A Community That Helps Each Other

REST Connection Success Stories

K. Dove (*name changed to protect identity), while in the military, was struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.  Upon leaving the Service, her mental health declined, and she found herself in the throes of alcohol addiction, homelessness, and feeling suicidal.  It was a call from her Dr. one day that set her on a path to sobriety, healing, and then into REST Connection.

K. Dove’s Dr. recommended a program in Pennsylvania, called New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, a facility that provides mental health, trauma recovery, and traumatic brain injury recovery in a residential setting.  After applying, it took many months to be admitted, however, K. Dove said, “I took this opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime gift from God and made it my mission to fight my way through addiction and understand that I can handle my emotions and life so much better sober.“

After 18 months of inpatient treatment, K had to find an apartment, a job, and find her place back in the world as a single woman.  Despite attempts to secure an apartment, her applications kept being denied. 

Feeling unsure about her next steps, her caseworker from New Vitae made a call to Vickie Landis Rentsel at REST Connection.  A few days later, K visited the “REST Nest”, and as God would have it, there was a room available, which seemed meant for K.  After a 4-month long stay at the Nest, K transitioned into affordable housing and has just solidified plans to return to NY State in September to reunify with her daughter and start a new life.  She will celebrate 2 years of sobriety on July 20, 2024. Be sure to visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RESTconnection on Saturday, July 20th to help us celebrate with K!