Finding Community, Stability, and Healthy Boundaries

A 58-year-old Caucasian woman arrived at the SHARE! Recovery Retreat after experiencing several months of housing instability. Living out of her car, she relied on gig work through food delivery services to meet her basic needs. While the work occasionally provided sufficient income, the inconsistency made it difficult to achieve long-term stability.

The loss of her mother had further compounded her struggles. Following her mother's passing, family conflicts arose regarding property and family heirlooms, leaving her feeling hurt, isolated, and unsupported. By the time she arrived at the (SHARE! Recovery Retreat), she was experiencing symptoms of depression and overwhelming loneliness. More than anything, she hoped to find a sense of community and connection with others who could understand her challenges.

During her stay, she was introduced to Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA), where she found support from individuals working through similar relationship and family dynamics. Through participation in the group, she began learning about codependency, healthy boundaries, and the importance of setting realistic expectations in her relationships. These lessons helped her gain a new perspective on her interactions with family members and empowered her to focus on her own well-being rather than circumstances beyond her control.

In addition to expanding her support network, she was connected with SHARE!'s Collaborative Housing program. The program's flexible move-in process, lack of security deposits, and accessibility for individuals facing housing challenges provided a practical pathway toward stability. With staff support and guidance, she successfully completed the enrollment process and secured housing before the conclusion of her retreat stay.

By the end of the session, she had transitioned from living in her vehicle to a stable housing environment and had established meaningful connections through CoDA. She left with a stronger support network, improved coping skills, and a clearer understanding of how to maintain healthy boundaries while managing difficult family relationships.

Today, she continues building a foundation for long-term stability through housing, fellowship, and personal growth. Her journey demonstrates how community support, recovery-focused resources, and a willingness to embrace change can transform feelings of isolation into hope, connection, and renewed purpose.

To learn more about SHARE!'s Recovery Retreat, click here.