Dory’s journey from addiction to recovery is one of transformation and hope. She found herself at a crossroads when her life began unraveling due to untreated depression and substance use.
“I thought my best solution was [substance use] to numb the pain,” Dory recalls. At that point in time, she lost everything—her job, her family, her home—and hit rock bottom.
Her social workers gave her a list of rehab options and that’s when Dory found Via Avanta – the women’s residential program at Didi Hirsch. The name, which means “the way forward,” became a guiding light in her life.
Dory entered the program in 2020 and committed to her recovery. “I didn’t fight the process,” she shared. “The way I was doing things wasn’t working, so I surrendered.”
Working in the kitchen during her time as a client gave her both peace of mind and an opportunity. Adele, the kitchen manager at the time took Dory under her wing, giving her responsibilities that helped her regain confidence and stability.
After nearly seven months, Dory left Via Avanta, clean and determined to stay sober. She continued to stay connected to her support network at Via including Adele – Kitchen Manager, Stephanie – Assistant Medical Director, Jennie – Program Coordinator, Fina – Substance Use Counselor, Sloane – Intake Therapist, and Marisa – Substance Use Counselor, who all played an important role in her recovery.
She would come back to share her story with new clients, always with the message: “Don’t give up. There is hope. Have the courage to take one more step forward.”
Today, Dory works as the Kitchen Manager at Via Avanta, giving back to the community that helped her heal. Through her work and recovery, Dory embodies the message she once needed to hear, “Don’t leave until the miracle happens.”
