ACCORD Counselor Monya (left) and Windi (right). September 2021.
Windi’s journey to ACCORD started earlier this year. After a long period of substance use, she decided to make a change. Part of that change included facing some of her past mistakes, including an infraction of driving under the influence. So, she enrolled at ACCORD DUI, a California-licensed program for individuals arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
“From the beginning, the staff were very welcoming,” Windi said. “They took a personal interest in me, and that was different from other programs I’ve been a part of.”
Windi dove headfirst into the program, attending virtual group sessions regularly. And now, she’s able to see things differently.
“ACCORD has just changed my life,” Windi recalled. “Just a few weeks into sessions made me see things differently. It was like peeking through the looking glass and seeing things in a different light.”
Windi credits much of her success at ACCORD to Monya.
“Without Monya, I’d still be self-sabotaging,” Windi recalled. “She is such a good facilitator. She creates a safe space and makes everyone feel welcome.”
But during their brief meeting at ACCORD, Monya was quick to provide equal praise to Windi.
“You did the work,” Monya told Windi. “You showed up and did it.”
The fact that Windi will celebrate three years of sobriety in October is not lost on either of them. And just after they ended their embrace, they were immediately drawn to a framed poster in the ACCORD lobby. It features a staircase with the words “one step at a time” emblazoned in the corner.
It serves as a reminder to clients that recovery is a process, not necessarily a destination.
For Windi, it’s been a road worth taking.
"Recovery means that you can live a life that’s worth living,” Windi said. “I never really knew myself but now I can be with my mom and be dependable. I can be of service.”
But Windi is painfully aware of the need for substance use disorder services in the community.
“ACCORD saves lives,” Windi said. “And you don’t know whose life it’s going to save. You are protecting your family by supporting ECS. Life’s a team sport; no one’s winning alone.”
Watch Windi share how ACCORD helped her on her journey to recovery.