David Pace
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – One Idaho Falls woman is paying it forward after her transformational journey from a broken life in the criminal justice system to a business owner helping others build up their lives.
Stephanie Taylor-Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone Wellness & Recovery – Idaho Falls’ newest counseling agency – shared her story at a “Recover Out Loud” event Saturday to inspire others.
“16 years ago, I walked out of an Idaho prison with a 17-year sentence hanging over my head and absolutely no idea what my future would hold,” she said.
On that bleak day, Taylor-Thompson could never imagine how many lives she would be helping less than two decades later.
“When I walked through those gates, I had no idea, no home to return to, almost nothing to my name, and no understanding of how I was supposed to rebuild a life that felt shattered beyond repair,” she said.
Taylor-Thompson says the burden of fear and guilt was suffocating.
“I carried the weight of my past everywhere I went – the consequences of my choices, the pain of what had been done to me, and the shame of what I had done to others,” Taylor-Thompson recalled. “I couldn’t imagine a future bigger than my criminal record.”
But with the help of mentors, a counselor, and two pardons from two Idaho governors, Stephanie rebuilt her life, determined to lift the lives of others.
16 years later, she is working towards a Ph.D. and opening a new business.
Cornerstone Wellness and Recovery, located at 522 Lomax Street, held its grand opening Friday.
To those fighting addictions and fears, Cornerstone offers a beacon of hope and a promising future.
“I believed my worst chapters had already been written, the ending of my story. But God had another story for my life,” she added.
Now she and Cornerstone owner Jeremy Manwaring share their personal struggles overcoming addiction to inspire, provide treatment, and extend hope to others.
“I’m a person in long-term recovery, and so I’ve walked the path,” Manwaring said. “It’s difficult at times.”
Their efforts are helping bring addiction out of darkness into the light of recovery in our community.
Idaho’s drug overdose rate increased 46 percent from 2012 to 2024, according to Idaho State Police.
Cornerstone is helping bridge the gap between individuals seeking help and a better life.
At a ribbon cutting Friday, Taylor-Thompson thanked those who believed in her and gave her another chance that she’s now passing on to others.
“I share my lived experience with them, and say, ‘Hey, you know what? I have walked the same path that you’ve been on,’” she told Local News 8.
Cornerstone offers individual and group therapy, youth and family services, substance use treatment, housing, peer support, case management, recovery coaching, and more.
“What we’re trying to offer is just a handout and help up at some of the darkest times that people pass through when they’re in active use and active addiction,” Manwaring said.
At ‘Recover Out Loud’ on Saturday, Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw encouraged people to be real about their struggles, saying people should not be defined by their worst moments.
“We think we know somebody. We think we know something about somebody. But it is out of context,” Burtenshaw said. “When you put their whole context together, that’s what’s priceless. Where have they been? Where are they right now? Where will they be? That’s what makes somebody priceless, is because they have an entire story.”
The message is that with faith, support, hard work, and perseverance, addiction and despair can be overcome.
“Anything is possible. Recovery is possible,” Taylor-Thompson said. “Your past does not define who you are.”
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Paul Miller leans next to freshly grown produce as he restocks the Backer Country Market.
