When Autism Spectrum News invited stories about supporting people with developmental disabilities through unique challenges, one name immediately came to mind: Martin R. This past weekend, Martin walked through the doors of his new home on City Island. For him, it wasn’t just a change of address, it was a milestone, marking the next chapter in a journey filled with determination, resilience, and hope.
After years marked by personal challenges, public crisis, and a deeply committed recovery journey, Martin has returned—not only to a beloved neighborhood but to a stronger, healthier version of himself. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of a stable support network, and the values at the heart of AABR’s mission: ensuring All Abilities are Beloved and Respected. It also shows what’s possible when systems work as they should—when people listen, respond, and show up—so individuals can thrive again, even after profound hardship.
Recovery Interrupted
Before COVID-19, Martin was thriving. He lived at AABR’s Levchuck Residence, where he had structure, support, and consistency. He’d also built strong ties to the local AA community on City Island, becoming a regular, well-loved presence at meetings.
The pandemic changed everything. With lockdowns in place and group homes under strict restrictions, Martin moved in with his aging mother. The sudden loss of routine, social isolation, and absence of in-person recovery supports began to erode his stability. When his mother became ill, the fragile balance he had maintained collapsed. He relapsed, and his mental health declined.
A Turning Point
Six months ago, AABR received an urgent call from Martin’s family: his mother was gravely ill, and his condition had worsened. Could we help?
Despite high demand across the system, we knew we had to say yes. Martin returned to AABR and was placed at an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) in the Bronx. From day one, his goal was clear—reclaim his sobriety and rebuild his life. His longtime AA sponsor never left his side, calling, visiting, and offering steady encouragement. “We never lost touch,” his sponsor said. “We both knew he wasn’t done.”
Slowly, with the combined support of his sponsor and the AABR team, Martin began to recover.
A Return to Form
In the months that followed, Martin committed fully to his recovery, attending groups, rebuilding routines, and regaining his physical health. As his stability grew, so did his determination to return to City Island, the place where his recovery had once been strongest.
This past weekend, that dream became reality. Martin moved into a lower-level care residence just blocks from his old AA group and former home. “It’s like getting the band back together,” we joked. Martin smiled. “It feels good. I’m back where I belong.”
Now, he’s looking ahead—planning to visit his former group home to reconnect with friends and staff, enjoy a plate of shrimp Parmigiana at his favorite Italian restaurant, and celebrate his upcoming 55th birthday with a “do-over” since his 50th, during the pandemic, went unmarked.
Keys to Recovery: Stability, Connection, and Community
Martin’s story reinforces what many in the field already know: sobriety and stability go hand in hand. His progress was possible because:
- His family reached out and were heard
- His AA sponsor stayed connected through the hardest times
- A structured setting gave him the space to heal
- Most of all, he was surrounded by people who believed in him
These supports helped Martin regain sobriety and the confidence to move forward. As he put it: “I feel safe again. I feel strong.”
A Message of Hope
Martin’s journey is proof that recovery is rarely a straight line—but it is always possible. With the right mix of care, compassion, and community, people can find their way back, even after major setbacks.
At AABR, we are proud to walk alongside individuals like Martin as they rediscover their strength and return to the places and people that help them thrive. Every success reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that All Abilities are Beloved and Respected, and that each person we serve can live with dignity, stability, and hope.
Libby Traynor, LSCW, is Chief Executive Officer of All Abilities Beloved & Respected, Inc. (AABR)., a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities based in Queens. AABR is committed to dignity, inclusion, and the lifelong wellbeing of every individual it supports.For more information, email ltraynor@aabr.org.
