RCA Alumni Yearbook
Our Treatment Works
Alumni Recovery Stories
Behind every milestone is a person who chose change. These stories come from RCA alumni who have walked the path of recovery and continue building meaningful, fulfilling lives. Their experiences offer hope, encouragement, and proof that lasting recovery is possible.
I honestly wouldn’t be here without the help of rca Danvers and all the staff there. Going in I thought okay I’ll just do this real fast and go home only to be doomed to repeat this process because trust me I’ve lived in that loop for many years but this place was different I not only received unbelievable care and staff going above and beyond to keep me going but they gave me the foundation to which I (through years of continued work) built and continue to build my life upon. For that I am forever grateful
Michael
Today I am celebrating two years of recovery this year. I want to thank all the counselors and RSS team who have been apart of my recovery. I continue to stay connected to RCA through the alumni team. Jill is great! Today I am learning so much in my recovery I never thought possible. I learned many coping techniques at RCA Danvers that I use today in my recovery. Nature, meditation, healthy eating habits, exercise and self discovery everyday. Working the program has given me the power to reclaim my life. Thank you RCA Danvers! I am a better version of myself today because you guys.
Nicholas
2,106 days since I walked up the front stairs at RCA Danvers. My life was forever changed that day, shifting from a life of isolation and unfulfilled potential to one of opportunity and connection. Thank you for giving me the tools to live a beautiful life, and helping me feel part of something meaningful.
Jill
When I came to RCA Danvers, it was the first time ever in my life I had no choice but to take care of only myself; I had no choice. I had been actively trying to get sober for over 10 years by the time I came to RCA; in and out of programs, rehabs, and the psych ward more times than I can count on two hands. Each time added to the burden of guilt I was carrying around until the load became too heavy and RCA was there to help me when I fell from the weight of it all. RCA helped me become the person I am today, the mother my children deserve to have, and the person I deserve to be. Over 3 and 1/2 years sober today and I am building the life I used to dream about, running after every opportunity that comes my way. I owe my recovery to RCA and the supporting staff and resources they surrounded me with. A special shout out to Jill and Anthony, who helped me every step of the way while I was there and continue to long after; Jill through her immeasurable alumni support and relations, and Anthony through spirit and remembrance. To anyone who is struggling, what have you got to lose? You are no worse off either way so why not give your recovery a chance and let RCA help.
Crystal
I went to RCA Indianapolis in July 2023. Life was unmanageable, I was living a reckless life and it was time to make a change. I can't say enough good things about the time I spent there, the staff that helped me, the friendships I made or the complete life change that happened in those walls. As I approach 1000 days and almost 3 years clean, life looks much different. I am present with my family, with my job, with my friends. The constant noise in my head has quieted. I'm proud of myself for conquering something that once seemed impossible. There is hope and light at the end of every dark tunnel, it just took me walking in those doors to figure it out.
Alumni Member
To be free from the OBSESSION to drink is truly a remarkable way to live...I never would been able to do it on my own and with the support of my father...RCA has taught me that if you change your perspective.... you change your life....NEVR QUIT...
Juan
When I walked into RCA I had no clue what to expect. I was broken scared. I was greeted with a smile and warmth of everyone. After my intake which was scary I went to my room on the West Side. I kept to myself at first as I went thru my detox of Alcohol I kept going out into the common area, people kept taking me back to my room. When I finally was done with my Detox which I don’t remember, the staff and my floor mates were great I was the mom of the floor. RCA saved my life. And love that they have an alumni that has meetings and sober activities for us and family members. Thank you RCA
Denise
Being at RCA allowed me to be with others who were on my same journey to sobriety. The therapist I had really helped me get to the point of what my issues were beyond the bottle. This was the start I needed to get myself back on track to a better, healthier life mentally and physically.
Julie
My recovery today looks like someone who lives every single day knowing that if I don't have sobriety I have nothing else so sobriety always comes first! I am proud to say I have my family still and made a great family with our RCA friends. I am a totally different person than when I first started at RCA in 2021 and I love who I am and it's because of RCA believing in me
Jaya
I recently received inpatient treatment from RCA at Bracebridge Hall and let me tell you....it was truly the perfect treatment center for anyone who wants to start their journey of sobriety!! The staff there were absolutely phenomenal!! Not only do they care about helping you with your recovery, but they also do it with compassion and grace that let's you know they really care!! From the therapists, facilitators, spiritual counselors, meditative counselors, nurses, admissions, RSS, guest speakers, and even the maintenance staff...they all make you feel that your sobriety and recovery is just as important to them as it is for you! Their services and program is PHENOMENAL!! It was such a great experience for me! Never did I think I would/could stop drinking because it's a disease in my family and something I've been struggling with for years. But I am proud to say that completing the program at RCA I have been sober and have not had a glass of wine since September 17, 2025!! Without RCA and my God this would not have been possible!! I can't say enough good things about RCA!! I was so blessed to have been able to be apart of a community that only wants to see you succeed on a new life where you are no longer dependant on drugs or alcohol. I highly recommend RCA if you truly want to start on a new road of recovery. They have a motto of "it works if you work it!" and that is soooo true especially with their program!! Thanks RCA!! You helped change my life for the better and I am so truly grateful and appreciative of all the love, care, and support through completing your program! This was my first time going to a treatment center and I am just so thankful that RCA was able to admit me within just 2 hours of calling to be admitted!! God knew what I needed and it was surely RCA! YOU'RE THE BEST!!! ❤️😊
Marquisha
Over one year later and I have an amazing job, a house, I have my family back, my boyfriend back, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my life in recovery today. The decision to get clean made me realize how important it is for me to be present in my life. Not just physically present, but mentally. Take it one day at a time.
