Upon arriving at Royal Palms, I felt utterly depleted, disillusioned with life, and quite literally stripped of dignity. Fresh out of Men’s Central Jail after a harrowing two-month stint, I found myself clad in nothing, but the flimsy paper jumpsuit doled out by LA County Jail upon release. It was a stark reminder of my rock-bottom moment, a familiar concept in Recovery circles.
Yet, despite my initial trepidation, my experience at Royal Palms swiftly turned from bleak to bright. Within mere hours, I was greeted with a comforting meal, a wardrobe upgrade, and a cozy bed complete with all the trimmings. It was abundantly clear that this facility was committed to offering me a sense of belonging.
As a Non-Binary individual, I had made it clear during my jail interview that I sought placement in a program tailored to LGBTQ clients. Upon arrival, I expressed my preference to reside with women, given my sexual orientation and its intertwining with substance abuse. However, I was met with the disappointing news that my outwardly masculine appearance might send the wrong message to fellow residents. Despite my frustration, the staff approached me with empathy and a genuine desire to find a solution.
The Program Manager, acknowledging her limited exposure to individuals like me, offered a private room. Emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication, she pledged to consider my unique needs. This compassionate approach characterized my entire tenure at Royal Palms.
Instead of reducing me to a statistic, another face in the crowd, or a societal outcast, I was met with immediate compassion and empathy, even amidst uncertainty about the best course of action. The Program Manager assured me that we could navigate this journey together, committing to listen to my concerns whenever I needed to voice them.
This initial encounter exemplifies the ethos of the Royal Palms team in their approach to treatment: personalized, empathetic, and driven by the desire to facilitate growth for anyone seeking a path to improvement. All that was required of me was to heed their guidance and play my part in the process.
Despite initial challenges connecting with my assigned counselor, I persisted, holding onto the promise of continuous support. With the director’s blessing, I switched counselors and forged a supportive bond that remains pivotal in my journey of Recovery.
As I settled into life at Royal Palms, I embraced the program’s teachings, actively participating in group activities and lending a hand within the community. I was deeply honored when my peers bestowed upon me the role of Resident Council President, a position through which I endeavored to leave a lasting positive impact.
One standout moment was attending the San Fernando Valley NA Conference, a transformative experience that reignited my belief in the possibility of Recovery beyond the confines of rehab. Expressing my gratitude to the director for this opportunity was but one small gesture of appreciation for the unwavering support I received.
Since my departure, I’ve played a pivotal role in establishing and sustaining Alumni Night at Royal Palms, while also serving as Secretary for the Wednesday night NA meeting. As I pursued outpatient treatment with another organization, the ongoing support from Royal Palms continued to be instrumental in my personal development. Not only did I maintain connections with the staff and fellow residents, but I also had the privilege of engaging with current guests, sharing my journey of resilience, and witnessing their remarkable transformations.
Being able to share insights and offer guidance to individuals encountering struggles reminiscent of my own has brought me immense satisfaction. Nurturing our ongoing dialogue has not only enriched my life with joy but has also reinforced my passion for contributing to the field of Recovery. My recent certification as a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician stands as clear proof of the enduring influence of Royal Palms’ inclusive environment, tailored approach, and steadfast support.
To the compassionate staff and fellow residents who embraced me wholeheartedly, I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Their warmth and encouragement were instrumental in shaping my journey, and I will forever cherish their impact on my life.
(Coree, Royal Palms Alumni)
