In this episode of Beyond the Storm with Salena, I sit down with Steffy Bailey, a mother who refuses to sugarcoat what it means to walk beside a child in active addiction. Through her bold social media presence, Steffy has built not just a loyal following but a true community of people who are drawn to her fearless honesty.

Her raw, unfiltered storytelling creates a space where other parents and loved ones feel seen, understood, and less alone. Her story is one of grit, honesty, and love that knows no boundaries. She speaks openly about the times when the only way to love her son was from across the street, reminding us that distance does not mean abandonment. It is still standing with them. It is still refusing to give up.

Steffy is shifting the narrative. She is changing the minds of those who once believed tough love was the only answer. Her fierce loyalty and refusal to give up are breaking down stigma, sparking connection, and opening conversations about what true support in addiction really looks like.

Jolene Carter’s story is one of love, resilience, and heartbreaking loss. She is a mother who walked beside her only child through the devastating storm of addiction. What began as the promise of an All-American boy with a bright future slowly unraveled into a journey marked by tragedy, public scrutiny, and unimaginable challenges. Through it all, Jolene never let go of her role as a mother. She stood firm in the face of judgment, clung to hope in the hardest of moments, and refused to abandon her son no matter how dark the road became.

Today, Jolene shares her journey with raw honesty and a voice that carries both the pain of loss and the courage of survival. Her story is not just about addiction. It is about a mother’s unbreakable bond, the reality of stigma, and the devastating toll of overdose. This is the kind of story that stays with you long after you hear it.

Jill’s life has been a journey from chaos to compassion. Raised in a deeply dysfunctional home, she became a caretaker at just seven years old. Her childhood was marked by addiction, emotional abuse, and secrecy. Despite it all, Jill protected her younger brother and held her family together the best she could, while quietly enduring the weight of survival.

Today, Jill manages Journey House, a recovery home that reflects everything her own childhood lacked. Her leadership is fueled by lived experience, deep empathy, and a fierce commitment to truth. Jill’s story is raw, redemptive, and rooted in resilience. She shares it not to revisit the pain, but to help others find healing in their own. And this is just the beginning.

Jill will return in a future episode to share the next chapter: her son’s story, and what it means to witness the generational struggle of addiction as a mother on the front lines.