The Healing Power of Housing: Sam’s Recovery Journey

By: Amy Cavalier, Communications & Development Specialist

When Sam Medina relapsed after three years of sobriety, DePaul’s Boxcar Apartments in Albion provided a stable place to start again.

“It was tough. I was going through some stuff in my life,” he said. “It was overwhelming and there were no meetings because it was during COVID-19. By God’s grace of mercy, I was able to bounce back.”

After completing treatment and a 90-day stay at a recovery residence, Sam moved into the Boxcar Apartments in October 2021. He sought support from others in recovery through Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc. (GCASA), an outpatient clinic now known as UConnectCare Behavioral Health Services.

“We can’t do it alone,” he said. “It’s up to us to reach out for help and do the work. I’ve got to remain vigilant.”

Journey to Sobriety

 

Now, with nearly five years of sobriety under his belt, Sam is finding purpose in sharing his story and inspiring others. He runs meetings at a nearby church four days a week and he’s spoken at conventions in front of hundreds of people. Sam said sobriety requires honesty, willingness and open-mindedness.

“I help people when I tell my truth and my story,” he said. “And it helps me at the same time. If I share my story and I can help one person out of ten, that’s a beautiful blessing.”

Growing up, Sam said he was surrounded by chaos and verbal abuse. Addiction has taken Sam to dark places and near-death experiences. Waking up in the hospital on life support weighing 70 pounds, Sam realized he had to make a change.

He tried moving from place to place in hopes of remaining sober, but as Sam later realized, he “always took me with me,” acknowledging that the disease of addiction followed him wherever he went.

Sam came to the Boxcar Apartments ready to make the change. Moving into his own apartment for the first time ever has provided him with responsibility and accountability. Having a stable foundation has given him the courage to try new things like fishing and kayaking and planting roots has allowed him to establish a supportive recovery community.

“It gave me the ability to go out there and live life,” he said. “I’m not afraid to take a risk in order to continue on with my recovery.”

Sam’s bright, positive and grateful attitude is an inspiration to others, said Property Manager Mary Klatt.

“When you hear everything he’s gone through and how far he’s come, you think to yourself, if he can do it then I might be able to do it,” she said.

Mary said Sam keeps a beautiful apartment and is always very put together. He’s a great cook, well-liked, very active, and not afraid to lend a helping hand.

“You just can’t help but be happy when you’re around Sam because he just gives off that energy,” she said. “Even if he’s having a hard day and he’s struggling with something, he’s still open and very positive.”

Pathway to Success

 

Sam is hoping to move in with his girlfriend of eight years this summer and get his GED.

Actions speak louder than words for Sam. A father of three and grandfather of six, sobriety allows him to have a healthy relationship with his family, although at the end of the day, he said, the motivation to stay clean must come from within.

“This is something I can’t do for my family or my kids, I have to do it for myself,” he said. “If I don’t love myself, I can’t love somebody else. If I can’t help me, how can I help somebody else? I’m so grateful to be here.”