Kelly Zitzloff shares inspiring testimony

Kelly Zitzloff, a Buffalo resident, has shared her personal testimony in the hopes to inspire others. Since sharing her story of sobriety over the years, local law enforcement has shown her support. “They really took an interest in my story,” she said. Zitloff will be four years sober on March 14.

Sheriff Sean Deringer was in attendance at her testimony on the morning of Feb. 6 at the Land of Promise church. “Sean showed such compassion and respect for us addicted and in recovery,” Zitzloff stated.

She has also found support from her family and children. She saw her daughter for the third time since she had her in 2005. Her daughter was since adopted. “It was an honor seeing my daughter with her adoptive mother,” Zitzloff shared. She is confident she is now on the right path and has felt “blessed” by her journey.

Zitzloff currently works with MN Teen Challenge as a Direct Care Staff in Minneapolis. Her goal is to work at Teen Challenge in Buffalo, once she is five years sober.

She has found creative ways to give back to the community. She has been making purple and white paracord bracelets and “Buffalo Buddies” over the past year in the wake of the Allina Clinic shooting on Feb. 9, 2021.

What began as a creative outlet during recovery, Zitzloff continues to make and share her beautifully handmade bracelets and keychains. With her bracelets and “Buffalo Buddies” being on display at businesses like Perkins, the community has been able to purchase her creations with proceeds benefiting the community.

Zitzloff has also brought her handmade paracord bracelets to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Buffalo Police Department, and other businesses in the area. Her purple and white bracelets and “Buffalo Buddies” not only represent Buffalo Pride, but also community support.