Program Living: Jacob's Story

​"I’ve been in and out of jail since I was 16, usually after a break up. I’ve always tried to please others and be accepted, but when I lost everything I had worked for, I turned to drugs and struggled with depression. A lot of my family have been in and out of jail too, so that’s what I grew up with.

I dated the mother of my child for eight years, but after my son was born, she left and I went back to drugs. The last time I was in jail, my social worker suggested Hope House because she didn’t think drugs were my real problem, I needed to find my purpose in life. I’ve been in the program 3 months and 4 days.

I’ve learned that I can’t do this on my own, and I can’t try to find myself in other people anymore. They won’t always be there, but God will. I grew up in church and was baptized, but I was always half and half. I was the type of person who only believed in death. Looking outside, who created all of this, there’s got to be a higher power than myself.

I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my family, and maybe not only changing myself but helping them change too. Before, my son was used against me and I didn’t see him much, but now, I get to see him almost every week. I want to build a relationship with him and make sure he doesn’t make the same mistakes as me."

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