RIFTON, N.Y. — Tucked away on a quiet road in Rifton, Serenity Scene offers 13 women who are suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues a safe harbor.
Susan Brisbois, 65, owns and runs Serenity Scene. She’s a recovering cocaine, alcohol and heroin addict who’s been “clean and sober” for the past 34 years, Brisbois said during a recent interview in the home’s dining room.
Brisbois, who grew up next door to the 15 Rifton Terrace facility, bought the house 10 years ago.
“By the time I was a teenager, I started using drugs and alcohol,” she said. After her mother threw her out, Brisbois spent her time living and using drugs in the house next door that she would later buy.
“So it’s been really full circle because then I got clean and sober. … And 10 years ago, when I had 24 yea