Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Skuraton
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
What you may not know about me is that I am a recovering drug addict who, for many years, struggled to find direction or meaning in my life. A little over 12 years ago, I reached a point of complete surrender. I got down on my knees, begged God for help, and in that moment of desperation, my life began to change. Along the way, I discovered my passion: helping others who were lost like I once was, and advocating for those who have no voice—the animals.
In those early days of sobriety, I held onto a dream. I imagined that one day, maybe 10 to 20 years down the line, I might be able to run a small halfway house for women, with just six or seven beds. I wanted to provide accountability and support to those in need, the way I had once needed it. But everywhere I looked, I was met with reasons why it couldn’t happen. I had no experience in running a halfway house, no business background, no connections, no college degree, no money, and my credit was so damaged that I didn’t even know it could go that low. On top of that, I had been arrested on possession charges during the darkest days of my addiction. The odds were stacked against me, and by every measure, I should have been counted out.
But here’s the thing: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He doesn’t pick those who have the perfect résumé, a pristine background, or the resources to make things happen. He chooses those who are available and willing to serve. And I made myself available, reaching out to anyone in need, whether it was through a listening ear, a warm meal, or simply being present.
God, in His infinite wisdom, not only answered my prayers but multiplied the blessings in ways I could never have imagined. About 2½ years into my sobriety, I was given an unexpected opportunity: a chance to open a halfway house for addicts and alcoholics. From the start, I realized that pairing rescue dogs with clients could create a powerful, healing synergy. When someone enters a sober living home, they are often broken, ashamed, and convinced that they are unworthy of love. But what better way to show unconditional love than through the companionship of a dog?
In 2015, I founded Blue Waters Dog Rescue, and as our sober living homes expanded, so did the rescue operation. Toward the end of that year, an acquaintance reached out to me with an unexpected offer. They had access to two empty buildings and wanted to know if I could use them. Just like that, with no strings attached, we suddenly had 60 more beds to help people in recovery. The property, which became the heart of Blue Waters Recovery in Pompano Beach, FL, provided not only shelter for people but also a home base for our dog rescue. It was a clear sign that God was working through others to help fulfill our mission.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of pairing rescue dogs with those in recovery. Many clients have shared that if it weren’t for their foster dogs, they might not have been able to stay sober. These dogs, who themselves were once abandoned and broken, found new purpose by helping others heal. It’s a relationship that exemplifies the beauty of second chances—for both people and animals.
God has truly supersized my dreams. Today, we have grown to 172 beds in 8 sober living homes and are recognized as one of the leaders in our field. We house anywhere from 10 to 16 rescue dogs at any given time, along with pets brought by clients. But the need for our services far exceeded what we could handle alone. That’s why, in 2022, we transitioned to become a nonprofit organization, Blue Waters Recovery Foundation, to invite others to join us in serving those in need.
I am living proof that no dream is too big for God to fulfill. I went from being a homeless addict to running a foundation that changes lives every day. What started as a small vision has grown into a mission that has impacted thousands of lives. I am grateful beyond words for the journey, and I am committed to using my second chance to give others the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our journey has been anything but easy. In this line of work, we face the harsh reality that not everyone we help manages to break free from addiction. It’s heartbreaking to see people relapse, lose their battles, and leave behind grieving families, friends, and us. The pain of losing someone we’ve tried to help is indescribable. But what keeps us going is the “starfish story.” For us, it’s a reminder that even if we can’t save everyone, making a difference for even one person is worth it.
Financial challenges are another significant struggle. With the rising cost of living, providing our services at an affordable rate is becoming harder than ever. We’ve also seen an increase in homeless individuals needing assistance, many of whom have no means to pay. Yet, we try to take in those who are willing to change, regardless of their financial circumstances, because some of our most inspiring success stories have come from people who had nothing.
However, the current financial pressure is unsustainable, and we simply cannot continue helping at this scale without support. We became a nonprofit with the hope that others will be inspired to join us in our mission, allowing us to continue the vital work we do and keep making a difference—one starfish at a time.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild lives. Our focus is on creating a safe and supportive environment where people can take the first steps toward recovery. What sets us apart is our unwavering belief in the value of every person’s life, and the commitment to meeting people where they are—offering help not only to those who can afford it but also to those in the most desperate circumstances, regardless of financial resources. This inclusivity allows us to reach individuals who might otherwise have been left behind, helping them find hope and a new path forward.
Our personalized recovery programs go beyond achieving sobriety. We integrate emotional healing, life skills training, and community support to empower individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives. We are also proud of our innovative canine-assisted therapy program, which pairs our sober living residents with rescue dogs from Blue Waters Dog Rescue (BWDR). These unique bonds foster healing, purpose, and accountability, with many participants sharing that the program has profoundly impacted—or even saved—their lives. This hands-on, compassionate approach, coupled with our commitment to breaking down barriers, has earned us recognition as a place of transformation and second chances.
We want readers to know that our work isn’t just about addiction recovery—it’s about rebuilding lives and restoring families. By becoming a nonprofit, we are inviting others to join our mission. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or spreading the word, everyone has a role to play in changing lives. If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step toward recovery, we are here to help. Together, we can make a difference—one person, one story, one starfish at a time.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
he most important lesson I’ve learned is that no matter how broken or unqualified we may feel, we are capable of extraordinary things when we surrender to a higher purpose and make ourselves available to serve. My journey began as a recovering addict who had lost everything—direction, self-worth, and hope. I had no qualifications, no resources, and every reason to give up. But in my moment of complete surrender, I discovered that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
That lesson carried me through every obstacle, every setback, and every moment of doubt. When the odds were stacked against me, I leaned on faith, compassion, and perseverance. It taught me that transformation is possible, not just for ourselves but for others, if we’re willing to answer the call to serve. Whether through a warm meal, a listening ear, or pairing rescue dogs with individuals in recovery, I’ve seen how small, faithful acts can spark profound change.
This journey has also taught me to dream bigger than I ever imagined. What began as a simple vision for a small halfway house has grown into a thriving organization that impacts both people and animals. The most important lesson of all? Never count yourself—or anyone else—out. Redemption is possible, and second chances are worth fighting for.
Pricing:
- 180-250 per week depending on the bed and location with a 200 administrative fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bwrfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluewatersrecoveryfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soberlivingbytiffany1
- Other: https://www.bwrdogs.org
