I had been addicted to alcohol and numerous drugs since I was 14 and had reached a point where I didn't think I would be alive on my 23rd birthday. I was physically deteriorated, emotionally numb and spiritually bankrupt. By the grace of God, Crawford House and the 12 step fellowship, I am now 18 months sober. I believe Crawford House is a miraculous place and I intend to stay connected to it, one day at a time"

- Anne Marie, 2006

To the Staff at Crawford House:
"'... thank you for always letting me know that you wanted progress not perfection. Being at Crawford House has been my greatest blessing".

- Anita, January, 2006

"On January 6th, 2005, a spiritually, emotionally and financially bankrupt girl entered the Crawford House. I was that girl. I, due to alcohol and drug abuse, had lost everything, including any sense of self I ever had. I needed to heal, rest and learn to live again. Prior to entering your recovery house, I had been a registered nurse, leased a nice car, had money in the bank and good credit. You would have thought I had it all... I didn't. Through years of drug abuse, to voice my insecurities and loneliness, I just grew emptier and more isolated. My world was crumbling. My desperation lead me to the streets of Trenton and into a lifestyle I was not prepared for with people I was not prepared to meet.
In your program for six months--I changed. I learned a lot about my disease and more importantly about me. In Crawford House I learned structure, healthy boundaries, assertiveness and how to build self-esteem. I got something that I could not get anywhere else--HOPE.
It was not an easy six months. At times it was hard and very humbling but I learned. I learned patience and acceptance. The Crawford House staff helped me deal with many issues and feelings. They even helped me with legal issues I had pending. My counselor presented me with challenges and gave me moral support. She helped me grow in ways I never thought I could. For that I will be grateful to her always.
Today I am living with another recovery woman. I am working to restore my nursing license. I hold a job near where I live. I go to meetings regularly and still have the same sponsor I had in Crawford House. I have built a good network here in the community--tools I have learned at Crawford House. I now ask for help. I have a higher power--finally! My life is so much better. I still have struggles and things are not always easy but now I am getting a life. I want to thank all of you at Crawford House from the bottom of my heart for helping me to save my life".

- Cathy, July 2005

" I am writing this letter to thank the Crawford House Staff for giving me a chance to find a new way of life. I am grateful to the staff for caring and showing me unconditional love. I am glad that I got the chance to learn things about myself. I know no matter what, I don't have to use. I learned that here. I also want to thank Crawford House for working with me on my anger issues. I learned how to manage my anger when it comes up.
You let me know that I can be a good mother, just as long as I do the "next right thing". I am also grateful that you gave me a decent place to live and good food to eat.
"I really appreciated all the events we attended - camping, the opera, movies, and the anniversary dinner. All of that was showing me how life really is- Life on Life's terms. I see that as long as I stay sober, if I want to do those things, I can.
"You are very inspiring people, and I have learned and internalized everything I could that I got from there. I love you all dearly. Thank you again,"

- Pat E., February 2004

"It has been a remarkable journey that started when I walked into the doors of Crawford House. You welcomed me with open arms, and had a sincere love for me, when I didn't even love myself.
I didn't know what to expect. I was scared and confused. But because of the emotional and spiritual support that staff gave me, I graduated with confidence, honor, and dignity for myself. By sharing my honest thoughts and feelings with other women, I learned to trust with an open mind and with an open heart.
I have made a lot of changes in this recovery process, and the miracles that transpire within you are out of this world. By staying focused on myself, I have developed a willingness to do what it takes to stay clean and remain vigilant in my recovery.
"Crawford House has taught me to "trust the process" when situations arise. They have also allowed me to become a productive member of society. I have responsibilities today, and others trust me today. It is all because I have surrendered to my disease and have invited my higher power into my life.
Crawford House has blessed me with so many gifts--self love, self acceptance, a willingness to grow, and a positive spirit. It is a program I cherish, and it will stay in my heart, wherever I decide to go in this remarkable journey known as "recovery". Thank you Crawford House"

- Sue P., 2003