Part of the recovery process is being able to develop new friendships and maintain healthy ones. At Perry Wellness Center, one longtime peer leader and one new peer member forged a friendship during a difficult time, and now that friendship is blossoming. Such is the story of Rhonda Hubbard and Cheryl Baker.

Rhonda has been associated with Perry Wellness Center since 2008. She is often referred to as the tour guide or hostess on campus, as she greets visitors and shows them around the campus with ease. She first met Cheryl when both were patients at Lillian Carter Health and Rehabilitation Center in Plains, Georgia. When she transitioned out of that program and prepared to return to PWC, she encouraged Cheryl to join her for the day program. Cheryl did join her recently, and now the two are also roommates. They are both residents at the Bernice Bell House, a person care home in nearby Dawson, and have settled into a comfortable schedule. Monday through Friday, they attend the recovery program at PWC and have their meals there. On weekends, they have three meals per day at the Bernice Bell House.

While the two were strangers most of their lives, the bond they have formed helps them build stable lives back in the community. As Cheryl states, “Everything comes into your life for a reason.”

In the photo above, Cheryl Baker, left, and Rhonda Hubbard meet to plan their day. Welcome back, Rhonda! And welcome to PWC, Cheryl!