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The Power of Having Someone Who’s Been There

  • toniatalksnow
  • Dec 16, 2025
  • 2 min read

There is something deeply transformative about having someone to talk to—someone who doesn’t just listen, but truly understands. Someone who doesn’t just encourage you, but challenges you to rise. Someone who doesn’t simply believe for you, but reminds you of what’s already inside you.

But not just anyone.


I’m talking about having a mentor. A guide. A peer. Someone with a proven track record of rebuilding their life in the midst of criticism, judgment, and the loud opinions of the world—and choosing not to stay stuck there.


After my darkest moments, I wasn’t just struggling emotionally—I was struggling with brain health and addiction to problematic substance use. My thinking was impaired. My emotions were dysregulated. My decision-making was compromised. When brain health is impacted, choices don’t always reflect who you truly are—and mine didn’t.


I made poor decisions during that season—decisions that ultimately led to my incarceration. That reality carried a heavy weight. Shame. Isolation. And the fear that my past would forever define my future.


Trust did not come easily. Hope felt fragile. But something shifted when I saw people who had been there—who had struggled with brain health challenges, addiction to problematic substance use, and incarceration—and yet had rebuilt their lives with purpose and dignity.

I remember thinking: “Why not me?”

Slowly, I reached my hand out. I allowed them in. And hope began to outweigh fear.


Today, I am honored to be one of the Peer Recovery Specialists at FailSafe-ERA. I once needed exactly what I now have the privilege of offering. Recovery is not just about stopping a behavior—it’s about healing the brain, restoring dignity, and reclaiming your future.

Now that person is me—and it’s time to help you step into your next level.

FailSafe-ERA Peer Recovery Support Services


Empowering Your Journey to Recovery and Re-Entry


FAILSAFE-ERA is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides educational opportunities, transformative services and support to families impacted by incarceration.


At FailSafe-ERA, we provide non-judgmental peer support to individuals navigating recovery, re-entry, and life after incarceration—many of whom are facing brain health challenges and addiction to problematic substance use.


Our Peer Recovery Specialists understand these realities personally. We walk alongside you with compassion, understanding, and practical guidance—because we’ve walked this road ourselves.


We help you:


  • Develop and follow a personalized recovery plan

  • Strengthen brain health and healthier decision-making

  • Navigate re-entry challenges after incarceration

  • Connect to community services that support stability and wellbeing

  • Build confidence, resilience, and independence as you move forward


This program is designed to empower your voice, advocate for your needs, and help you move toward a life of purpose, healing, and stability.


Reflection & Next Steps

  1. How did challenges with brain health or substance use impact the decisions you made during that season of your life?

  2. What patterns do you notice in your choices when you felt overwhelmed or unsupported?

  3. How has incarceration or re-entry impacted how you see yourself?

  4. What strengths did you gain through your hardest seasons?

  5. Who can you reach out to today for guidance and support?

Learn more about FailSafe-ERA Peer Recovery Services for individuals impacted by incarceration!




 
 
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