Billy, Crystal and Hayley

Billy remembered Crystal’s bright smile and positive persona the first time they met. Crystal was drawn to Billy’s personality and looks.  Five years ago they began a life together, had a son and rented a house in Warwick. Their life was sweet until they started using drugs.

“We lost our house, car, son, jobs, everything,” Crystal recalled. Their son was taken away by the Department of Children, Youth and Families.  For months they lived on the streets and in shelters. 

When Crystal became pregnant with their second child, they decided to seek help. “We were homeless, doing drugs and we had had enough of living the way we were living,” said Billy. 

In March 2007 they left the Welcome Arnold Shelter, which was about to close, and went to Amos House where they enrolled in the 90-Day Transitional Housing Program. Together they began a journey toward recovery.  “I was a mess.  My life was a mess,” Crystal said.  “Amos House gave me and Billy a firm foundation for our recovery and we’re so thankful to the staff.”

Through case management support, counseling, life skills classes and the determination to rebuild their lives and family, Billy and Crystal have remained clean and sober for a year. “Sometimes I wanted to leave the program,” Crystal recalled, “but I didn’t because it wasn’t just about me. With a baby coming, recovery seemed more urgent.”

Last year the couple graduated from the 90-day program and moved into an apartment with help from Amos House.  Today they are employed and continue to benefit from services at the agency.  Last year Crystal gave birth to a healthy little girl, Hayley.  The couple also regained custody of their son.

Billy shared the following advice for others in recovery: “Stick with it. Don’t give up, because it does get better.”