central east regional recovery center

Anthony's Journey to Recovery with CERRC

Watch Anthony’s full story and learn about the impact of ECS CERRC on his recovery journey.

As National Recovery Month comes to a close, ECS would like to introduce Anthony, a former client of Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC).

On the surface, Anthony's life appeared picture-perfect: a longtime career in education, a loving family, and children preparing for college. But behind that success, he was quietly battling substance use disorder for 27 years, a struggle that ultimately led to a devastating downward spiral.

Anthony credits CERRC counselor Stephanie as one of the people who guided his path toward the future. September 2026.

After losing his job, Anthony fled Illinois to California with no direction, no support system, and just one pair of clothes. Anthony soon found himself in the hospital where he was encouraged to get some help. Then, he arrived at CERRC.

Now, three years later, Anthony is a SUD counselor with a strong sense of purpose and a newfound trust in himself. He’s opened his own sober living facility, Harbor Living LLC, where he hopes to foster a safe and supportive environment for others like ECS did for him.

CERRC provides specialized services for each client’s unique situation. September 2026.

Reflecting on his experience, Anthony shared, “I'll never forget how ECS made me feel… ECS was necessary. Not just for me, but for many others, as well.”

ECS CERRC provides outpatient treatment services to adults with substance use disorders. To learn more, visit CERRC — Episcopal Community Services.

How CERRC Turned Kim's Life Around

Kim had lost everything: her home, her vehicle, her job. Due to her 20-year struggle with substance use disorder, her family disowned her, and she turned to crime. “I was clearly on my way to jail if I did not turn myself around,” she said.

Tired of a life ruined by substance use, Kim found her way to ECS Central East Regional Recovery Center (CERRC). CERRC provided support she didn’t even know she needed.

Now, over a year later, Kim’s life has changed for the better. CERRC’s specialized services connected her with the resources she needed to pull herself out of unemployment and homelessness. Kim secured her own apartment, restarted her accounting career, and purchased a car. Most importantly, she is on great terms with her family, including her granddaughter who encouraged her recovery.

“I’ve had family members say, ‘Kim, you’re a different person,’ and I am.”

She was so inspired by CERRC that she started an LLC—All of Me Recovery ("olive me,”) support for sober living, in honor of her granddaughter Olive and late mother Meme.

Her journey is proof that compassion, accessible resources, and specialized services can change your path completely.

ECS CERRC provides outpatient treatment services to adults with substance use disorders. To learn more, visit CERRC — Episcopal Community Services.

 

Kim changed her life with support from CERRC’s specialized services. October 2025.