“That’s What Is Going To Save Your Life”
Shelby N. was a resident in our Daughter’s House program. She has recently moved on from living in The Cottage (one of our sober living houses) and has truly turned her life around. She shares a little about her journey below:
-How long have you been in recovery?
I’ve been in recovery for 3 years and 7 months.
-When did you first realize you were struggling with substance use?
I first realized I was struggling about 20 years ago, and things just kept getting worse over time.
-If you could go back and tell your younger self something, what would it be?
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: Don’t ever take that first drink, that first hit of pot, or that first line of cocaine. Just don’t start.
-How did you end up in Rage’s Daughter’s House program, and what was your initial role there?
After having over four years clean while living in a local city, I relapsed. Within two months, I hit rock bottom again. I was overwhelmed with shame and guilt. I ended up in a psychiatric ward for the first time, and from there I was transferred to a treatment place in Bel Air, Maryland. Before I completed my 30 days there, I needed to find a long-term place to go. I heard that Rachel Bongiorno was the Rage Against Addiction Program Director and had been in recovery a while ago. I met Rachel years before when I was in a different program in the city, so I reached out. I had a screening and was accepted into Daughter’s House, which is one of Rage Against Addiction’s sober living homes for women. It was unlike any other program I’d been in. It wasn’t about money. They truly care and want to help.
-Describe a typical day in the program and how it helped you.
The Rage houses have clear rules and hold everyone accountable. For the first 30 days, we were on blackout, which means no cell phone; we could only go to meetings with approved rides, and we had to be out of our rooms from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to go out to search for employment. When we got up each morning by 9 a.m., our beds had to be made, rooms had to be tidy, and chores had to be done by 10:00 a.m. If you broke the rules, you’d get a warning, and then would receive fines starting at $5 that increased with each violation. I used to always get called out for leaving my clothes on the dresser or not keeping my side of the room clean. But it taught me responsibility: making my bed, cleaning up after myself, and not procrastinating. If I say I’m going to do something now, I do it. The program helped me develop accountability, patience, honesty, and showed me how to be a productive member of society.
-Who has been your biggest support during early recovery, and why?
My family—especially my dad—has been my biggest support. He never gave up on me, not once, through all the years of me using drugs. He always encouraged me and tells me how proud he is of the progress I’ve made. He has been my rock. My daughter also played a huge role. When she became pregnant, she told me that if I ever used drugs again, I wouldn’t be a part of my granddaughter’s life. That hit me hard. And my son would cry and beg, “Please, Mommy, stop.” They are my biggest motivators. And then there’s my second family: Wendy and Rachel (from Rage Against Addiction) and my sponsor Lydia. They’ve been in my corner since day one. They’ve helped shape me into a better human being. I love them with all my heart. They speak to me with compassion and honesty, and I listen because I know they truly care. They’re gentle, but they mean what they say.
-Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I hope to have my own place, maybe a bit closer to my kids and family, but still close to my second family. I want to stay grounded and connected to the people who helped me become who I am today.
-What advice would you give to someone new in the Daughter’s House program?
Take the suggestions. Follow the rules. Communicate. Be honest about how you’re feeling. Don’t pick up drugs or alcohol. Go to meetings. Get a sponsor. Do what they tell you to do. Build a support network of people who are serious about recovery. Avoid those who are just there for show. Focus on yourself, because that’s what’s going to save your life. You’ve been given another chance so make it your last and do the damn thing.
This June marks ELEVEN years of Rage Against Addiction. What began as a personal mission fueled by unimaginable loss has grown into a powerful network of support for women in recovery. In 2018, we opened the doors to our sober living houses, and since then, those homes have become sacred ground, places where healing, hope, and connection take root every single day.
Over the years, the relationships built within our houses have not only helped the women who live there, but they’ve also helped heal me. And they’ve helped Rachel, our incredible Program Director, find her purpose. Together, we’ve witnessed the transformation that comes from community: through every hug, meal, car ride, and conversation, something new and stronger is born.
Grief shattered my heart. The loss of my daughter left a space nothing can fill. But in these moments of shared humanity and resilience, I’ve found peace. The bonds we’ve built are more than friendship, they are lifelines. They remind us that recovery isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.
To every woman who has walked through our doors since 2018: thank you. Your courage, growth, and resilience have been a light for both Rachel and me. You’ve given our work meaning beyond measure, and each of you is a reminder that healing doesn’t happen alone; it happens together. You inspire us to keep building, keep believing, and keep showing up for you, for ourselves, and for every woman still finding her way.
What’s New?
Do you like to paint and show your creative flair? Or do you just want to have a girls’ night / family night out surrounding yourself with good company and supporting a worthwhile cause? We are hosting a Paint Night (see picture below) and we invite you to come along. At only $40.00 a ticket, you’ll be able to meet some of the Rage team, hang inside on what will likely be a hot and humid night, and leave with a beautiful piece of artwork. Tickets are on sale now.
