I don’t think words can do any justice to explain how The Arch helped me get my life back.

Substance abuse had taken pretty much everything from me, leaving me homeless and without a friend in the world. I had given up on life and it felt like life had given up on me.

I remember my first day at The Arch clearly.

I was a very scared, unhealthy, broken little boy without a voice.

I did my initial interview with a member of staff and was accompanied by someone I had recently met through a 12-step fellowship. He did all of the talking for me, and the entire time I couldn’t even look the staff member in the eyes. I found the entire experience really difficult. She treated me like a human being for the first time in a very long time. She didn’t judge me for my past and only cared about how to help me. I was shown kindness and genuine concern for my well-being. I found it very difficult and strange to trust people, but from the Manager to the volunteers every single person I encountered in The Arch helped me step by step.

I made friends for the first time in years and found a place that I could call home.

Each step of my recovery was aided by the service provided by The Arch and its workers. From group work to the individual sessions I attended I was able to find out who I was and what direction I wanted to take in my life. My support worker at the time inspired me to follow my true passion in life by returning to climbing. His support and belief in me helped push my boundaries and look way beyond the horizon.

Returning to France and Spain to climb in the Pyrenees was an awakening for me, a milestone in my recovery. I fondly remember the happiness of The Arch staff as I left with a huge rucksack on my back. The change that took place while watching the sunset from the summit of Monte Perdido would be the catalyst for me to leave and travel the world.

I was genuinely sad to leave The Arch. I was no longer that voiceless, scared little boy - I had found confidence and an excitement for life. My journeys took me exploring through Australia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Himalayas in Nepal, and Costa Rica. Every moment and in every new country, I found myself with a smile on my face. During my time in Australia I met and fell in love with a girl from New York City.

Six years after leaving The Arch I have found myself living in NYC, happily married, successfully running my own business, and travelling through the United States for extended periods.

I am grateful every single day for the help that The Arch provided me and cherish every second of my life, most of which is spent with my cat and dog.