From Recovery to Resilience: George’s Journey

Eighteen months ago, George Anthony made a life-changing decision: to pursue sobriety.

“I was in a dark place,” he recalled. “My mom had died. I started using drugs when I was fifteen … I was putting myself in dangerous situations. My life was going nowhere. And then one morning, I just woke up and thought, ‘This is it? This is going to be the rest of my life?’ I decided to get help.”

That decision led George to Grace House, Unity House’s substance use rehabilitation program, where he found the stability and support he needed to move forward.

“I have an awesome support network,” he said. “When I find myself in crisis, I can honestly talk about it, get some suggestions, be willing to follow them, and ultimately find peace and move forward.”

After graduating from Grace House, George became an active participant in Unity House’s mental health outpatient program, PROS, where he continues to build on his progress.

Creative writing classes at PROS have become an essential part of his healing process, allowing him to reflect on his experiences in a meaningful way. He also attends therapy and has found opportunities to speak publicly about his recovery journey.

“We talk about deep stuff here, so it can get pretty emotional,” he said of PROS. “But so many of us need that. We need a space to process life. We’re allowed to be sad, but we work through it as a group. I’ve started writing about my past a lot more.”

Today, George lives independently in Auburn in an apartment supported by Unity House. His next goal is to secure employment where he can use his lived experience to guide and support others in recovery.

With encouragement from PROS staff, George dedicated himself to completing 18 online courses through the New York State Academy of Peer Services (APS). After meeting additional requirements, he recently earned his provisional certification as a Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS-P).

For George, this certification is more than just a credential—it’s a calling.

“I don’t care so much about where I land—I just want to start helping folks as soon as possible,” he said. “It’s time to get to work.”

Taylor Casamassima, program director at PROS, praised George’s determination.

“George has taken every opportunity to grow. He really got to work this past summer,” Taylor said. “He wasted no time. We were there to help him if he needed it, but he really proved himself and what he’s capable of.”