September 2012
Mariann Sanders

Safe Harbors Cornerstone Residence is proud to shine this month’s Tenant Spotlight on Mariann Sanders.  Ms. Sanders, a long-time tenant at the Cornerstone, is an active member of her church community and the community here at 111 Broadway. She is a mentor and inspiration to those struggling with addiction and always brings a smile and a laugh to those around her. But this hasn’t always been the case. For many years Ms. Sanders was an active drug user, living at the Hotel Newburgh,  surrounded by crime, drugs and violence, Mariann was angry, mistrustful and bitter.

When Safe Harbors purchased the Hotel Newburgh and transformed it into the Cornerstone Residence, Mariann’s chronic drug use threatened her housing.  But being forced to get clean didn’t work for Mariann, getting her life together had to be her decision.  That decision came when Mariann hit rock bottom-when diabetes and chronic pulmonary disease became life-threatening, Mariann knew she wanted to live, not only for herself, but for her children.

With the help of her case manager at Independent Living, Mariann worked hard to overcome her addiction. It was a long, difficult road, filled with anger and tears and it is still a daily struggle, but now, instead of turning to drugs, Mariann is participating in Zumba, bowling, movie night and tenant picnics.  She surrounds herself with positive tenants in the building who are also in recovery and has, herself, become a positive force for new tenants entering the building, sharing her story, listening and lending her support.  She has made changes not only in her choices but in her attitude. She is positive because she is no longer mad at herself and the world around her. Seeing Mariann, one is always reminded of the courage and inner strength that she found, which allowed her to triumph and become the person she is today.

Transforming Lives and Building Communities…

Safe Harbors salutes Cornerstone Resident Mariann Sanders.