On May 18, 2023, *Linda* was going through her usual morning routine when she stumbled upon a news article stating that several longstanding liquor stores, including the one in Farmers, Pennsylvania, were shutting their doors due to a crackdown on illegal activities. What seemed like a mundane news piece had an unexpected ripple effect on *Linda's* life.

For *Linda,* the closure of a local liquor store hit close to home. Years ago, she had struggled with alcohol dependency stemming from personal issues and the absence of close family support. The news took her back to those difficult days when she would frequent the store to drown her pain in alcohol. The store held bittersweet memories, and its sudden closure brought a flood of emotions.

Feeling overwhelmed by a resurgence of past struggles, *Linda* sought ways to cope and stumbled upon the 'Stepping Into Action' program on https://hofmanhollis.com. Inspired by its transformative promise, she decided to give it a try. The program's flexibility allowed her to join from home, a crucial factor considering there weren't many support resources in Farmers, PA.

In one of the program materials, *Linda* read an insightful quotation from *John Hoffman's* book, which resonated profoundly: 'The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.' There were no words more fitting for her situation.

Experts praised the program for its well-structured curriculum and user-friendly tools. But it wasn't without controversy; some critics argued that online resources lacked the personal touch necessary for true rehabilitation. Despite these conflicting opinions, *Linda* found that the digital support group helped her navigate the resurgence of past demons.

Looking back, *Linda* felt grateful for having found the program. 'Getting help was essential,' she thought, 'even though finding resources nearby was tough, the online program was a blessing.'

In the end, sometimes the most unexpected news stories can trigger a journey of self-discovery and healing, proving that taking the first step—however challenging—can lead to profound change.

Nearby: Lineboro Maryland