Arielle is a 32-year-old woman who has been on a journey of recovery after being diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. As she neared the final weeks of First Step’s 16-week Reset Life program, she was ready to take her next steps — finding meaningful activities, reconnecting with her passions, and working towards her vocational goals.
Luckily, she had access to CPS Brokerage, a program designed to help people overcome financial barriers to social inclusion, strengthen relationships, and take part in social activities and work. And for Arielle, it made all the difference.
One of the first things Arielle requested through CPS Brokerage was a laptop. She recognised that structured learning would play a big role in her long-term recovery, and the laptop helped her regain confidence in her ability to study and work towards professional training and employment.
With growing confidence, Arielle started thinking about what a future career could look like.
Before her struggles with substance use, she had been passionate about holistic healing and was eager to return to that space. She found a Reiki course that aligned with her goals, and with CPS Brokerage funding, she was able to enrol and begin rebuilding her career.
Music had also always been a big part of Arielle’s life, but during her years of substance use, she lost touch with that creative outlet. Now, she was ready to get back to playing and even considered busking to build confidence and reconnect with her love for performing. Initially, she thought about taking lessons, but after some research, she decided that getting a guitar and microphone would be a better investment. With CPS Brokerage funding, she was able to make that happen too.
The process of selecting her own equipment, making the purchase, and planning for future self-funded lessons showed just how far she had come in terms of independence and self-management.
After receiving her new guitar, Arielle sent an email full of gratitude:
“I picked up my guitar today! I am in love! I’m truly so happy to be clean & sober, and I couldn’t have done it without First Step’s support. I’m just so wrapped, thank you so very much.”
CPS Brokerage plays a key role in helping people like Arielle bridge the gap between recovery and real-world reintegration. By providing financial support for tools that align with an individual’s strengths, interests, and career goals, the program empowers people to reclaim their identity, build confidence, and move forward with independence and resilience.
Arielle’s story is a testament to the power of targeted support in recovery. With the right resources and encouragement, she has not only rediscovered her passions but is also actively shaping a future filled with purpose, creativity, and self-determination.
(Arielle's name has been changed to protect her privacy)
