Jobs for life: Michael's story

​For a long time, I was a functioning addict. I couldn’t wait to get off work every day so I could drink, and I even got to the point where I would stop on my way home to grab a bottle. The day I got a DUI, I lost everything: my job, car, and house. After that, I bounced around and stayed with friends who were mostly addicts too. I felt God calling for months telling me to get my head right.

A family friend who worked at the Police Department said he would take me to Hope House, but I didn’t think I needed that kind of help. About five months later, I was hopeless and had nowhere else to go. I moved into the Sober Living house, and the people at Hope House helped me get transportation and complete my DUI classes. Day by day I became a little bit more like myself again.

I started Jobs for Life but thought I wouldn’t learn much, coming from a professional background. I almost cried in the first two minutes learning about Jeremiah 29:11. I learned how to turn to God when I’m hopeless; he’s always there. I moved into my own apartment on November 11. Almost one year later, I signed my lease for the second time, and I’m still working at the same job. I have furniture now and my own car. It’s funny what you take for granted. I used to have everything, making 60-70 grand a year, but it went to nothing real quick.

I want to keep moving in the direction God has for me. I look forward to the blessings he has for me and also how I can bless other people. Some of my coworkers use, and I know that they feel hopeless like I did. I want to show them that they’re loved. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity I had at Hope House. Every day wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was life changing.

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