15 Years of Sobriety: Rosalynn Talley’s Journey from Struggle to Strength
On January 29, 2025, Rosalynn Talley will celebrate a remarkable milestone—15 years of sobriety. Her journey is one of resilience, transformation, and the life-changing support of SOME. Rosalynn’s story is a testament to the power of recovery and the resources that make lasting change possible.
A Life Transformed
Before finding SOME, Rosalynn’s life was a cycle of addiction, incarceration, and instability. “I was a mess,” she admits. But everything changed when she entered SOME’s substance use treatment program in West Virginia, known as “the Mountains.” Guided by her counselor, Jason Ginevan, she learned to identify her triggers and build coping mechanisms that have kept her on the path to recovery.
“My coping skills saved me,” Rosalynn says. “Music, therapy, church, my case manager, my sponsor, my support group, and meetings—they all played a part.” Each element became a crucial tool in navigating the challenges of everyday life without returning to substance use.
Learning to Live Again
SOME didn’t just help Rosalynn stay clean—they taught her how to live. With lessons in budgeting, building credit, and emotional regulation, Rosalynn gained the tools she needed to succeed. “They told me that as long as I followed the rules, I would never be homeless again. And they were right,” she recalls.
SOME’s staff became her second family. Dorinda Williams, a Program Director in SOME’s Housing program, played a particularly vital role. She helped Rosalynn manage her anger and encouraged her to take her medication. “Ms. Williams took my hand, sat me down, and told me to slow down,” Rosalynn shares. Her guidance provided Rosalynn with the structure and reassurance she needed to stay on track.
A New Beginning
The impact of SOME’s care extended beyond Rosalynn—her daughter was able to attend Strayer University with support from SOME and is now an active police officer. Meanwhile, Rosalynn built a stable and fulfilling life for herself.
After completing her treatment and living in long-term supportive housing at Griffin House for several years, Rosalynn moved into her own home in a beautiful neighborhood. She now owns a car detailing business, has her own vehicle, and continues to flourish. “Everything I wanted, I got it. I had to work for it,” she says proudly.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Rosalynn looks back fondly on her time at Griffin House, remembering Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas gifts, and community gatherings that made the program feel like home. Now, she’s paying it forward by sharing her story and inspiring others to seek the help they need.
Her message to those facing similar challenges? “You can’t do it by yourself—you have to get help. I tried, and I couldn’t. SOME saved my life.”
Fifteen years later, Rosalynn stands as proof that change is possible with the right support. “SOME is an excellent program. I would advise anyone struggling with addiction to go through it.”
Her journey is a powerful reminder that hope, structure, and a caring community can make all the difference. And for Rosalynn, the mountains weren’t just a place of recovery—they were the foundation for a new life.