CHANDLER, Ariz. — One Valley woman has overcome addiction and embarked on a path of recovery. Now she’s helping other people get off the street and over their struggles.
Chandler mom Misty Gustafson says she has been in recovery for seven years.
“I started my addiction really early on in life," said Gustafson. "I was actually in the sixth grade, and I come from a generation of addiction.”
Gustafson's difficult past including additions to heroin and meth, along with being homeless and legal troubles.
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"You know I’ve been incarcerated,” Gustafson said. “I went to jail and prison.”
Through the years, she has carried painful memories.
“I experienced trauma with childhood trauma, adulthood trauma… mental health,” Gustafson said.
Addiction had a hold on her.
“I was on the brink of death,” said Gustafson.
Gustafson said at one point she hit rock bottom and had a realization.
“I can’t do this anymore,” she said. “I’m either going to die or I’m going to stop living this way and I’m going to do better.”
In 2017, Misty got sober.
“It’s like a whole new light shined on your life,” said Gustafson. “I was able to find God, and I was able to love myself again and now, thankfully I’ve been given the opportunity to help other people.”
After meeting Gustafson, Riann Balch with the City of Chandler’s neighborhood resources department knew she could make a difference.
“Absolutely, the first time I laid eyes on Misty I knew she was the one,” said Balch.
Balch knew Gustafson would be able to help get people off the streets and out of addiction.
“People with lived experience have something to offer that nobody else has,” said Balch. “I did hire her on the spot.”
“She put me out there on front street and was like ‘I want you to represent City of Chandler, I want you to tell your story and I want you to be the voice of the community for homelessness,’” said Gustafson.
When she got hired, her life changed.
In fact, she even got much needed dental work done, with the help of Dr. Roe, a prosthodontist from ClearChoice. His team worked within her budget to make the treatment possible.
“I’ve quit smoking cigarettes since I got my teeth done,” she said. “I’ve lost quite a bit of weight.”
Gustafson’s journey of recovery has not only transformed her own life but also inspired her mother and four siblings to embrace sobriety.
“She has saved countless lives,” said Balch. “I wish I had kept count, but that would be impossible.”
Balch says Gustafson saves lives every single day.
“…not just here in the office, but everywhere she goes and everything she touches,” she said.
Now Gustafson is almost 40 and going to college. She’s a wife, mom, homeowner, and churchgoer.
“My mission is just to show people that there is hope after addiction, and to never give up on yourself… it doesn’t matter how long it takes,” she said.
Gustafson was named the 2023 Beth McDonald Woman of the Year.
She’s now the homeless programs supervisor for the City of Chandler, and today her future is clear as she oversees a team of navigators serving about 1,000 people every year.
“She’s amazing,” said Balch.
Gustafson remains a beacon of hope and motivation for those facing similar struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help. Just call the Arizona Substance Abuse Hotline at 602-364-4558 or 1-800-867-5808 for free, confidential support for alcoholism, drug addiction, and finding help in Arizona 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also dial 211.
For more information about Chandler’s homeless services, click here.
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