Cruising into Recovery

Earlier this month, participants from Bridgewell’s Johnson Street Women’s Program, including a recent graduate of the program, went on a lunch cruise around Boston Harbor aboard the Hornblower Sensation. This was made possible due to the generosity of those who contributed to Bridgewell’s Fund-a-Need appeal.

Why a harbor cruise? Experiences like this lunch cruise give the women opportunities to learn and explore who they are and what they enjoy at a time when self-discovery and enriching life experiences are critical for recovery. The cruise allowed them to feel a part of a broader community while having a wonderful time dancing, laughing, and a enjoying a delicious three-course meal. For many of the women, this kind of experience was a first for them – and for others, it was a chance to reconnect with an activity they hadn’t experienced in years as they battled addiction.

“Addiction takes them from their lives, and recovery gives them the opportunity to find themselves in new ways,” noted Lina Abdalla, Clinical Director of the Johnson Street Women’s Program.

One of our participants stated that the cruise was “one of the most amazing things. It meant a lot to me, because it’s something I used to do in my past and it was so nice to bring it back into my life, something so important to me.”
Another client shared, “I am very grateful to have a second chance to rebuild my life. I felt I was being treated like a normal person on the cruise, I felt human.”

What an amazing experience for the women and staff at Bridgewell’s Johnson Street Women’s Program!