An Eye-Opening Experience
“Cedar House opened my eyes to see that it’s okay to need help; it’s okay to be bi-polar; and it’s okay to grow through things.”
Sheri was brought into the world under the most difficult conditions. She was born in a hotel room to two addict parents. Her mother shot her up with heroin to quiet her as an infant which resulted in a lifetime of physical and mental disorders to overcome. But Sheri was strong. Even as a young child, she overcame the adversity. She was blessed to be adopted by loving parents at the age of five. They were LA County police officers and cared for her deeply the best way they knew how.
Sheri always had a strong urge to use drugs and alcohol. She wanted to experiment and explore as a teenager. She said, “I was just wild!” At the age of 16, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder but didn’t begin treatment until she was 22. She married her first husband when she was 18, and he was 35. During their first few years of marriage, she suffered through four miscarriages and her husband’s abuse. She said, “I just felt so alone. I wanted to try and get sober.” Sheri ended up getting arrested during this wild streak as she battled her addiction, fear, loneliness, and the shame she felt from years of sexual abuse.
Fortunately, the STAR program was an ideal fit for Sheri. When she completed her time in jail, she went directly to Cedar House for three months through that program. She said, “The staff at Cedar House opened up my eyes. You guys helped me so much.” She recalled that she related to case manager Salena’s personal story and knew that she would learn from her. She said, “Someone was finally going to help me get my mental health right.”
Cedar House opened Sheri’s eyes to the 12-step program, and she began to understand that it’s okay to ask for help. She said, “The atmosphere was warm, comfortable, and it felt safe to open up.” During her time in treatment, the Cedar House staff also counseled Sheri’s parents to understand how to support her through the challenges she was going through. She said, “They were just so angry, but they learned, ‘It’s okay. Let’s pick ourselves up. We can do this together.’”
The last time Sheri used was 12/23/12. She worked the program, got a sponsor, got re-married and had a son. To this day, when using comes up, she reminds herself to play the tape all the way through. She said, “I tell myself that I don’t want to go to jail, and I don’t want to be like my birth mother.”
Today, she continues to go to therapy once a week; she takes the right medication for her condition; and she thanks God every day for the program at Cedar House. She loves to give back and proudly donates clothes to Cedar House and Maple House on a regular basis.
She said, “If I wasn’t sober, I wouldn’t be alive. I’m so grateful for my family, the STAR program, and Cedar House. I just want to give back.”
The STAR Program helped Sheri find sober living after treatment. Once she got on her feet, she found employment with Amazon as a packer where she worked her way up to the human resources department.
Cedar House laid the foundation for Sheri’s life in recovery. She said, “I don’t feel shameful anymore. I feel safe to open up. I was there to work the program and take care of myself. Now, I just try to stay a good human – to always be as kind as possible to anyone I meet. They might be going through it.”
The holiday season can be joyful but also challenging. For many people, the holidays are a time of togetherness and celebration. But for those in recovery from substance use, this season can bring a mix of emotions -- joy and gratitude, but also stress, temptation, and pressure. Family gatherings, social events, and memories of past holidays can test even the strongest commitment to sobriety. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we understand these challenges. Our mission is to help individuals and families build lasting recovery through treatment, education, and ongoing support. Here are a few practical ways to protect your sobriety and stay connected to hope this holiday season. 1. Plan Ahead for Triggers Before attending a party or event, think about what might challenge your recovery. Bring your own non-alcoholic drink, drive yourself so you can leave early if needed, and connect with your sponsor or peer network before you go. Preparation gives you confidence and control. 2. Stay Connected to Your Support System The holidays can feel isolating, especially if you’re making lifestyle changes. Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or recovery peers who understand your journey. Schedule a check-in or attend a support group before and after big events. Staying connected helps you stay grounded. 3. Prioritize Self-Care Take care of yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maintain regular sleep, eat balanced meals, get outside, and make time for reflection or prayer. A calm and nourished mind is your strongest ally in maintaining sobriety. 4. Set Boundaries and Say “No” Without Guilt You don’t have to attend every event or explain your choices. Declining an invitation or leaving early doesn’t make you antisocial. It makes you strong. Your recovery is your priority, and real friends and loved ones will respect that. 5. Keep Recovery at the Center of the Season Stay consistent with meetings, counseling, or alumni groups. Cedar House offers aftercare support, relapse prevention programs, and peer connections that help clients stay engaged long after treatment. Recovery doesn’t stop after discharge. It’s a lifelong process of growth and renewal. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone If you or someone you love is struggling this holiday season, Cedar House Life Change Center is here to help. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based treatment, medical support, and recovery programs designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Reach out today to learn how we can help you or your loved one find peace, purpose, and sobriety this holiday season and beyond.
November is Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most urgent issues facing our communities. Every day, thousands of individuals and families across San Bernardino County struggle with the devastating cycle of homelessness, often intertwined with substance use and mental health challenges. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we believe that recovery and stability begin with compassion, connection, and comprehensive care. For more than five decades, Cedar House has provided a safe haven for those seeking to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Many of the people we serve come to us after experiencing homelessness or unstable housing—circumstances that make recovery even more challenging. Through our evidence-based treatment programs, sober housing resources, and continuum of care, we help individuals find the structure, support, and self-worth needed to thrive. Our services address more than substance use. We provide mental health counseling, case management, and referrals to permanent housing, recognizing that recovery is not complete until every person has a safe place to call home. For many, Cedar House becomes the bridge from crisis to stability—where individuals rediscover hope, rebuild family connections, and prepare for lasting independence. This month, we invite our community to join us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting efforts to end homelessness. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, every act of compassion brings us closer to a future where recovery and housing are accessible to all. At Cedar House, we know that healing happens one person—and one home—at a time.
Each October, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that recovery and healing are possible for everyone. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we understand that mental health and substance use are deeply connected. Many people who struggle with addiction are also coping with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma—and each affects the other. Treating both together is essential to lasting recovery. For more than 52 years, Cedar House has been helping individuals and families throughout the Inland Empire rebuild their lives through compassionate, evidence-based treatment. Our staff empowers people to overcome addiction and mental health challenges with respect, dignity, and hope. Tips for People Seeking Support If you or someone you love is struggling, here are a few ways to start your journey toward recovery: 1. Reach out for help early. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Early intervention can prevent harm and improve long-term success. 2. Get a professional assessment. At Cedar House, licensed clinicians assess each individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health to create a personalized plan. 3. Find community support. Recovery grows in connection. Peer support, counseling, and family engagement help build resilience and accountability. 4. Create stability. Safe housing, structured routines, and supportive care environments help lay the foundation for recovery. 5. Commit to ongoing care. Recovery doesn’t end after treatment—it continues through outpatient services, counseling, and ongoing connection to support systems. How Cedar House Life Change Center Can Help Cedar House offers a continuum of care designed to meet people wherever they are in their recovery journey: Withdrawal Management and Residential Treatment — Structured programs for men and women addressing both substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Maple House Perinatal Program — Family-centered services for mothers and children to recover and thrive together. Outpatient and Aftercare Programs — Continuing care, therapy, and relapse-prevention strategies for lasting stability. Family Support — Counseling and education to strengthen families and rebuild relationships. Our integrated treatment model ensures that every client receives comprehensive, coordinated care. You Are Not Alone This Mental Health Awareness Month, Cedar House encourages everyone to talk openly about mental health and seek support when needed. Recovery is not a solitary journey—it’s a shared path toward healing, strength, and renewal. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or co-occurring mental health issues, contact Cedar House Life Change Center today. Together, we can help you find hope, healing, and a fresh start.
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