John G.

Before coming to First Step, I can say that I was truly lost, broken and beaten. Half my life I struggled with alcoholism as well as drug addiction. After several tries at Rehabs, detoxes and short stints in jail, I finally, and fully surrendered, and decided to enter a program house. I can say wholeheartedly that it was the best decision of my life. Without this program I would be dead, in jail or still trapped in the hell I once created. This is the longest I have been sober since I was 13 years old. I currently have over 18 months clean and I have learned so much about myself, my defects, my own worries, etc…. I have learned how to manage life based on life’s terms. I could go on forever about this program and the amazing people I have met but I Won’t, but I will say I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart and I will forever be in debt to this program.

Jim M.

I am Jim, and I am definitely an alcoholic and addict. I relapsed during the Covid-19 and I was lucky to find First Step Recovery to help me get back to the basics of recovery.

Tom M.

The question asked of me, “ why are you in a sober living arrangement?” Without hesitation, my answer was short: Discipline, security, safety and structure.

When I finally realized that I needed serious help about five years ago, sober living worked for me. After 11 months of recovery. I felt that I had the tools needed to live sober, in my own home, which worked well for about 4 years. In April of 2021, I relapsed.

It only took about two and a half months to realize that I am truly an alcoholic. With the help of my family and friends, I chose a new sober living arrangement with First Step Recovery House. I need those $ pillars of living in my life, ingrained in my character, and continuously reinforced.

First Step emphasizes those areas, along with Alcoholics Anonymous, sponsorship and active participation in the program.

I will know when I am ready to take the next step to individual living, but at this time, First Step is paramount to keeping me on a path of recovery that I otherwise may not travel.

Jason Bayer

In 2016 I finally had enough of substances ruling my life and accept that I needed help. It was suggested that I enter Sober Living after Rehab. I interviewed and was accepted int First Step Recovery. I served as a Liaison for the first year and then house Manager for my second year. The bonds that I created with the owner and members of the house are part of the foundation that keeps me sober to this day.

Susan Gervais

The commitment to see other live healthy and sober lives is what Mark and Renee Cross are all about. Two devoted individuals who run the First Step Recovery House.

The First Step Recovery House is a home with devoted individuals who strive to help people recover in a safe loving environment.

Mark Cross

Testimony 07’

This is a community for men that are trying to live a sober (drug and alcohol) life.

I started my journey about four years in an Oxford House for men in recovery. At my interview the President of the house went over all the house rules, chore, and expectations. If I was willing to do these things and follow these rules the house would vote me in. Over the next few months, I learned a lot about living a sober life. Several weeks later the house was shut down for financial reasons. That is when I started the First Step Recovery House, which us a Non-Profit organization 501 (c) (3).for men who are in recovery. It has been a long road trying to work out the kinks over the past three years, now I have a couple of partners that help with the paperwork, bills and many other aspects that are needed to keep the house up and running. We have ten beds for men coming out of treatment facilities, jails, or off the streets. In the first year we didn’t have more than five beds filled at one time, which hurt us financially because each guy pays one hundred dollars a week with everything included. To pay all the bills for the month we need to have nine guys paying one hundred dollars every week. It has taken a long time and a lot of work with the house and the men to get where we are today.

First Step Recovery House is running at full capacity with a lot of men waiting to come in. We have a wonderful President, Secretary, Banker, and job coordinator which are the house jobs for some of the more senior guys. All the men have house chores that must be done every Monday and Thursday night before 10:00 pm. All ten of the men are sober and are looking for a good program, some of them over a year.

Everyone that applies, attends, or has lived in the First Step Recovery House has a common bond. We have all been on a road to destruction. I believe that if you just come in for an interview, or you have done your one-year commitment, the seed has been planted. Everyone sees guys like themselves living a different life.

Less than 5% of the human population that have drug and alcohol issues stay clean and sober over one year. Up until the last six month we have had to ask over one hundred people to leave the house because they could not stay clean. There are many things that I had to do the first year of sobriety. Since that time things have been a little bit easier, and life has been much better. Working with other men daily, and talking about our experiences, strengths, and life stuff give me hope to stay sober another day.

