ACS Peer Support Helps Albuquerque Woman Reclaim Her Life from Addiction and Abuse
A chance encounter with a familiar face leads woman to path of stability.
After years of struggling with addiction, homelessness, and an abusive relationship, Gracie Madrid is celebrating sobriety and a renewed sense of purpose, crediting Albuquerque Community Safety’s (ACS) Opioid Education and Prevention team for helping her find a path forward. Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, Madrid moved to Albuquerque five years ago with hopes of rebuilding her life and returning to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Although she experienced periods of stability, she eventually relapsed into methamphetamine use and became trapped in an abusive relationship that ultimately left her homeless on Central Avenue.
Throughout her struggles, Madrid said her two adult children never gave up on her. Their unwavering support and belief in her became a source of motivation to keep fighting for a better future. While living on the streets, Madrid connected with ACS Peer Support Specialist Denise Thomas at an ACS Connect to Care event. The two had known each other since their school days, and Thomas immediately offered support and encouragement. Madrid recalls one rainy evening when Thomas went out of her way to make sure she had clean clothes and basic necessities, a gesture that helped further build trust and restore hope.
“I feel like ACS didn’t just intervene… they gave me a chance at success,” said Madrid, 51. “I don’t know if I would have come out of addiction anytime soon without Denise and ACS. I think I would have been dead from the drugs or my rough relationship.”
Thomas helped connect Madrid to a local treatment center, where she now serves as a house lead while continuing her recovery journey. “Gracie never lost her determination,” said Thomas, who continues to frequently meet with Gracie.
“Even during the hardest moments, she kept fighting for a better future. She did the work, accepted support, and continues to inspire others in recovery.” Today, Madrid is eight months sober and is working toward renewing her CNA certification, earning her GED, and becoming a Certified Peer Support Worker.
Photo 3: Gracie and Denise catching up about the day in 2025 when they reconnected. “Gracie’s story shows the power of compassion, connection, and community-based support,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “ACS teams meet people where they are and help them build a foundation for long-term success. We’re proud to celebrate Gracie’s remarkable recovery.”
ACS’s OEP team supports individuals and families affected by opioid use by providing overdose follow-up, education on prevention and treatment, and pathways to recovery. If you or someone you know can benefit from the services, please contact us [email protected].
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About Albuquerque Community Safety
Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.