Melissa

When Melissa arrived at United Community Center’s Women’s Residential Program, she was searching for something she hadn’t had in a long time: safety, stability, and a real opportunity to change her life. Addiction to heroin and cocaine had taken control, and she knew she needed support to break free and learn a new way forward. 

At UCC, Melissa found more than treatment; she found a community that believed in her. Through daily classes focused on relapse prevention, life skills, and personal growth, she began building tools she didn’t even realize she was missing. Melissa connected with staff she trusted, people who listened, understood, and never gave up on her. UCC also walked alongside her through practical challenges as well, navigating the many steps required to rebuild independence and helping her access vital resources, for example obtaining a WI State ID card.  

During her time at UCC, Melissa experienced profound transformation. She formed meaningful relationships, gained confidence in her recovery, and began planning a stable future. UCC provided a safe space for healing, growth, and long-term stability. 

Today, Melissa is nearly 14 months into her recovery and continues to move forward with purpose. She is graduating from a one-year program at Meta House, is working toward her high school GED while taking courses in the medical field at MATC, and is actively searching for her first apartment for herself and her son. She has savings, supportive relationships, and, most importantly, hope. 

Melissa credits UCC with giving her the foundation she needed to reclaim her life. Through compassion, consistency, and unwavering belief, UCC helped her see what was possible and gave her the tools to make it real.