From Struggle to Strength
This spring, Sherelle attended a Father’s Day gathering, and it was the first time in a long time she enjoyed celebrating with her family. The difference this year was Sherelle was sober. “When I was drinking, family parties were different,” she said. “This year, drinking never even crossed my mind,” she said. “It feels so good to be sober. I am enjoying life.”
Sherelle’s struggle with substance use started when she was a teenager. What began as a way to fit in and avoid reality became a continuous cycle of drinking too much and making poor choices.
“I started drinking when I was in high school, I got mixed up with the wrong crowd, stopped playing basketball and started down a bad path.” She said she drank as a way to escape. “But when the alcohol wears off, your problems are still right there.” Eventually, Sherelle realized that her drinking was only compounding her troubles.
Ready to Make a Change
“The first time I went to rehab, I was in denial,” Sherrelle said. “Thankfully, this time I was ready.” Her second chance came in May 2024, when she checked into the New Hope rehabilitation facility, prepared to begin a new journey. Determined to make a real change, she committed fully, attending 12-step meetings and finding a sponsor.
After completing rehab, Sherrelle moved to Epiphany House in Asbury Park, where she spent six months in long-term residential treatment, gradually preparing herself for life in the real world.
When her stay at Epiphany House ended, Sherrelle knew her journey wasn’t over, she still needed support to maintain her sobriety. Back home in Trenton, she enrolled in Catholic Charities’ Project Free and began the Intensive Outpatient Program. For three days a week, she attended counseling sessions with Clinical Team Leader Valaria Adams-Johnson.
“I learned so much from Miss Valaria,” Sherrelle said. “I learned that recovery is a process, something you grow through, not just get through.” Over time, her progress allowed her to step down to just one counseling session a week.
“Here at Project Free, we approach treatment in a judgment-free way. We want to create a totally safe space for recovery,” said Carla Ford, Clinical Director of Addiction & Recovery Services. “Our clinicians, medical professionals and peer recovery specialists support the men and women we serve by highlighting their strengths and building them up. Many of them come to us in a fragile state. By offering empathy and understanding, we show that we truly care about their recovery and want to see them get better.”
Preparing for the Future
“I like coming to counseling. Everyone here is so positive. They are encouraging me to make progress in my life.” Sherelle is working on getting her GED and plans to enroll in Mercer County Community College. “I love being in school. Math is definitely challenging me right now, but I’m grateful to be working toward my goals.”
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Sherrelle proudly shows a colorful collection of keychains she carries with her everywhere. Each ring representing a milestone in the 12-step program. In May, she added a new ring, one that marked a powerful achievement: one year of sobriety.
FOR INFORMATION about Project Free, call 609–396–4557. For details about New Choices a substance use treatment program for teens and young adults, call 609–984–9042.