Jessica’s Journey: A Story of Strength and Redemption
Jessica’s life was a whirlwind of hardship, heartbreak, and addiction before she found hope at Harbor Care’s Cynthia Day Family Center (CDFC). A mother of five, Jessica had faced unimaginable challenges, from battling cancer and addiction to navigating the complex realities of incarceration. Her story is one of perseverance, transformation, and the life-saving impact of a supportive community.
Jessica’s journey to recovery began under extraordinary circumstances. At just 25, she was diagnosed with cancer, which led to a decade-long addiction to prescription pain medications. When her prescriptions were cut off, Jessica spiraled into a dependence on heroin and fentanyl, ultimately leading to incarceration. Facing another 12 years in prison, her probation officer suggested the Cynthia Day Family Center (CDFC)—a rare program that allows mothers to bring their children into treatment. For Jessica, this opportunity was nothing short of salvation. Without it, her two youngest children, aged 10 and 12, would have been placed in foster care—a reality that weighed heavily on her.
Danielle Walsh, Harbor Care’s Outreach Specialist for Substance Use Treatment and a former CDFC client herself, along with Christina Loder, Substance Use Treatment Director, were instrumental in making Jessica’s placement possible. They worked tirelessly with her probation officer, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and other officials to coordinate the complex arrangements. “It was a miracle it happened,” Jessica says.
“Danielle was an amazing help. She picked me up at jail and brought me here. When I got to Cynthia Day, it was overwhelming,” Jessica recalls. “I’d never been to rehab before and didn’t know what to expect. But the staff welcomed me with open arms. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Recovering with Kids
One of the most transformative aspects of the program was its family-oriented approach. CDFC was the only program in New Hampshire that would accept older children, and Jessica’s preteens were able to join her in treatment after a few months. Having her children with her became a cornerstone of her recovery.
“Seeing my kids every day gave me the motivation to keep going,” Jessica says. “I wanted to show them that I could do this—for them and for myself.”
The communal living environment presented its own challenges, especially for Jessica’s kids. Sharing space with other families and adapting to the rules of the program was difficult at times, but it taught her—and her children—patience and empathy.
“They learned to respect people from all walks of life,” Jessica says. “And they often tell me, ‘I’ll never do drugs, Mom.’ That means everything to me.”
A New Beginning on Their Own
After 13 months at the center, Jessica left with not just her sobriety but also a renewed sense of purpose. She now has her own apartment and a job and is building a stable life for her family. Her children, who endured so much, are thriving in their new environment. They often reflect on their time at Cynthia Day with a mix of gratitude and resolve, knowing it was a critical chapter in their journey toward healing.
“Recovery changed me as a mother. I’m more patient, more understanding. I’ve learned to meet people where they are in life, including my kids,” Jessica says. “Everybody is in a different spot in their life, so you have to treat people with kindness and accept them for where they’re at. I look at life and people differently now.”
Jessica’s story is a testament to the life-changing power of Harbor Care’s Cynthia Day Family Center. For mothers like Jessica, the center offers more than just treatment—it offers a chance to keep families together, to heal, and to hope.
You Can Help Make Stories Like Jessica’s Possible
Programs like the Cynthia Day Family Center rely on the generosity of donors to continue providing critical support for families in need. Your contribution can help ensure that mothers like Jessica have the resources they need to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Donate here. For more information, visit the Cynthia Day Family Center.