Sunshine Stories

According to middle-class societal standards, no one could have guessed that Teena Weisler was a person struggling with drug and alcohol use disorder. She always had a job and a...

When people experiencing addiction tell John Lawlor their stories, he often nods along in empathy. John, a Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP) harm reduction specialist, knows what...

Timothy arrived at Beacon House in June 2024 with a swollen eye and bruises covering his body. A few days earlier, he’d been badly “kicked and stomped” on the street, treated at...

Before moving into Beacon House two months ago, Ryan and his girlfriend lived in a tent near railroad tracks behind the U-Haul building, sweltering through mosquito-filled summers...

To mark Overdose Awareness Day 2024, read Devin's Sunshine Story by guest contributor Theo Fountain. This powerful story is unique, featuring a person in recovery from drug use...

By: James Sherman When I first came to Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP), I had abscesses on both of my wrists. I was hesitant to go to the hospital because of a previous...

When, for the first time, Crystal and her husband have a small apartment of their own, they’re having a big party and everyone from Prevention Point Philadelphia is invited: Dee...

Eric never thought he’d make it to 30. He began using heroin when he was 19, overdosing twice. “There was no way I was going to make it through my 20s,” says Eric, now 33. He...

Michael used to sleep on the streets, a knife tucked in the side of his wheelchair in case of attack, living in what he calls “Kill or Be Killed” mode. Now he has his own apartment...

Last year, we featured former PPP participant Kali Lamb in a Sunshine Story. We were overjoyed to receive an update from her this month! Read about the wonderful life she’s...