September 2024
My name is Marisa, and I am proud to share that I am now 20 months sober. This achievement is the result of hard work, determination, and the invaluable support I received from Curran’s Calling. Their generosity and belief in me provided the foundation I needed to rebuild my life, and I am excited to share how their continued support has helped me grow personally, professionally, and within my recovery journey.

When I first reached out to Curran’s Calling, I was in a difficult place - between jobs and at risk of losing my housing while striving to maintain my sobriety. Thanks to their Recovery Scholarship, I was able to remain in sober living for an additional eight months, which provided the stability necessary for me to focus on my recovery without the pressure of financial insecurity.

I had already been living in sober housing, Hope Beyond Hope, for about seven months before reaching out to Curran’s Calling. The house is run by two amazing women, Sherri and Diana, whose strength, structure, and unconditional support were instrumental in helping me ground myself and rediscover who I am. Their guidance provided me with the support system and structure essential for my healing and growth. Since then, I’ve transitioned to independent living in my own apartment, which I share with a sober roommate. Although life presents its challenges, I am incredibly happy with where I am today. This step into independent living would not have been possible without the help I received from Curran’s Calling’s Independent Living Scholarship. This foundation has not only helped me afford sober living, but literally helped pay my rent to move into my new apartment. All they required of me was to stay sober, honest, and in communication. I am grateful every day for the opportunity they gave me to rebuild my life.

One of my greatest accomplishments since receiving Curran Calling’s support has been pursuing my passion to become a functional nutrition counselor. This role has allowed me to combine my love for health and wellness with my desire to help others on their healing journeys. As a functional nutrition counselor, I work with individuals to address the root causes of health issues by focusing on the relationship between food, lifestyle, and overall well-being. This holistic approach is particularly meaningful for those in recovery, as it helps restore the body and mind after the effects of addiction.

Functional nutrition involves creating personalized nutrition plans based on an individual’s unique needs, including their genetic makeup, lifestyle habits, and current health status. By emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods, functional nutrition helps individuals heal from within, whether they are dealing with chronic illness, mental health struggles, or seeking to optimize their health. For the recovery community, functional nutrition is especially impactful. Addiction often depletes the body of essential nutrients, leading to imbalances that can affect both physical and mental health. By helping individuals restore these deficiencies and adopt healthier habits, functional nutrition supports long-term sobriety and overall well-being.

Additionally, I have found deep fulfillment in sponsoring other women through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Guiding, supporting, and uplifting women who are navigating the early stages of their sobriety is incredibly rewarding. Having someone believe in you during the hardest moments is crucial and being that person for others has become a central part of my life. Sponsoring these women has not only strengthened my own recovery but has also allowed me to give back to a community that continues to support me.

Curran’s Calling has been the cornerstone of my journey, and I am deeply grateful for the impact they have had on my life. Their support has enabled me to achieve stability, pursue my passion, and give back to others—whether through my work in functional nutrition or by sponsoring women in recovery. I am committed to promoting the foundation in any way I can, sharing my story and encouraging others to take advantage of the incredible opportunities Curran’s Calling provides.

Thank you to Curran’s Calling for believing in me, for helping me build a stable and fulfilling life, and for being a source of light on my road to recovery. I look forward to continuing my journey and supporting the foundation in any way I can.
Sincerely,
Marisa S

June 2026
- Angelica Bryant

I write this with a heart full of gratitude to share how deeply your scholarship impacted my life. I am a mother, and after the birth of my fourth child, I experienced severe postpartum depression that led to a mental health crisis and ultimately brought me back into active addiction. After five years of being completely sober, I found myself in a place I never thought I would return to -- lost, broken, and in need of help again.

In December 2023, I entered Adult & Teen Challenge in Taunton, where I spent four months in residential treatment. Although that program helped me begin again, I realized it was not something I could continue long-term. The day I left, I went directly to Plymouth Recovery Center, determined not to give up on myself. That same day, I was connected to a sober home in Holbrook, and I applied for your scholarship.

Because of your support, I was able to enter sober living immediately. That moment changed everything.

At that time, I was four months sober—but I was also starting over with nothing. I had walked away from my apartment, my car, and everything familiar to choose recovery. I felt lost and unsure of what my future would look like. But being sober gave me structure, safety, and a foundation to rebuild. The very next day, I enrolled in a PHP/IOP program at Brook Recovery Center. Over the next 90 days, I fully committed to my recovery. I got a sponsor, joined a home group, and began working the 12 steps again—something I knew had worked for me before. I surrounded myself with support and stayed accountable.

After completing PHP/IOP, I continued building my recovery by engaging in individual therapy, working with a parenting aide, and connecting with a recovery coach through Bay State Community Services. I also began working in the field, taking a position in a detox program – something I wasn’t sure about at the time, but it became a steppingstone into my purpose. During this time, I made the decision to invest in my future. I enrolled full-time at UMass Boston to pursue certification in substance use counseling. While continuing to stay in sober living, I worked, went to school, and stayed committed to my recovery.

From there, my life began to transform in ways I never imagined.

I obtained my own home, and my children were able to come back and live with me full-time. I later secured a position working in a PHP/IOP program in Plymouth, where I now serve as an Outreach and Alumni Coordinator at Waterside Recovery Center. I facilitate group therapy multiple times a week and work one-on-one with individuals, supporting them in their own recovery journeys.

I completed my education and became a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Today, I am 2½ years sober, living in a beautiful home, with full custody of my children—who are now thriving and attending private school. I have a strong support system, an incredible sponsor, and the honor of sponsoring other women through the 12 steps.

In addition, I founded a nonprofit organization, Recovering Moms Helping Moms, where we provide weekly meetings, meals, childcare, and support for mothers in recovery. We have been able to give back to families through holiday assistance, community events, and ongoing support for women and children navigating recovery.

When I look at my life today, I see a completely different person—one who has been restored, rebuilt, and given purpose. None of this would have been possible without the opportunity to enter sober living when I needed it most. Your scholarship was not just financial support—it was a lifeline. It gave me the stability and foundation I needed to truly commit to my recovery and rebuild my life from the ground up. Because of your investment in me, not only has my life changed—but also the lives of my children and the countless individuals and families I now have the privilege to serve.
Thank you for believing in me during a time when I was just beginning to believe in myself again.
Sincerely,
Angelica Bryant, LADC II

Outreach & Alumni Coordinator, Waterside Recovery Center
Founder & CEO, Recovering Moms Helping Moms, Inc.