Turning Lives Around in Northern Colorado: Heather’s Turning Point
For decades, Turning Point was a residential treatment center for adolescents and young adults needing treatment for various reasons and life circumstances. While Turning Point has shifted to outpatient services (2022), many long-standing staff members were part of the program in residential days. Occasionally, we can connect with former clients, all grown up, and hear their magnificent stories. Heather, now 40, recently shared her story with us, and she has graciously permitted us to share it with all of you. Heather had been part of Turning Point’s Independent Living program.
"My name is Heather, and I lived at Turning Point. My story isn't like most in recovery; when I was 15 years old, my mother made a decision that forever changed my life and the steps my little feet would take. As a child growing up, my mother was not very present. I struggled with sexual trauma, physical abuse, verbal abuse, and just neglect in general. At 14, I was in the D.A.R.E. class, and often, the topics would trigger me with what was taking place at home. My instructor (Officer Roe) had spent many afternoons after class helping me process and think logically about my life and the things taking place.
One night, my mother and stepfather returned home around 2 am intoxicated and ready to fight... Everything in me that night struggled with words... instead, I somehow ended up in the kitchen destroying all of the alcohol in the home, crying and screaming... Resulting in the police coming... By the Grace of God, in walked my D.A.R.E. officer, right into what he had listened to for over a year after each class... Between him, Judge Gresh, and my caseworker, I eventually ended up at a Turning Point.... Surrounded by the unknown, my anger umbrella opened wide... The staff rallied around me and, day by day, earned my trust and built a relationship with this young girl (me), who, unlike most of the girls in the program, didn't have a family.
I had a turning point... I spent the end of my childhood in Turning Point. That was my home and the only place I'd ever felt consistency and Grace, grace for so many things (my anger of not being understood, my SHAME of being abandoned and alone when no child should be, my lack of boundaries and unhealthy ways of seeking help, the list goes on and on of the Grace I was given). Throughout my life, I have often referred to 'home' as a Turning Point.. Most didn't understand how a residential facility (at that time) could or would be home to anyone.... But for me, it was not just home. It was safety. Farai (Makombe) was one of my mother figures I usually only saw when I needed to talk about what was happening inside me, not inside the facility. She walked me through emotions I couldn't withstand alone.... I became a mother at a young age and, somehow, have still pointed my success as a Mama to Turning Point and the many faces willing to sit with me and learn about my hurts, fears, failures, hopes, and dreams... I was introduced to skills I carry with me daily to cope with the many struggles I faced as a child.
I am 40 years old and will forever call Turning Point my 'home'. I own my own addiction recovery company and focus on helping others overcome not only addiction but also the traumas and turmoils of everyday life and the letdowns faced in a very broken world. There are so many parts of my life, good parts that exist only because of my life in Turning Point. I often reflect on my life and my happiest moments. While they were the most challenging moments, they will forever be in Turning Point, with the staff that remain there helping heal a hurting world. They saved my life, and what they poured into my life so long ago saved my children's childhood. I will forever be grateful for the faces that took the time to love me when they didn't have to."
From Left to Right: Lizzy (Heather’s 23 year old BONUS daughter and Marketing coordinator for Recovery 8:28), Grandpuppy Peaches, Destiny-Lynn (Heather’s 17 year old daughter), Cherish-Faith (Heather’s 13 year old daughter), Cameron (Heather’s husband, the CEO and Peer recovery support specialist at Recovery 8:28), Heather, Jonny (Heather’s 21 year old and first born ‘Turning Point Baby’)
About Recovery 8:28
Heather Stringer is the founder and Peer Recovery Support Specialist of Recover 8:28, deeply committed to guiding others on their recovery journeys. With a focus on trauma-informed care, she helps clients navigate the complexities of recovery, drawing from her own experiences since early childhood throughout her adult life as a young mom and a wife. Heather spent most of her childhood facing hardships that trickled into her adult life, creating new, more complex traumas and the cycle continued into her children's lives. Throughout this time, Heather faced different treatment centers and caseworkers as a child and as a mother, building a unique trust in the system. She has spent the past 8 years walking alongside the state and its different extensions of mental health to learn how each fits into healing and where.
Having faced various traumas alongside her children, Heather understands the challenges of healing and is passionate about providing personalized support. She works closely with each client to create tailored recovery plans, equipping them with the tools that have been pivotal in her own recovery.
Reflecting on her journey, Heather emphasizes the importance of growth and resilience in building community. She's here to support you through the ups and downs of recovery, offering compassion and guidance every step of the way. With Heather, you're not just a client; you're a part of a healing community.
Recovery 8:28 can be reached by emailing recovery828llc@gmail.com or following them on Facebook and Instagram.