Recovery Support Specialist
Rushford
Meriden, Connecticut
My name is Jacqueline Rodriguez. I am a recovery support specialist born in Passaic, N.J., and raised in San Juan, P.R. When I was five years old, I was part of the family services system in Puerto Rico due to my mother's addiction. At 13 years old, my father died of a drug overdose, three months later my mother died of AIDS. I felt lost and without hope. I didn't know what to do and I faced life the best way that I knew how. In my ignorance, I experimented with different drugs, I witnessed multiple violent acts where friends lost their lives; I was verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually abused; and even homeless at one point. After so many obstacles, I decided to change my life and moved to East Hartford, Conn., where my life took an even worse turn and I ended up in prison. When I was released from prison, I met a recovery support specialist who helped me increase my confidence and hope by seeing something in me I was not able to see. While working with him, I became certified by the State of Connecticut as a recovery support specialist and also obtained a full pardon from the State of Connecticut Board of Pardons. Currently I work as a recovery support specialist in the Rushford Center, Conn., in the Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery (MORR) program, helping people overcome their addiction and mental health challenges by motivating them to not give up and ensuring they know they have a second a chance in life. I share my life experiences with the purpose of instilling in them the interest of wanting to change and recognizing that they also have the capacity and ability to improve their quality of life no matter their situation.
On May 14, 2022, I will earn a master's degree in social work from Springfield College. I feel proud of myself and my efforts, yet it fills me the most to see how my story brings others the light that I once lacked. The more I share my story, the more I realize that RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE. That is why I dedicate myself to encourage others to not give up because as long as there is life, there is hope. “Nothing about us, without us”… and with God everything is possible.
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Sunday, April 10, 2022
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Monday, April 11, 2022
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
