Oct 25, 2013 2 min read

Susan’s story is one of hope, strength and the goodness of people. With a 30-year crack habit and few options left, Susan came to the Washington City Mission, a homeless rehabilitation shelter centered on Christian faith.

On Thursday, Susan announced she is two years and two weeks clean while standing onstage inside the George Washington Hotel banquet room. While her transformation has not been easy, she shared her story with confidence and humor.

Susan, who was identified by only her first name, was one of 18 honorees at the organization’s fifth-annual banquet who completed the Mission’s residency program.

Susan said that before coming to the mission, she had tried rehabilitation and halfway-house programs, but something was always missing.

“When I came (to the mission), I was beat down, and I was broken by life and by crack and domestic violence, and all other kinds of horrible things in my life,” she said.

But at the mission, she said her faith in God was renewed through classes and a 12-step program, and the people who helped her along the way displayed indescribable selflessness.

When she moved into her own place in Washington, the mission provided all the furniture she needed. All that was missing was a garbage can, which was given to her by Doug Bush, recycling manager and former resident. Susan became emotional as she described how Bush took the garbage can from his own home.

“Who does that?” she asked, as the room erupted in laughter. “Garbage cans are kind of personal.”

A video featuring personal testimonies from several honorees also was played during the banquet. One honoree, Carl, said the mission taught him to like himself, and his changed personality helped others like him, too.

“I’m just a happy guy now. I’m not the cranky guy that I was,” he said.

Dave, who has been sober for over 18 months, shared his struggle with alcoholism and said the mission taught him to take an honest look at his character defects, which was the hardest thing he has ever done.

“I learned, through the process of recovery and the program at the Mission, that drugs and alcohol played a very little part in this,” he said. “I was the problem, and I still am the problem. The biggest thing for me, without a doubt, is the gift of awareness.”