[vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”]Lindsey Montoya has her life together. She’s happily married with two children, a success in her field, and sits on the Beit T’Shuvah Gala’s Planning Committee. It’s all a far cry from where she was ten years ago – when her life was in shambles.
“I was living in such darkness,” recalled Lindsey. “I wanted to kill myself and woke up every day thinking today might be my last.” Lindsey suffered from addiction throughout her 20’s until she simply couldn’t go on. She found herself detoxing in Cedar Sinai’s Psychiatric Ward; broken and lost. Unbeknownst to her at the time, this “rock bottom” would spark the willingness for change and growth.
Lindsey came to Beit T’Shuvah in May of 2009. She remembers when she first got to Beit T’Shuvah, she told her dad, “I’m not as bad as all these other people. I’m going to stay for 30-days and leave.” She stayed for 13 months.
In her time at Beit T’Shuvah, Lindsey reached a breaking point because she was overwhelmed by the shame and guilt of her actions during her active addiction. However, with the support of Beit T’Shuvah, she was able to break through her despair. “I was pushed to get out of my comfort zone and it saved me,” she said. “I was able to transition into the real world while still living in Beit T’Shuvah’s loving community. It made all the difference.”
This year, the Beit T’Shuvah Gala (the organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year) is honoring Lindsey’s parents, Russell and Meryl Kern. The couple is being celebrated for their continued support and generosity towards the Beit T’Shuvah community. For Lindsey, their recognition is a direct reflection of their gratitude for her recovery and commitment to the organization.
“It brings me such joy to know that my parents support Beit T’Shuvah from the heart. I’ve been gone for 10 years, and they never left,” continued Lindsey. “To me, that says it all. These are the parents that continue to fill my heart with joy and pride.”
The Gala is an important time of year for Lindsey; a time to reflect on her journey thus far. She has attended it every year since being a resident and is extremely proud to be on the Gala Committee.
“The Gala is an event that directly affects residents in treatment and saves lives,” continued Lindsey. “It’s quite remarkable. I want to give back to the community that gave so much and so freely to me. Beit T’Shuvah gives people a purpose and a way to find meaning in life.”