Please take a look at our Recovery Companion books and our Christmas book, both beautifully designed by Wendy Beck (Founder and Executive Director of Rage). These books will make for great gifts to someone going through a rough time or perhaps you need a push to ignite a spark of creativity and healing. These are available on Amazon, and can also be purchased in bulk for a reasonable price if you work at a mental health / substance use facility and would like to provide these for your own residents. Take a more detailed look here and considering purchasing one to support us and women in recovery!
We would like to give a HUGE shout out to everyone who helped us at the First Friday event in Bel Air, Maryland on June 6th. The weather was perfect, the company was fun, and the turn-out was amazing. Our volunteers poured beverages, handed our wristbands, set up and cleaned up, and made sure that everyone was having a great time in the drink garden while listening to local music and shopping at area vendors’ tables. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful network of support. Money raised and tips received will go directly toward assisting the women in our three sober living houses.
Our Event Calendar is always up-to-date on event times and details about registration information. Please keep coming back to see what we’ve added and how you can participate.
*Scroll down to the bottom of our Events Calendar to SUBSCRIBE so that our events will be added to your personal calendar.
July 31: Bushmill Tavern in Abingdon, MD will be the place to come on Thursday, July 31st, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Paint. Support. Spread awareness. Have hope. Tickets are available now.
September 14: Join us for our annual Recovery Month Basket Bingo family-friendly event. Bring everyone and anyone you know for a fun-filled afternoon of playing bingo, winning prizes, and snacking on delicious desserts at our bake sale. Tickets are on sale now! **If you are a local business and would love to contribute a themed basket, or individual prizes like admission passes, gift cards, etc., please reach out. We would love to have your items be a part of what makes this afternoon a success!**
We serve locally but think globally. For counseling, or for addiction, substance abuse disorder, or mental illness treatment, please contact your area’s health department, county government, hospital, or law enforcement agency.
Addiction Connections Resource: A non-profit organization that assists with providing resources and support for addiction treatment and that educates the community about substance abuse disorder. Located in Fallston, MD. Please visit here or call 443-417-7810 for more information.
Ashley Addiction Treatment: An inpatient treatment center that personalizes clinical programs based on individual need. Located in Havre De Grace, MD. Please visit here or call 800-799-4673 for information about online and in-person meeting services.
Celebrate Recovery: A local support group for those with addictive behaviors. Located in Bel Air, MD and Joppa, MD.
Mt. Zion Church (1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015): every Thursday at 5:45pm. Please visit here for more information about meetings.
Mountain Christian Church (New Life Center 1802 Mountain Road, Joppa, MD 21085): every Friday at 6:00pm. Please visit here for more details.
GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing): A local support group for those who have lost someone to addiction.
6:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Located at Mt. Zion Church: 1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 (Rooms 13-15)
Contact lisa.craig4@verizon.net for more information. The private national Facebook group is available. Please visit here to ask to join.
The Klein Family Harford Crisis Center: A clinic that provides immediate care for mental health and addiction. Located in Bel Air, MD. Please visit here or call 410-874-0711 for information about services.
Loving An Addict: A local support group for family and friends of those in active addiction.
6:30pm every Tuesday
Located at Mt. Zion Church: 1643 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 (Rooms 13-15)
Please visit here for more details.
Voices Of Hope: An organization made up of people in recovery who advocate for behavioral health disorder prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery resources, who eliminate the stigma of addiction through outreach events and education, and who support all pathways of recovery including harm reduction and Narcan training. Located in Cecil County, MD. Please visit here or call 443-933-7055 for information about services.
Daughter’s House: Designed to assist women who are transitioning from substance abuse treatment to recovery; includes three Level II Maryland Certification of Recovery Residence (MCORR) sober living houses (Daughter’s House, Sister House, and The Cottage) located in Harford County, MD. Each house is tailored to meet each individual’s needs.
RAA ABC (After Baby Care): Empowering new moms in early recovery with postpartum care packages for mother and baby. Items are selected from a predetermined checklist for qualifying and referred families.
HALO (How to Live Without Our Addicted Loved One): An online grief support group specifically for those that lost loved ones to substance abuse. Click here to ask to join the private Facebook page. *Please read and answer the membership questions prior to joining.*
Wendy Beck: Founder and Executive Director
Rachel Bongiorno: Daughter’s House Program Director and Recovery Coach, and Advisory Board Member
Mia Ellis: Administrator and Advisory Board Member
Tara Kuzma: Board President
Amanda Buddenbohn: Board Secretary
Shawn Partain: Board Treasurer
Rich Bennett: Board Member
Meredith Morris: Board Member
Jeff Pollard: Board Member