Stories of hope

New Free Course: Stories of Hope: A Value-centered Approach to Storytelling 
Get started below or learn more at the bottom of this page.

The following stories are from individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder. Read along to learn more about their stories of hope.

A close up of Mona smiling at the camera outdoors wearing a colorful sweater vest

Mona Lisa's Story

"If you’re feeling helpless, if you’re feeling like you’re in a dark tunnel, don’t give up. Your story is still being written."

Stephen looking directly at the camera outside with an orange sky behind him

Stephen's Story

“When I hear about somebody who went and saw their primary care provider, that’s a positive change. When I hear from someone that they used naloxone to save someone’s life, that’s a positive change. Finding ways to celebrate that in the people that are around you, and then celebrate that within yourself, that’s profoundly inspiring for me.”

A man sitting up straight in his char with his hands clasp looking at the camera

Carlos' Story

“Don't judge the speed of recovery, judge the quality of recovery. You just need to move forward and show up for yourself." 

Nicole embracing a man for a hug while smiling

Nicole's Story

“Hope is the foundation and bedrock of resilience, which will allow us to withstand challenges, to adapt and evolve, and to survive.”

Richard sitting and facing the camera with a soft smile

Richard's Story

"My purpose in life is to live my best life, full of self-care, full of high self-esteem, self-confidence, and hope."

A side profile of a woman sitting up to a microphone while smiling

Dominique’s Story of Supporting a Loved One

“In the search to help my brother through his recovery, I found that I actually needed to take a step back and focus on my own healing and wellbeing.”

Ariel's Story

"Hope grows louder when you ask for help and you’re vulnerable. It is the thread that lets you know that no matter what happens, you will be okay."

Joseph's Story

"Until people started recovering out loud. People like me didn’t understand that they had allies out there. That there were spaces that they could go that were safe."

Ale's Story

“Hope allows me to be brave.”

Free Course: Stories of Hope

A Value-centered Approach to Storytelling

Designed in partnership with Joseph Green of LMSvoice, this new self-paced course will guide you through a process of uncovering meaningful life experiences, shaping them into powerful narratives and learning how to share them with confidence and purpose.

By the end of this free course, participants will be able to: 

  • Identify personal core values that have shaped their lived experience.
  • Recognize the structure and components of a transformative story.
  • Write a story that centers on a five-second moment of change.
  • Integrate values-based storytelling into personal or professional introductions.
  • Provide and receive constructive storytelling feedback.
  • Adapt stories for different audiences and storytelling purposes.
  • Use storytelling as a tool for advocacy, connection and healing.