Rob came to the Chris Farley House after successfully completing the six week program at Hope Haven.

Upon arriving at Chris Farley House, Rob stated that he felt he had “hit bottom” and was willing to listen to staff and accept their help. Rob initially was struggling to find work and make clean and sober friends. He had been a drummer with local bands and was looking forward to returning to playing music as soon as possible. The challenge though was that the bands played in local bars; so the staff asked Rob to find a “regular job” and get a strong recovery program in place before considering returning to his band. Rob agreed and immediately looked for work. He found a job and began paying his back rent and showed a deep satisfaction in paying his bills. He attended outside meetings on a daily basis and found a very pro-active supportive sponsor.

Rob continued his ties with Chris Farley House and after two years of sobriety became a sponsor for many of the “tougher” clients. Now after more than five years of sobriety, Rob chairs a highly successful 12 step recovery program. His program meets weekly at Chris Farley and includes both in-house and outside attendees. Rob has also been active in PTO, a partnership and transitional opportunities program. Rob has a rewarding job, a new home and volunteers in the community.

“My stay at North Bay Lodge has allowed me to address the disease of addiction in a safe, supportive environment. Not only am I getting to learn sober living skills, quite literally, the program has saved my life.”

“I am grateful for the safe and positive place to live that North Bay provides. It is a good place to be in early recovery and to learn to live life on Life’s terms among others like myself.”

“North Bay Lodge is a place of camaraderie, acceptance and positive reinforcement - a place to really focus on recovery, rebuilding and reclaiming your life – a place of insight and strength.”

“For many years, I’ve looked for a quick and easy fix to my substance abuse; either with 30 days in a treatment facility thinking that would be the cure, or by thinking I could cure it by willpower alone. Now I believe I’m up against something greater and there is no quick fix. I decided to follow the recommendation of the Hope Haven staff and continue my treatment at North Bay Lodge. I’ve learned much more about myself and my disease by allowing myself the extra time to focus on the issue – something I wasn’t able to accomplish in my 9 other 30 day treatments. North Bay has allowed me to participate in life while addressing my substance abuse issues. I am living with other peers, working toward living a substance free life, and living in the right facility where I have the necessary amount of privacy to reflect on my new substance free life. I am also receiving the necessary services and direction to address life’s issues: emotional, mental, physical and occupational with qualified staff who care for my well being and allow me to adjust to life’s changes. The staff encourages me to progress in areas where I can build necessary self confidence that I believe is needed for a successful life among my peers."

"I have been clean and sober since August 2007."

While incarcerated at Taycheeda woman’s correctional facility after violating probation for her 5th OWI offense, Julie still had child neglect charges pending so her attorney referred her to the Pathfinder Program. "I began my journey with Pathfinder and have found the courage and inner strength to face my shame and embarrassment. My family relationships are strong once again and I have regained custody of my daughter. I am in pursuit of my Master’s Degree and am now a licensed Substance Abuse Counselor in Training."

John was referred to Pathfinder by his attorney following his 4th OWI conviction. John states: “I was fortunate to get the opportunity to go to Hope Haven and Pathfinder, and my life has not been the same since. In Pathfinder I learned about my addiction and its dangers and what I needed to do to stay sober. Pathfinder provided me with solid information regarding alcohol's effects on the brain and body. Prior to Pathfinder, I never knew how or why I was replacing my feelings with alcohol. I am currently enrolled at MATC in the Human Services Program and will soon be credentialed as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Training. I have built up a tremendous feeling of self-worth and pride; which I believe Pathfinder is greatly responsible for."

Larry was referred to Pathfinder by the Dane County Sheriff’s Department following the receipt of 3 OWI charges in a 4 month period. After serving 3 months in jail, Larry began the Pathfinder Program. Larry states: “After completing the Pathfinder Program, I have been able to focus and grow personally, academically and professionally through the guidance and opportunities provided by Pathfinder. Without which, I would have simply finished my jail term, been released back into society, been broke, miserable, and unemployed with no opportunity to further my education. Pathfinder has provided me with a second chance at life."