COSSUP Storytelling Initiative
Through real stories, the COSSUP Storytelling Initiative shows the power of peer support, treatment, and community—and the need to make help accessible for everyone.
What is the Storytelling Library?
The COSSUP Storytelling Library lifts up the voices of Pennsylvanians with lived experience of substance use recovery and harm reduction. Too often, recovery is hidden behind statistics or only seen at someone’s lowest moment. These stories make the invisible visible—showing full-circle moments where individuals return to support others in the very places where they once struggled. These storytellers show the power of peer support, treatment, and community, and call for making help accessible to all.
Story of Recovery – Lorenzo
A Horse Named Willow: How Lorenzo Found His Breaking Point
Lorenzo reflects on the challenges that shaped his early life and the turning point that came through working with horses. Building trust and connection with a horse named Willow sparked his path toward recovery. Now, he uses his story to inspire others, showing how unexpected sources of healing can lead to transformation and hope.
- Animals & Pets, Community Support & Engagement, Criminal Legal System Involvement, Faith/Higher Power, Growth & Second Chances, Motivational Speaking, Stigma, Support & Family Systems
Story of Recovery – Bridget
The Message Is Hope, the Promise Is Freedom: My Journey to Advocacy
Bridget shares her journey from dependence on prescription medication and involvement in the legal system to building a life rooted in purpose and advocacy. With the support of treatment and community, she discovered new opportunities for healing and growth. Today, she dedicates her career to helping others navigate the same systems she once faced, proving that recovery is possible and that second chances can lead to lasting change.
- 12-Step Program, Criminal Legal System Involvement, Employment In Recovery, Faith/Higher Power, Growth & Second Chances, Mental Health, Peer & Mentorship Support, Prescribed Pain Medication, Support & Family Systems, Treatment & Rehabilitation
Story of Recovery – Kate
A Thread of Grace: How Harm Reduction Wove Me Back Together
Join Kate as she recounts her path to long-term recovery and her dedication to helping others. From experiencing homelessness to speaking on the steps of the State Capitol, Kate’s story highlights the importance of compassion, evidence-based treatment, and community advocacy.
- Advocacy & Outreach, Animals & Pets, Community Support & Engagement, Criminal Legal System Involvement, Growth & Second Chances, Harm Reduction, Homelessness, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), Mental Health, Stigma, Systems Change, Treatment & Rehabilitation
Story of Recovery – Jake
Full Circle: Building Hope Through Recovery and Service
Jake shares his transformative journey from substance use, homelessness, and involvement with the legal system to leading the very shelter where he once sought refuge. Through recovery, treatment, and the support of others, Jake rebuilt his life and found purpose in helping people facing similar struggles. Today, as a director and advocate, he demonstrates the power of second chances, the importance of support systems, and the hope that change is always possible—even in the most difficult moments.
- 12-Step Program, Criminal Legal System Involvement, Employment In Recovery, Growth & Second Chances, Homelessness, Peer & Mentorship Support, Recovery House, Support & Family Systems, Treatment & Rehabilitation
Story of Recovery – Kirstin
Pain to Passion: A Recovery Story That Fuels Change
Join Kirstin as she recounts her path to long-term recovery and her mission to support others facing similar challenges. From personal loss to professional purpose, Kirstin’s testimony highlights the strength found in vulnerability, the value of community partnerships, and the message that it’s never too late to change your life. Her story is a testament to the power of hope, the importance of breaking generational cycles, and the impact one person can have on their community.
- Advocacy & Outreach, Community Support & Engagement, Criminal Legal System Involvement, Generational Chain, Growth & Second Chances, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), Narcan, Peer & Mentorship Support, Probation, Stigma, Systems Change, Treatment & Rehabilitation
Story of Recovery – Edith
Turning Pain into Purpose
Edith shares her journey of healing and renewal, from rebuilding relationships to becoming a source of strength for others in her community. Edith shares how resilience and second chances can transform lives. Now a counselor and community leader, Edith uses her experience to support and uplift others, proving that “we do recover”—and that one person’s story can spark hope in many.
- 12-Step Program, Advocacy & Outreach, Community Support & Engagement, Criminal Legal System Involvement, Employment In Recovery, Faith/Higher Power, Growth & Second Chances, Hope & Healing, Peer & Mentorship Support, Support & Family Systems, Treatment & Rehabilitation
Story of Recovery - Darrell
My name is Darrell, and I am a person in long term recovery. For me that means that I have not used alcohol, drugs, or any mind- or mood-altering substances since November 19, 2008. I was 45 years old when I finally decided to do something about my drinking problem. I was born into a wonderful loving family and well provided for as a child and through college. Most of my family did not use alcohol or drugs when I was younger.
Story of Recovery - Bridget
The Message Is Hope, the Promise Is Freedom: My Journey to Advocacy
Shortened Video Duration: 00:06:04
Story of Recovery - Edith
Turning Pain into Purpose
Shortened Video Duration: 00:07:14
Story of Recovery - Jake
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Full Video Duration: 00:13:53
Shortened Video Duration: 00:08:51
Story of Recovery - Kate
A Thread of Grace: How Harm Reduction Wove Me Back Together
Shortened Video Duration: 00:05:56
Story of Recovery - Kirsten
Pain to Passion: A Recovery Story That Fuels Change
Shortened Video Duration: 00:06:24
Story of Recovery - Lorenzo
A Horse Named Willow: How Lorenzo Found His Breaking Point
Shortened Video Duration: 00:06:10
Story of Recovery - Darrell
My name is Darrell, and I am a person in long term recovery. For me that means that I have not used alcohol, drugs, or any mind- or mood-altering substances since November 19, 2008. I was 45 years old when I finally decided to do something about my drinking problem. I was born into a wonderful loving family and well provided for as a child and through college. Most of my family did not use alcohol or drugs when I was younger.