On September 11, 2023, a news article about a groundbreaking environmental regulation aimed at reducing coal usage in Kentucky emerged. This regulation sent shockwaves through the local communities relying on coal mining, including Dry Creek. For *Pete*, a 45-year-old miner from Dry Creek, this news came as a startling and unexpected blow.

*Pete* had worked in the mines since his early twenties, following in the footsteps of his father. The announcement triggered memories of his father’s untimely death due to a mining accident. The weight of the change pushed Pete into a downward spiral of alcohol abuse, a problem he had only barely managed to keep at bay for years.

Driven by despair, *Pete* remembered an online resource he had once heard about – the Stepping Into Action program offered by Hofman Hollis. Despite his initial reluctance, he found solace in the materials offered, finding structure and purpose in the face of his personal crisis. Stepping into one of the online support forums, Pete read: 'When life digs a new hole, dig yourself out with community and action'. The quote resonated deeply with him, becoming his new mantra.

As *Pete* followed the program, he encountered opinions from various experts. Some praised the new regulations, arguing they were necessary for a sustainable future. Others contested them, citing the immediate economic impact on miners and their families. This left *Pete* caught between conflicting views, but his resolve to stay sober and active never wavered.

Ultimately, *Pete* realized that seeking help online was the best decision he could have made. While local resources were scarce, the internet had provided him with a lifeline. The process was challenging, but the rewards were invaluable. Through his journey, he discovered that when local avenues seem blocked, online pathways can lead to hope and renewal.

Nearby: Haddonfield Virginia, Phipps Virginia, Pound Virginia