Finding hope – Climbing from addiction to achievement

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – On Wednesday, the College of Eastern Idaho will host Stephanie Taylor-Thompson to share her story of falling to addiction and overcoming through achievement.

"Stephanie Taylor-Thompson is a resident of Idaho Falls. She is in long term recovery and a formerly incarcerated person. Stephanie earned full pardons from both Idaho and Montana in 2017. She graduated from Idaho State University with degrees in Sociology and Criminology and is currently a student at Northwest Nazarene University pursuing her MSW. Stephanie is a former Reentry Specialist and subject matter expert for the Idaho Department of Correction, District 7 Probation and Parole Office. She is now a Field Director with Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest prison ministry. She is also a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Certified Family Support Partner and Recovery Coach. She is a graduate of the Idaho Citizens Law Academy. Stephanie is an elected member for Region Seven Behavioral Health board and the Greater Idaho Falls Police Council as well as a council member for the Idaho State Rehabilitation Council. She volunteers in numerous capacities as an advisory member. Stephanie has received both state and national awards for her dedication to reentry, addiction recovery and criminal justice reform. She is passionate about corrections, criminal justice, reentry, recovery, suicide prevention and anti-human trafficking efforts."

Biography

She says a big reason she was able to change her life was because of her support system and connecting with people willing to help her. She encourages others to be that support system for those who need it.

Instead of judging people for their past, she says, it's important to let them know that people do care and there are ways to get the help they need.

The Center for HOPE is a local organization that provides education and support for those looking to start their recovery journey. There is also a national hotline to call for those struggling with drug addiction at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

During the audience Q&A portion, Taylor-Thompson explained the importance of dropping harmful labels such as 'a felon, an addict, a criminal,' among others.

She has also been working with the state of Idaho to further help those who have had troubling pasts through the Clean Slate Act.