November 11, 2024
When Stephen first came to Amoskeag Health, he had already taken an incredible first step, literally. He walked from Concord to Manchester just to make it to his first appointment. That walk was more than just a physical journey. It symbolized the long path he was about to take toward rebuilding his life. Stephen had been incarcerated, and the road ahead wasn’t going to be easy. He was carrying a lifetime of trauma with the odds stacked against him. But, like his determined walk from Concord to Manchester, Stephen kept moving forward one step at a time.
Stephen was in a difficult battle to reunite with his son. During this time, Stephen followed every recommendation from the Division for Children, Youth, and Families, determined to make it happen. But as he worked through the process, Stephen came to an important realization: he couldn't focus solely on changing for his son. He needed to change for himself, too. He understood that to truly support his son, he had to care for his own well-being first.
Amoskeag Health became a reliable support system throughout Stephen’s journey. With the help of the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) team, Stephen got on a medication plan that improved his mental health. Counseling sessions helped him work through his trauma, and the case management team worked with him to secure disability benefits and find an apartment, giving him the stability he needed to keep pushing forward.
But Stephen didn’t stop there. He worked hard to develop the skills that would help him navigate life’s challenges: learning how to manage stress, advocate for himself, and regulate his emotions. Each new skill was another step forward, and with every step, Stephen grew stronger and more determined.
In July 2024, Stephen reached a major milestone. DCYF reunited him with his son, a moment that marked not just the end of one journey but the beginning of a new chapter. At that time, Stephen had been sober for 1.5 years outside of prison, proving his strength and commitment.
Stephen’s story reminds us that, just like his walk from Concord to Manchester, recovery is a journey. With the right support, like the care from Amoskeag Health, and the determination to keep going, even the hardest paths can lead to a brighter future.
Help make more journeys like Stephen’s possible. Your donation to Amoskeag Health supports individuals on their path to recovery, stability, and brighter futures. Give today and be a part of transforming lives.