So, there I was sitting in a residential program I oversee for adults with Acquired Brain Injuries located in Worcester, MA. The house was calm, with common evening activities like cooking dinner, conversations among individuals, and staff cleaning around the home. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the house. Christina, one of the residents, collapsed to the floor and began to seize. I quickly called 911 and did my best to support Christina while waiting for EMS to arrive. Knowing Christina had a history of drug- and alcohol-induced seizures, I felt a deep sense of helplessness, unable to intervene beyond providing support and comfort.
As the minutes stretched, each second felt like an eternity until the ambulance finally arrived. The EMTs assessed Christina, stabilized her, and transported her to the hospital. Watching from the window as she was lifted into the ambulance, I felt a surge of determination that something needed to change.
In the days following Christina’s emergency care, our team at The Arc gathered to brainstorm new ways to support her. We recognized that traditional in-person NA meetings had not worked for Christina, as they were triggering due to past associations with her old habits. Determined to find a better solution, we identified Alyssa’s Place in Gardner, MA, which offered virtual NA meetings. This innovative approach provided Christina with a supportive environment free from familiar triggers, aligning with The Arc’s commitment to personalized and person-centered solutions.
We introduced Christina to the virtual meetings, and she embraced this new format. Over time, staff and residents observed remarkable changes in Christina. She began to smile more, engage in conversations, and take pride in her progress. Christina’s recovery was not just a personal victory but a testament to how The Arc’s dedication to exploring creative solutions and fostering a supportive community can lead to transformative outcomes.
This experience highlights the powerful connection between Christina’s journey and the legacy of Alyssa’s Place—a place born from personal loss but dedicated to helping others. While Christina and Alyssa may never have met, their stories are now intertwined. Alyssa’s legacy of creating supportive resources sparked new life in Christina’s recovery journey. Through The Arc’s unwavering support and commitment to innovative solutions, Christina has found a renewed sense of control and hope in her life.
Christina’s journey is a reminder of the importance of going the extra mile for those we serve, reflecting The Arc’s core values of compassion, perseverance, and community. With her new support system in place, Christina is embracing the challenge of recovery one day at a time, fully supported by a community that believes in her potential.