody of her child. “I had nothing else to lose and knew I needed to get it together.”

That turning point led her to Avivo, where she began treatment in July 2020. What followed was not just recovery, but a transformation of her life. “I couldn’t have done it without Avivo’s support,” she shared. “I gained a whole network of support… they really acted like a family.”

“I couldn’t have done it without Avivo’s support … I gained a whole network of support… they really acted like a family.”

Today, Careshia’s life tells a powerful story of growth and resilience. Now six years into her recovery, she has built stability not only for herself, but for her four daughters. “I’ve created a safe environment where they can just be kids,” she says. “My oldest tells me she’s proud of me all the time. It feels really good.”

Her personal progress extends into her professional life as well. Careshia recently achieved a major milestone: “I just got promoted… now I’m managing the new Angelea’s Soul Food Kitchen location.” After starting as a server, she steadily worked her way up. “I showed up, I stayed consistent… and now I manage my own team.”

Along the way, she has overcome challenges that once felt insurmountable. “Before I started working, I had really bad social anxiety,” she explains. “But over time, my personality came out… now I talk to customers easily and know many of them by name.”

Despite her success, Careshia remains grounded in the practices that helped her heal. She continues meeting regularly with her therapist at Avivo: “Even though I’m doing well, I still want that support. It keeps me grounded.”

“Even though I’m doing well, I still want that support. It keeps me grounded.”

Looking ahead, her goals continue to grow. “My next goal is to buy a house… I want this to be my last apartment,” she shares. “I really think I’ll get there.”

Reflecting on her journey, Careshia says it best: “I never thought I’d feel this happy again after everything I went through, but I am. I’m truly grateful.”