For many, the road to recovery is not a straight path but a winding journey marked by ups and downs. For Lydia, a Denver native and dedicated leader at Victory House this journey has been nothing short of transformative. From early struggles with addiction and rejection to embracing a new life of service through faith and community, her story is a powerful testament to the life-changing power of God’s love and grace.
Who are you?
I’m a native of Denver, raised in what’s now called the Highlands—though I’ll always refer to it as the “North Side. “I’m the youngest of six, with four older brothers and one sister. Sadly, all of them have passed, except for one brother. God has given me a new family, a whole family, that I never had before.
I had my daughter when I was just 16 and was living alone in my own apartment by 17, with no support at the time. Seven years later, I had my son, but during those years, I struggled with alcohol, drug addiction, and toxic relationships. I became defensive, looking for love in all the wrong places, and over time, developed a narcissistic attitude as a survival mechanism.
At 24, I went back to school, earned my GED, attended one year of business college, and began a career in the title business, which I’ve been in since 1992. I’ve always loved getaways, though I hadn’t traveled much before, and now I’m trying to see more of the world, and volunteering with several nonprofit organizations. My true passion is community. I love leading a women’s and men’s recovery group called Regeneration every Friday night.
The Lord has filled me with a compassionate heart for others, and I want people to feel seen, loved, and special. It’s a privilege to serve and lead, especially now that I’ve stepped into several leadership roles. Even though I only graduated five years ago, I can say with certainty that I understand what others are going through because I’ve lived it. My role isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about walking alongside people in mutual support. Through perseverance, including overcoming a knee replacement and other setbacks, I’ve grown and have something to share.
What excites you about your new role at Victory House?
I graduated in February 2020, during a snowstorm, and moved into Victory House. While there, I continued meeting one-on-one with a mentor and served in childcare at a local church. I also became a 12-step sponsor, and volunteered to assist Bernie Klingsmith (past Victory House Director) with community meals and other activities.
Leading Regeneration has been a blessing, teaching me how to empathize with others. Through serving and growing in character, continuing to build trust and visibility within the community, which eventually led Providence Network to invite me to co-manage Victory House. At first, it was challenging as I also work a full-time job and it’s been a learning curve discovering what works and what we can improve.
This role has taught me so much about leadership, especially how to handle challenges with grace. I’ve learned not to let the opinions of others affect me or make me feel rejected. Instead, I focus on being proactive—if I sense something’s wrong, I approach people with compassion and work to be a peacemaker. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m maturing in ways I never expected.
What are some ways you try to offer support to the Victory House community?
Every Saturday morning, I lead a group at Victory House, offering a space for prayer and reflection. Once a month, I try to organize a community meal—whether it’s lunch, a BBQ, or something else—to bring everyone together. I make it a point to be a good neighbor, reaching out and ensuring no one feels isolated. I walk alongside women in recovery, sharing the knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained from my own journey—whether that’s offering a listening ear or helping with something practical like a ride.
What does your journey from resident to graduate to staff mean to you?
The program is invaluable—truly priceless. First and foremost, it’s God-centered, and where else can you find a program like this that’s not only affordable but also offers housing, counseling, meetings, and recovery education? It teaches you how to live in a community with people who have different personalities and perspectives, and how to navigate those challenges when life triggers you—whether it’s dealing with a difficult boss or any other tough situation. The key is learning how to approach life differently, reprogramming our hearts and minds to respond with grace, not anger.
Two years in the program can feel like forever, but it was a time of deep transformation for me. When I first walked in, I thought I had it all together, but by the time I left, I was humbled and had learned how to live with authority without being rebellious. Instead of adding to problems, I learned how to find solutions. That’s why moving into NextStep housing was so crucial for me—it’s a faith-filled sober-living environment where I could continue to practice my new life.
Moving into NextStep reminded me of everything I worked so hard for, and I’m committed to giving back to the community that helped me heal. I’ve seen many others graduate, and I often wonder where they are now. The goal isn’t just to change; it’s to change and then give back to others.
How can we pray for you?
My goal is to stay in God’s will, remain humble, and keep a kind and gentle heart, drawing my strength from Him. Now, I’m blessed to be a positive role model and example for my own children, serve others, lead studies, facilitate 12-step meetings, and mentor women in recovery, all while living out my faith and spreading God’s love.
