“There ain’t no going back. My goal is to help others and help myself at the same time because we share common ground.” – Elizabeth Banks
A Story of Relapse, Resilience, and Rebuilding
When Elizabeth came to Tacoma in 1999, it was in hopes of repairing a marriage. But what followed was heartbreak, trauma, and an eight-year battle with relapse, depression, and survival on the streets. Like too many in our community, her journey wasn’t linear. It was raw, human, and filled with moments of despair, but also filled with a quiet determination to try again.
Elizabeth’s turning point came after her mental health hit rock bottom. “They thought they were getting rid of me by bringing me to MDC,” she shared. “But really, they gave me an opportunity to save myself.”
Detox Was Just the Beginning
Elizabeth first entered MDC’s Detox program unsure of what to expect. She was grieving, exhausted, and addicted. “They went through all my belongings. My cigarettes, my things— all gone. I remember thinking, ‘I’m not going to be here that long,’” she recalled with a laugh. But MDC staff had a different plan. “They listened to me. They let me cry. That’s what really started my recovery. Somebody cared.”
The detox team not only helped Elizabeth through those critical first few days, but also planted seeds: recommending meetings, offering resources, and letting her know that she wasn’t alone.
“I didn’t even do outpatient treatment, but I did what they told me to- go to meetings, hang around clean and sober people. That got me on the path.”
From Shelter to Stability: Finding Housing and Hope
After years of homelessness, including nearly seven years following her husband’s death, Elizabeth was finally able to stabilize her life through MDC’s housing program.
“I’ve been on the streets. I’ve been beaten. I’ve been close to death,” she said, holding back tears. “This was my second time being homeless. I made it my last.”
Now, she lives in her own apartment. It’s her first safe space in years, alongside her beloved service cat, who keeps her grounded and calm. “She entertains me, wakes me up in the morning. When I’m feeling down, she’s there.”
“I love where I’m at. I’ve got my own kitchen. I don’t have to share a bathroom. I’m in school. I journal. I meditate. I’ve come too far to go back.”
Healing Through Behavioral Health
Elizabeth also credits MDC’s Behavioral Health team for helping her process trauma and manage her mental health. For over a year, she’s received regular therapy, along with a carefully managed medication plan. “I told them I want to heal, not hide,” she said. “The low dose I’m on now works. And I keep showing up.”
“If I was going to be dysfunctional, I might as well have kept doing the dope. But I didn’t want that life. I want to function, to grow.”
Education and Purpose: Building a Future of Service
Today, Elizabeth is 17 months clean and sober, and she’s on a mission to give back. She’s attending school at The REACH Center while also working with MDC’s Education Department, preparing to become a Peer Support Specialist.
“I just finished my prerequisite course. I’m waiting for my 80-hour video training and to take my state exam. I want to help people who are where I’ve been. That’s my purpose.”
Her days now include journaling, meditation, gospel videos, and attending classes that fuel her recovery. She’s traded survival for growth, chaos for stability, and silence for service.
Why Elizabeth’s Story Matters
Elizabeth’s story is more than one woman’s triumph. It’s a mirror reflecting the crisis of addiction, homelessness, mental health struggles in our community, and a testament to what’s possible with the right support.
“There were people dying in the streets. I was tired of being tired. MDC gave me hope again.”
You are not alone. Help is here.
MDC is here with detox support, housing assistance, behavioral health counseling, and education services for those ready to change their lives.
Learn more at: mdc-hope.org
Visit MDC’s Welcome Center in Tacoma to speak with someone who care