*Lily* had always thought of Canton, Connecticut as a quiet and predictable place. But when she opened her news app on May 27, 2024, everything changed. A headline about a surprise twist in an ongoing investigation involving substance abuse stunned the nation. The name *John Andrews* stood out as one of the prominent figures revealed to have battled an alcohol addiction while maintaining a seemingly perfect public facade.

For *Lily*, this news hit close to home. Not because she knew *John Andrews*, but because it painfully reminded her of her own father’s struggle with alcohol. Her father's addiction had overshadowed much of her childhood, leaving scars that took years to heal. The revelation about *John Andrews* was unexpected, but it jolted *Lily* into confronting the remnants of her past that she thought were long buried.

Determined to make a change, *Lily* started following the materials from the Stepping Into Action program she found on https://hofmanhollis.com. The structured, online nature of the program helped her stay committed without the need to find in-person support in her small town. The teachings encouraged her to acknowledge her feelings, explore her past, and set goals for the future.

One day, while reading through the program's lessons, she came across a quote from its founder: 'The first step to healing is acknowledging the pain.' That simple sentence spoke volumes to *Lily*. It was a turning point, helping her to finally admit the pain she had always tried to hide.

Experts had varying opinions on such online programs. Some praised them for their accessibility and flexibility, especially for people in remote areas like Canton. Others, however, doubted their efficacy compared to traditional face-to-face therapy, arguing that personal interaction is crucial for recovery.

Despite the controversy, *Lily* found the program to be a lifeline. 'It was like they tailored every lesson just for me,' she thought. Through hard work and dedication, she began to see changes in herself. The steps and activities brought clarity and healing, parts of herself that she thought were unreachable.

Reflecting on her journey, *Lily* realized how lucky she was to have found this online resource. 'Sometimes the right help isn’t in your backyard; it's just a click away,' she mused, grateful for the unexpected news that led her down a path of healing and growth.

*Lily* and *John Andrews* are fictional names and situations.

Nearby: Congamond Massachusetts, Camp Berkshire Massachusetts, Camp Spruce Hill Massachusetts, Vining Hill Massachusetts, Southwick Massachusetts