Aaron’s Story
My first week in recovery at Hope for Freedom felt like the longest.
But as weeks turned into months, it started to flow for me. I was able to connect with the 12-steps, build relationships with my peers and begin to shed the decade-long drinking habit that controlled my whole adult life.
At first I thought three months was SO LONG. But by the end of three months I realized I’d have to stay much longer if I really wanted to maintain my sobriety.
That’s a cool thing about Hope for Freedom that makes it different from other recovery programs. You can stay as long as you need. There is no countdown clock. No 60 or 90 day limit.
At HFFS they know that true, lasting life-transformation takes time.
And no one knows that better than me.
I’ve relapsed. I’ve lied about relapsing. And then done it all over again.
But this last time, I’ve really made it stick. On Friday, it will be three years since my last drink.
There was a time when I thought I would drink myself to death before I was 30. I have diabetes and my pancreas was all worn out.
But here I am, 32 years old and counting. Alive and kicking. Learning, serving and working as an Outreach Worker at Hope for Freedom.
What I’ve learned in these years of sobriety is that I have more to offer than I thought. I once thought all I’d ever be good at was bartending. But I’ve found my way into a new career that’s exciting, rewarding and making a difference.
As an Outreach Worker at Hope for Freedom my job is to connect with people struggling on the streets in the Tri-Cities. I offer water, food, first aid, blankets, dry clothing and so much more. I get to know names and faces. I drive people to the hospital, to recovery and back to their families. I find housing for the underhoused and health care for the hurting.
As the cold weather sets in, this job gets harder. The needs get more acute. And the streets get more dangerous.
As someone who also cares about people facing a hard time, will you help us with a donation this winter?
Your gift provides food, clothing, and a safe place to stay for those ready to come inside and make a new life for themselves.
