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Ida Dotson, a Las Vegas ARC graduate, embraced sobriety and began living in recovery to empower others to believe in the possibility of change.
At 52 years old, Ida Dotson graduated from the Las Vegas Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC).
“I came to The Salvation Army ARC program so God could change my life,” Dotson said. “And today, I’m a different person.”
The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) are residential programs that provide spiritual, emotional and social assistance to individuals who are experiencing a variety of social, emotional and spiritual challenges, including issues relating to substance abuse.
“I threw myself into recovery like I threw myself into addiction,” Dotson said. “I had to commit and believe I was worth it.”
After achieving sobriety and completing the six-month program on Dec. 6, 2023, Dotson transitioned to The Salvation Army Las Vegas vocational training program. The live-in social services program equips individuals with skills to increase employability and facilitate self-sufficiency and independent living.
With the assistance of the vocational program, Dotson secured a job as a construction flagger, a position she had prior experience with.
“The Salvation Army has truly helped me along every step,” she said. “Not only have I gotten clean, but I’ve found my family, developed a relationship with God, and met people that will forever be in my heart.”
Due to her rocky past, she said never envisioned that change would be possible for her.
At 24, she said she had an addiction to heroin and methamphetamine that cost her upwards of $300 a day. Desperate, she said she resorted to stealing items and selling drugs to make ends meet.
“A life of chaos and bad habits is all I knew,” she said.
Dotson found herself in abusive relationships that fueled a life of substance dependency and poor choices.
Eventually, she was arrested after being caught on her way to sell drugs.
“I asked my judge for rehab versus the five to 15 years in prison because I wasn’t a bad person; I had just made some bad choices,” she said. “And now, these programs have changed my entire life.”
“I threw myself into recovery like I threw myself into addiction. I had to commit and believe I was worth it.”
Ida Dotson
Upon arriving at the ARC, Dotson admitted she wasn’t sure what to expect. However, she found motivation to get clean for herself and others in the program.
She said the new support system of encouragement and guidance cultivated a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
“I needed the structure of the program,” Dotson said. “Working alongside other women to achieve a common goal made a difference. We’re all sisters.”
She soon became an advocate for women in the program by sharing her story and listening to theirs, noting that many shared similar struggles and hailed from the same neighborhoods.
Despite challenges stemming from significant life changes and a drastic shift in her daily routine during the adaptation process, she said she remained confident the outcome would be worthwhile.
“I witnessed the program change my life very quickly—in my speech and the way I interacted with others,” Dotson said. “Once I saw this, I knew it was working and to stick with it.”
Plus, she found fulfillment in supporting the comfort of others, from offering a listening ear to encouraging program adherence, and occasionally taking on a maternal role with younger participants.
”People don’t learn by what you tell them—they learn by what you show them,” Dotson said. “I’ve led people down the wrong road all my life, and I was ready to start leading people down the right path.”
Major Cathi Boyd, Administrator for Program at the Las Vegas ARC, said she witnessed a level of growth and personal development in Dotson that inspired other women in the residence to do the same.
“Everybody in the house just loved her and saw her as a leader,” Boyd said. “She would stand up for the underdog, and people would just listen to her advice.”
Boyd highlighted the importance of women in the program receiving insights from individuals who have experienced similar challenges, as a sense of empathy can go a long way when reaching those going through difficult times.
Dotson participated in all aspects of the program and applied the knowledge she gained to support others. Boyd said seeing her develop a relationship with God sparked change from the inside out.
“I’ve found my home with The Salvation Army, and I want to give back by inspiring others to find hope. I come to The Salvation Army to share my mistakes and continue supporting everyone.”
Ida Dotson
Dotson said embracing the change needed for recovery happened through the combination of ARC program elements, including learning more about substance abuse and connecting with other women facing similar challenges.
“The program consists of multiple puzzle pieces,” Boyd said. “Everything fits together and if you take a piece out, the puzzle doesn’t work.”
Driven to help those facing situations she once experienced, Dotson committed her Saturdays to collaborating with Shine The Light, a Las Vegas program that aids people living on the streets, especially those seeking shelter in the city’s underground water drainage tunnels.
“She was always very excited and eager to share our services with those living in the tunnels,” Boyd said.
Dotson said she successfully encouraged a young man to accept help, a feat that had eluded others in the group over multiple attempts. It was an experience that showed her what she was capable of, she said.
“I think that showed me my calling,” Dotson said. “I want to help people believe in themselves again because all it takes is one person. For someone to tell you, I believe in you.”
Dotson joined the Daughter of the King program, a voluntary aspect of the ARC that involves a service-oriented Bible study to support other beneficiaries.
Eventually, Dotson assumed the role of co-chair in the program.
Boyd noted that having individuals who have succeeded in the program lead studies serves as a tangible example for other beneficiaries to illustrate the transformative impact of sobriety, dedication and resilience.
“She ran a good program, and people wanted to hear what she had to say,” Boyd said.
Although Dotson has graduated from the ARC, she still finds herself there multiple times a week. She attends chapel, women’s meetings and encourages those in the program to keep going.
“I’ve found my home with The Salvation Army, and I want to give back by inspiring others to find hope,” Dotson said. “I come to The Salvation Army to share my mistakes and continue supporting everyone.”
Dotson said she has seen this positive influence on others. Some have embraced sobriety, and a few have even pursued work as a flagger, like her.
She emphasized that while nothing is perfect, she feels happier and acknowledges the significant progress she has made.
“I just try to tell people you have to believe in something greater than yourself and you have to give it a chance,” Dotson said. “The road to recovery starts when you trust the process and surrender your will. Once you have hope and faith, the rest will follow.”
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