“Struggling with mental health is like living in a dark world,” Andrea says. “It’s so debilitating and hopeless, and I think a lot of people just don’t know how awful it is to get up every day and force yourself to do the most basic things.”

Faced with a major breakdown, full of anxiety and panic attacks that physically and emotionally drained her, Andrea was forced to quit working in 2017. “I lived alone and would stay in bed for days. I couldn’t make basic decisions like what to eat, or when to rest, or even how to get out of bed. It physically hurt. I avoided going to the grocery store, which meant I wouldn’t always eat. I was caged in myself and I had stopped living.”

In recognizing the gravity of the situation, Andrea’s therapist made a life-saving call to East House – and she was placed at Boehm Lodge, a community residential program focused on interventions needed to guide people toward independent living. “There were 14 of us living there,” she recalls. “It was such a relief. I wasn’t alone any longer. Day or night - no matter the situation - there was always somebody to talk to.” Beyond feeling safe, Andrea says she most loved the many ways that Boehm Lodge allowed her to release her sadness. “Whether alone in my room, together in support circles, or slowly through activities like cooking for the house or art and writing groups, I was supported. I was safe.”

At East House, we have provided a safe and supportive environment for people in recovery for more than 55 years. In fact, we did it first. Did you know that East House provided the first community residence in New York State for people in recovery from mental health disorders? Studies show that stable, supportive housing positively affects an individual’s mental and physical health, all while generating cost savings for public systems with a decrease in the use of shelters, hospitals, jails, prisons, and emergency rooms.

In 2019, Andrea moved to East House’s Alexander Commons, a more independent living environment and a place where she says the air and light make her feel like she has an even greater chance at living again. “East House has been my anchor in getting me the help I need so I can still be here today. If I hadn’t found this, I don’t know where I’d be. I don’t think I would have survived myself."

More than surviving, Andrea feels she is thriving. “I’m so proud, and - these days - I can smile, even if I’m not feeling my absolute best. I feel like I can help other people. I can honestly tell them, ‘There is hope. Don’t give up. You are loved. You are loved.’”

Andrea’s story is possible thanks to the generosity of our community. To continue to provide life-changing services to people like Andrea, we need your help. Your generous gift will ensure that we are able to continue to provide quality housing like Boehm Lodge and Alexander Commons, with personalized recovery support services to make our community a healthier place to live.

Please join me and stand beside those in recovery because now, more than ever before, your gift matters. Simply put, your investment will lift people up, like Andrea, and empower them to find their path on their journey of recovery.

Thank you for your consideration.

Lindsay Gozzi-Theobald
East House President & CEO

Hope & Healing through Recovery

By East House

Hope & Healing through Recovery

Andrea's Journey