On September 20, 2022, *Linda Tierney* was scrolling through her news feed in her cozy home in Calm Missouri when she stumbled upon an article about a nationwide surge in energy prices. Living on a modest income and already struggling with her monthly bills, Linda felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. This news hit home harder than expected, forcing her to confront a part of her past she had been trying to bury.

Years before, Linda had battled with substance abuse, which had left her financially unstable. Although she had been clean for over five years, the threat of rising energy costs triggered memories of her lowest points—days when she had to choose between paying for electricity or her next fix. The stress of looming costs felt overwhelming, dragging up fears she thought she had left behind.

Determined not to slide back into old habits, Linda began searching for solutions and found her way to the Stepping Into Action program at Hofman and Hollis. The program offered practical steps and emotional support to manage life's unexpected challenges. She found herself drawn to their online resources, which she could access from the comfort of her home. Week by week, as Linda participated in the program, she felt more empowered to face her financial worries.

Linda recalled one particular session where *Dr. Elise Walker* said, 'Facing our past head-on is the first step to overcoming the obstacles of our future.' Those words resonated deeply with her, providing a sense of clarity she hadn't felt in years.

Experts in the field have long debated the effectiveness of online support programs. While some argue that in-person interactions are irreplaceable for genuine recovery, others believe that accessibility and convenience can make online programs equally effective, if not more so. In Linda's case, the flexibility of accessing help online was crucial, allowing her to balance her mental health recovery with her tight schedule.

Despite the conflicting opinions, Linda knew she had made the right decision. The program not only helped her manage her current financial anxiety but also reinforced her resilience. 'The journey hasn't been easy,' she thought, 'but finding support online made all the difference.'

Linda's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of accessible resources. Even when local options are limited, online programs can provide the lifeline needed to navigate life's unpredictability.

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