Motivation: After using substances on and off for 15 years, Tonya realized that she needed to make a life change. She had recently given birth to a son and was determined to be the best mother she could be and bring him into a healthy and safe environment.

Why QOPC: Tonya was encouraged to go to QOPC by a friend who had been through the program and by a friend whose sister was an employee.

Diagnostic Screening and Clinical Assessment: Tonya came to QOPC at the point of exhaustion. She met with the nurse and the intake team who assessed her needs and determined that her journey needed to begin in residential treatment.

Residential Treatment: The first day of groups: “That’s when I knew, and I felt it in my body, in my soul, that drugs was over for me. All I wanted was my baby boy and I just wanted to live a normal life and raise him. I wanted to see what it was like to live life as a mom. My residential treatment here was real. It was the beginning of my life. And people would say, ‘What’s 21 days going to do for someone that used for 15 years?’ I don’t know, but I’m a see.”

St. Philippine Home: After inpatient treatment, Tonya moved to St. Philippine Home. St. Philippine Home was previously transitional housing, which gave Tonya the ability to adapt to life in the community. Tonya loved the structure she found at St. Philippine Home and continues to incorporate structure into her life; she considers it key to recovery. “Me and the ladies all got along, we were like sisters. That was the beginning of my growth. I love St. Phil’s.”

Parent Education: “I wanted to know any and everything I needed to know about raising a child.” These classes taught Tonya valuable parenting skills, including how to redirect children’s behavior. “I love parenting. That’s why still to this day I’m still connected with parenting [education].”

Community Support Specialist and Peer Support Specialist: Community and Peer Support have been essential to Tonya throughout her journey. Her treatment team supports her through home visits and phone calls to make sure she has everything she and her son need to continue her growth and break the cycle. “I love my support team. My treatment team is amazing.”

Shelter Plus Care: The staff at QOPC helped Tonya find the perfect apartment for her and her son. Tonya had never lived in her own apartment, so this move was a very special milestone for her. Tonya loves her apartment because it’s cozy, has enough room for her son’s toys, and is a place they know as home.

“I’m growing, continuously, day by day. I’m grateful for recovery. I’m grateful for Queen of Peace [Center]. this is where my journey started. I thank God for Queen of Peace.”

“People would say, ‘What’s 21 days going to do for someone that used for 15 years?’ I don’t know, but I’m a see.”

“Me and the ladies all got along, we were like sisters. That was the beginning of my growth. I love St. Phil’s.”

“I wanted to know any and everything I needed to know about raising a child.”