Katie
Raritan bay saved my life,and they continue to help me with their amazing alumni program all due to to our ceo giving support to the program and our amazing alumni coordinator Marguerite who has helped so many people
Kevin
Thank you to RCA Devon and the RESCU Program. Dave Lacy saved my life. I’m clean and sober still today and my life is better than I ever expected
Danny
I’ve been clean since 11/5/24. RCA has helped me majorly with the genuine love support & knowledge giving from staff. I’ve come every year from 2021-2024 they never gave up on me even when I gave up on myself ! They taught me the science behind addiction, how to change my thought process, how to manage my emotions in a healthy way . I stand behind RCA forever ! No matter how hard it may seem I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me .
Izzy Thompson
February 26 th of 2026 I AM 2 years CLEAN, THANK YOU RCA FOR OPENING UP MY EYES TO REALITY EVEN THOUGH IT'S BEEN A STRUGGLE REALLY BUT I'VE BEEN ABLE TO FACE IT HEAD ON WITH MY EYES OPEN AND SEEING IT FOR WHAT IT REALLY IS AND NOT FOR THE FUZZ THAT IT WAS. EVERYTHING IS A CLEAR PICTURE NOW AND THE WORLD IS JUST GETTING BRIGHTER SO THANK YOU
Monique
The Literature says all you need is a desire and along with that willingness. My journey has been good so far because I take it one day at a time. I know as long as I stay Connected I'm Protected
Latisha
Day after "groundhog" day it was the same thing. Text "the dude", wait for a reply, meet "the dude", pray I don't get ripped off, use and start again. I had become a robot, an empty shell. The only feelings I had were cravings and anxiety over the next one. I had tried hospitals, psychiatrists, mental institutions, churches, and 5 other treatment centers. The length of time I stayed clean was getting shorter and shorter until it was non-existent. I would lie awake when everything was gone just praying to go to sleep and not wake up. One morning about 3am, I saw a commercial for RCA with a phone number. I thought, maybe, let's try one last time. I called and was surprised they sent a car 100 miles to pick me right then and there! I reluctantly agreed. I don't remember anything about the ride there and I slept for the first 3 days in detox. I was impressed that the staff really cared and there always seemed to be someone available to talk to. The food was delicious and nutritious. There were all kinds of classes about addiction, how to live without drugs, even creative dance. We also had bonfires! I started to open up and made a few friends I am still in touch with today. RCA worked for me when all else failed. I have been clean ever since that day: 10/27/21. I'm active in my local Narcotics Anonymous and have deeper and more meaningful relationships than ever before. I believe my Higher Power led me to see that commercial that night and I am forever grateful to RCA, the staff and other clients. It truly saved my life.
Cat
As of April 7, 2023 I will be three years clean and sober from drugs and alcohol. RCA became my 2nd home beginning Christmas Day 2021 and after several relapses and several stays at RCA I finally “got it” and started my recovery journey. I would like to say that I got clean on my first trip to rehab but that was not the case for me. RCA was always there to take me back in after I managed to screw up another recovery. I would probably not be alive if it wasn’t for the staff support and programs that RCA offered to me graciously. Today I enjoy a freedom of drugs that I never thought possible after over 30 years of daily abusing opioids. My relationships with my family members are so much better and I can finally look at myself in the mirror and be proud of myself and how far I have come. I don’t know where I would have ended up without RCA to offer love and support when I needed it most.
Melissa
I went to RCA lighthouse in south jersey that was a great experience and helped me get back into life by getting the recovery plan started I then became involved at RCA Devon first responders group and actually did a public service commercial for RCA been 7 plus years in recovery and it’s been the best seven years of my life thanks 🙏 RCA
Charlie k
I was a patient at RCA in 2018 after spending 10+ years in active drug addiction. I swore addiction would take my life one day. Fast forward, after about a year clean, RCA came into my life again as a saving grace. When I could not find a job, RCA gave me an opportunity for employment as a 3rd shift entry level BHT. Today, I am the Executive Director of one of the largest inpatient Substance Abuse and Mental Health treatment facilities in Maryland. Thank you to RCA and every staff member that I crossed paths with who became a part of my story. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you all. Love, Madison
