Elaine Schwartz, House Manager

If we want different results, we need to do something different; that’s what Mahala’s Hope has been for me. It was the different piece I had been missing for many years. Being one of the first ten women here at Mahala’s Hope, I was given another chance to do something different. I was in and out of recovery for many years, unable to see how unresolved trauma was affecting my chances at long- term recovery. Mahala’s Hope gave me the holistic view on recovery that was able to be integrated into my life for substantial change. Three years later, I come back as the house manager and am able to be a part of other women’s recovery process and show them that recovery and happiness is possible.

After doing hair for 17 years, I realized that hairstyling was no longer where I wanted to be. I felt called to give back to people on their recovery journey whom are often unaware of the effects trauma has on their recovery. I became a Certified Peer Specialist, emphasizing in trauma informed care, and also became a recovery coach trainer to help people become recovery coaches and spread the hope in communities all over. I have been blessed and truly humbled to be able to come back and work at Mahala’s Hope and apply my unique skillsets to the women who come through the house. I believe at Mahala’s Hope, we put emphasis on empathy, compassion, and understanding, which allows women to have their own recovery and healing process, because everyone’s care should be as unique as their experiences. With our trauma responsive treatment and equine sessions, Mahala’s Hope is truly unique and specialized for each woman who comes through the door. I love being able to be a part of the process and part of the bigger picture that Mahala’s Hope offers for women seeking recovery. I continue to live life holistically and to the fullest and bring those values to women at the house, helping to point out that recovery is mind, body, and spirit. I feel that being the first alumni to come and work at Mahala’s hope is truly an honor and a job that I am extremely dedicated to and look forward to being a part of for many years down the road.