Kris Young was one of two Amethyst clients who got the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. for the Rebecca Project for Human Rights Fall Forum in September, to advocate on behalf of family based treatment centers.
Joined by representatives from 13 states, Kris and her peers had the opportunity to share their stories and lobby for increased funding for family-based treatment centers, like Amethyst. She sat in the offices of goverment officials and took place in panel discussions. Kris additionally underwent two days of training to learn about how to effectively tell her own story of how both addiction and treatment services have affected her and her family. "I never really thought they would listen to me-- or that my one voice could make a difference. But they did. They listened," Kris shared.
Kris, who has been with Amethyst for over two years, is currently enrolled in nursing school. While she defies much of the stigma that surrounds women in recovery, she is now committed to teaching her peers how to do the same. She will attend two more days of training as part of the Sacred Authority-- a national leadership network of parent advocates established by the Rebecca Project. Kris is excited to come back and teach her peers the new techniques she learns and about the importance of advocacy. "One voice can make a difference. And I may be one voice now, but I can teach my peers about advocacy and come back with their letters and their voices," Kris explained. She plans to turn her voice into many and create change.
Click here learn more about the Rebecca Project
Please use the comment section below to share encouragement for Kris the women of Amethyst who are brave enough to share their stories to help the good of women everywhere!
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