The work of a CRS is INVALUABLE!!! Without the guidance, direction, and support given by these dedicated people, the recovery journey would be significantly more difficult for those on its path. The Erie County RRH would like to tip its hat to those who serve in this capacity! We believe their dedication and stories of courage and hope can be learning blocks for others. We want to offer these stories on this page, regularly featuring a local CRS and their stories, words of encouragement, and positivity! CRS - we need your stories!!! Reach out to the RRH staff if you are interested in sharing your walk. In the meantime...check on this story on one of our own!
Vicki Church
How long have you been in recovery? 11 and a half years.
​
How long have you been a Certified Recovery Specialist? 8 years
​
What motivated you to become a Certified Recovery Specialist? It's within my nature to want to help others. Being in recovery we are told to give back what was so freely given to us. I worked extremely hard to build a healthy support network for myself, I believe it’s vital for others to have someone who believes in them and willing to help them fight for a life of recovery.
​
What does 'Recovery' mean to you? Recovery means living a healthy new way of life. It meant changing absolutely everything in my life.
​
How do you or will you use your personal lived experience to inspire hope and support others?
For the past 8 years I have utilized my lived experience, advocacy, and empathy to help others in their own recovery journeys. I have shared my lived experiences with them, so that they know they are not alone in this. The support you provide is vital in showing them that you’re the first person that won’t turn your back or give up on them. No matter what, I continue to provide support to them no matter where they are at in their journey.
​
What might you say to someone who is struggling in their recovery journey?
No matter how dark things may be right now, it can get better. You can recover from this but you're going to have to fight. You’re worth far more and you can have a better life, but you must reach out for help. It may be hard at first but I promise you that it will be absolutely worth it and you’d be surprised how many of us are willing to help you succeed. Just know that you are not alone!
​
What is something that people might not know about you or something that you would like to share?
I am happily married with a blended family of 7 children. I am now a proud owner of my own business called Vicki’s journey LLC where I am a public speaker at the local high schools to help educate and share my own personal lived experience to our youth on substance abuse. I never believed I’d be where I am today or have lived past the age of 30. It took hard work to get here but every bit of it was absolutely worth it!