Mark Cross

President

First Step Recovery House

Renee Cross

I started my journey with Mark Cross in Dec of 2009. He was and still is a customer at the insurance agency I work at. We became friends, and I followed his journey in recovery with the spiritual aspect as a teaching ground for us to grow in. This is a big part of our relationship as husband and wife.

I continue to support him in the financial aspect of the business, with paying bills, and keeping all documents, and proper paperwork in place to operate the business effectively.

We continue to offer our support to all those who are interested in trying sober living and going into a different path for their lives. We are to help you with that journey.

Stephen King

When I was in active addiction I was lost with no hope. I was so hopeless in life that I thought I no longer had a place in this world. When I was in treatment I was told that if I was to just surrender, that I would find the strength and hope I was always lacking and would find purpose in my life. So, I did. I finally was able to ask the question that saved my life, “ Ok, I surrender.

What is it that I need to do? “. I was told I needed to change everything in my life if I was to be successful in recovery, and I needed to surround myself with people that were clean and sober and trying everything they could to remain so. I needed a supportive and safe environment where I could focus on my recovery, while trying to piece my life back together. It was recommended that I try Sober Living, so I applied and I was accepted.

I must admit I was skeptical about the whole idea of living with a group of Alcoholics and Addicts, but it was also suggested that I must remain open minded. Upon arriving to First Step Recovery House I was immediately welcomed, and my fears subsided. There I found a group of men who were serious about their recovery and willing to help others who were new to the program. It was very easy to get acclimated to the program and I began to work my program of recovery while I worked and started to live my life clean and sober.

First Step Recovery House was, and still plays a major role in my success in recovery. They provided the safe, structured and supportive environment in which I was able to grow and be productive in life. I went from a scared, insecure, hopeless shell of a person to someone who I can be proud of when I look in the mirror. I believe that First Step Recovery House, along with a program of recovery is the absolute solution for people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction. I believe in this program so much that I have dedicated the last two years of my 3 years of sobriety to serving the program to which I owe a huge debt of gratitude. This program is why I am alive today. If you are considering Sober Living I can assure you that it is the right decision.

Stephen J. King

Vice President

First Step Recovery House

Byron Fanning

I began the road to recovery in 2019. I was finally beaten up enough by my addictions and felt so useless and alone that I knew I had to make a serious change in my life. I was having financial, legal and housing problems, but more serious was the health problems. After many years of family members, friends and health professionals suggesting I needed help, I finally looked into treatment.

I was very skeptical about treatment and wasn’t sure it would be right for me. However, a friend suggested First Step Recovery House and I had witnessed a great change in his life since he went through this program as well.

First Step Recovery House has taught me how to live a happy, sober, normal life again and gives me pleasure to show other alcoholics and addicts that there is a solution to this disease.

Byron R Fanning

Secretary/House Manager

First Step Recovery House

Ashley Cross

I have been a First Step Recovery house volunteer since 2017. My initial experience of First Step Recovery House was that of a bystander. I didn’t understand the concept of a “meeting” or the lingo of AA but after a few short months of “just showing up” as they say, I fell in love with the recovery community and all that it stands for. My job title has changed a few times though out my time of service here, at First Step Recovery. I have witnessed many lives changed by those who walk through the doors of First Step, including myself. I would not be who I am today had I not been given the opportunity to serve with my brothers and sisters in the recovery community.

Marielle Stokes

I am originally from Cambridge, VT. I am a single mom of three beautiful kids, love to ride, loves all forms of exercise, and has a passion for music. I surrendered to being an addict in June of 2016. When I lived at the Lund Family Center for a year and one half to build a solid foundation for my recovery. I began volunteer work at the Turning Point Center of Chittenden County helping as the Fundraising Coordinator in Nov. 2018. I then realized I wanted to grow my knowledge in business and fundraising skills to complete a business degree at CCV. I am also an active member in the 12 Step Recovery community. My passion is to show other in recovery how to have fun without drugs and alcohol. I have decided to continue my volunteer work for First Step Recovery to help fundraise and plan events to help better our recovery community.