“Working with Mrs. Hayes was always a pleasure. Her flexibility to schedules, her dedication and commitment to out patients and providing a clean, safe home for recovering alcoholics and addicts is highly commendable and appreciated. Mrs. Hayes is an excellent mentor, listener and advisor.”

“Compassion, a firm resolve during difficult times, and an ability to listen, are all key elements of a successful recovery house manager. Kay exemplifies these characteristics and more.”

“During the Intake process at St. Vincent dePaul Daytona, clients will present various issues that require referral. Kay Hayes has been a great asset to those women requiring a supportive living environment for recovery and re-assessment necessary to take a new direction, and we are grateful to have such a compassionate and helpful resource.”

“Kay is an indefatigable champion for a wonderful cause, a generous person, and a kind soul. Despite the obstacles that she has faced, she has never given up. This characteristic serves her well and serves the rest of us as a source of inspiration for all that we do.”

“When I came to Avenues 12 I didn’t have any illusions in regard to the extent of my addiction. My fear was that I would never be able to escape the bonds of active addiction and establish normalcy. I began abusing substances at age 5. When my husband of 20 years passed of an overdose my downward spiral progressed at an alarming rate. I ended up on the streets and in and out of institutional settings, including prison. I was simply stumbling along until my treatment center recommended I come to Avenues 12, due to their structured environment and high success rate. Since my arrival I have been on a beautiful journey of self-discovery. Kay has taught me to believe in myself, how to repair the shattered pieces of my life, and given me an opportunity to grow. Because of Kay and Avenues 12 I have found the strength within that was always there and have hope for a better future.”

“Avenues 12 and Kay have taught me a great deal of life lessons in a safe environment, that I am able to apply to all aspects of my life. Upon arrival I was given a tremendous opportunity to grow as an independent woman and enlightened me to what I can become. Kay and her staff have become a mother figure for me and shown me tough, yet gentle love along my journey. They have provided me with amazing opportunities that I am so grateful for today. Thanks to Avenues 12, I have begun to build a solid foundation to rebuild my life.”

“When I moved into Avenues 12 Recovery House for Women and I was terrified. Avenues 12 is a very structured and supportive living environment. In my first month I had obtained a job, sponsor, home group, and began my process of working the steps of Narcotics Anonymous. I also began rebuilding my relationships with my family and most importantly my relationship with my son.I lived at Avenues 12 for eighteen months, but instead of just living there as a member I began to work there as a residential manager. Once again the gratitude I feel for what Avenues 12 has taught cannot be put into words. This program helped me transition back into the “real world”. I also now have the opportunity to give back what was so freely given to me with the women I work with on a daily basis. I am beginning college this fall and my life is moving forward.”