The positive outcomes individuals and families experience when working with us are substantial.

“My Specialist put me in touch with a part of the world I didn’t know existed!”

“I’m transitioning from depending on all programs to becoming self-sufficient. I’m attending college.

My Specialist helped me find the way to believe in myself and in my family.”

“For me, being self-sufficient means I’m independent! Now I think for myself, I do things for myself and when I need resources, I can find them for myself.”

“Thank you! This is a great feeling to be independent. I have come from depending on everyone for my needs to taking care of myself and my family.”

A New Life in Pelican: My Journey to Recovery 

The Turning Point 

I finally reached a point where I decided living that way just wasn't worth it anymore. My life had become dangerous and absolutely unmanageable. I knew I needed to change. I found a good soul to watch my dog and I checked myself into the Pride Institute. I sobered up, dried out, and found a different way to live. 

Making the Move 

Once I got out of treatment, I went back to Fergus Falls, but I quickly realized I had absolutely no support in that town. I knew there was no chance of survival if I stayed there; I would eventually relapse. So, I made the decision to move to Pelican Rapids. I didn't know exactly what to do, so I called the police department in town for guidance—anything to help me figure out my next move. They got on the phone with Mike at CLS (Community & Life Services), and he immediately called me. When we first spoke, he asked why I was moving to Pelican. He was absolutely questioning my sanity, but for me, it was a simple choice: leave Fergus, or relapse. I do not believe I would have survived another relapse. 

Starting Over 

My dog and I arrived with nothing but my clothes and a tent. We lived in the campground for two weeks; CLS helped me find funding from local churches to pay for the camp site and later 2 nights in a hotel. Mike helped me apply for housing assistance, insurance, and SNAP benefits. It was tough at first, with my mental health at an all time low, talking with Mike I was able to finally see my potential and that life is worth living. Mike took me to several N/A meetings, where I am now finding healthy friendships and a place to belong. During those two weeks, Mike and I worked on filling out applications all over Pelican Rapids. I managed to get a job in a management position working 40 hours a week, and I earned the store keys. Mike and I work together on my negative thought patterns; he showed me how negative self-talk affects me and what it keeps me from accomplishing; that's a work in progress. Mike has shown me that healthy relationships are not transactional, something I did not know existed. Moving here was the best decision I ever made. 

Where I Am Now 

It is December 2025 now, and I have been clean since the middle of June. I am finally sober... for me. Physically, the difference is obvious. I used to be skinny as hell; now I'm "chunky," and that is a good thing. It means I'm healthy. I’ve been reaching out on my own, making friends, building "recovery capital" by going to meetings. I found a vehicle and have started making payments, so I'm almost fully mobile. With the car, I plan to take part in a program Mike referred me to at RMCEP to further better my employment and hopefully build a career. I'm also very close to getting a place of my own. 

Gratitude 

I am extremely grateful to all of the staff at CLS for their help. They kept me focused on the future and helped me get back on my feet. I absolutely trust Mike with my life and with my dog (basically the same thing). If I hadn't had the advantages that came with a peer specialist and the support I found moving here, I am not sure I would have been able to stay clean or accomplish all the things I have. 

Thank you for everything.              Dray.