Testimonials

W.A.D.E. Freedom House Inc.

July 19, 2011

My name is Wanda, a firm believer in Jesus Christ, who has struggled with addiction for many years. I started off with prescription drugs, which lead to harder drugs.

For many years I denied that I had a problem. I felt like I could maintain my lifestyle. Later I realized that I hit rock bottom more than once. I lived to use and used to live.

Me, my husband and son all went to prison for selling drugs. I stayed in prison for 10 months. I found God while I was in prison. After being out of prison for 2 and a half months, I quit going to church, NA meetings, I never got a sponsor. I started hanging out at old playgrounds and with old playmates, I relapsed. I thought I could maintain until my husband got out of prison. All I did was bring him down with me. God didn’t leave me I left him.

After going back to jail, a year later. I thought about just doing my time but I realized it didn’t help me the first time. I needed something different. Thanks to God, WADE Freedom House and Mrs. Debbie I’m on the road to recovery. I have God back in my life again. I know that all things are possible if I keep him first.

I have come to love myself and to believe in myself again. Thanks again Mrs. Debbie for showing me that there is a better life out there where I can be a productive member of society again.

I thought at one time that I had this, but I realize today that it will be a life long process, I didn’t become a drug addict overnight. I plan to take the tools that I have learned and apply them in everyday life.

Wanda

July 19, 2011

July 18, 2011

It’s not important that you know my name right now, just that I’m an addict and I’ve struggled with it for years. I can’t say that I wasn’t happy as a child because I was. When I was 12 I met the guy that would soon become my husband. We were together for 13 years and have 4 kids together. At 12 I started experimenting with drugs. By the time I was 16, I was an addict, I just didn’t want to think I was. At first my use was so that others would like me, or I would get depressed and try to numb the pain. All just excuses to use. I used meth for years and finally stopped when I saw my whole family go to prison for it. But I was still an addict. I started using prescription narcotics, trading one drug for another; I would have to use to get out of bed every day, that’s when I knew I was an addict. This continued until I was 25 and I lost custody of my kids and my marriage was over. For the next two years, I would get clean for short periods of time but always relapse. I just couldn’t seem to do it on my own. In November 2010, I was clean. I got depressed and tried to overdose. That’s when I surrendered, I knew I needed help.

I came to WADE Freedom House in January 2011. Since admitting I am an addict and letting God back into my life, its like I found a whole new person that was hiding inside me for years. When I got clean on my own, I never worked on me. Being here I found out I had a lot to work on my self-esteem, co-dependency, my attitude and honesty. Now, that I am working on these things, its teaching me a whole new way of life.

Today, I have hope for a better future, for a better me. I know that I can’t ever say ‘I’ve got this” because I never will. My recovery is something I will work on the fe rest of my life. I have found humility, gratitude, patience and some sort of peace in my life. Without God and this program, I probably wouldn’t be alive today. I am so grateful for Miss Debbie, she has helped me through some hard times and taught me that you can have a better life as long as you are willing to work for it, mentally and physically. Thank you Miss Debbie. Also Wayne, Dale and all of the girls thank you all. You all had a part in helping me whether you know it or not.

When you are sick and tired, just look up and God will find a way for you. All you have to do is reach out and take His hand and follow Him. Today, I find it easier to say “Hello, My name is Lacole and I am a recovering addict.

July 18, 2011

March 28, 2011

My name is Melanie Tice. I was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama. I am one of three girls and the middle child. I have been addicted to some kind of drug for 11 years. I have been through three other rehabs. I just didn’t want to quit or do what they wanted me to do after I left. But I have learned something from each rehab I have been to. At the last rehab, I found God which was the best thing that ever happened to me. I just lost sight of Him for a little while and fell back into my old ways, which is easy when God is not your focus any more. But after coming to WFH, I found him again. Not only have I learned how to be responsible and what recovery is but about the true meaning of hard work.

Thank you Dale and Wayne. Also, thank you Mrs. Debbie. You have helped me in ways you will never know. I feel like myself again. You have taught me that recovery is not just about not using drugs it is much more. You have to change yourself within and always keep God first.

March 28, 2011

January 24, 2011
My name is Stacey Nicole Scott and I am an addict. I am the oldest of me and my brother. I was brought up in a church going home. I had a pretty normal childhood with great parents. I have three children, two which have always been a part of my life. Throughout my life, I have experienced a lot of abuse from my ex-husband. This led me down a long road of drug abuse. I felt alone, I was co-dependent, I had a lot of anger and resentments built up inside. Since coming to W.A.D.E. Freedom House, I was able to learn how to deal with my emotions, how to communicate with others and address issues the way they are to be handled. I actually learned what resentments were and what to do with the feelings I do feel. I know I have come a long way and I have a long way to go. Recovery is a lifelong commitment, but what I have learned here is I don’t have to get high behind everything that doesn’t go my way and I don’t have to get high behind every pain I feel. I have learned more here in the last eighteen months than I have learned my whole life. Thank you W.A.D.E. Freedom House for my new beginning.
UPDATE: Today Stacey has been here 2 years. She has a good job and is working hard to rebuild her life. Congrats!!! Thank you for all you do here!!!

January 17, 2011 My name is Robin Diane Robinson. I was born at People’s Hospital. I have two younger brothers which they lived with their dad. My dad and mom was alcoholics. My mom got killed when I was sixteen years old. My dad now is on an oxygen machine living with half a lung. My grandmother raised me. I started using drugs at sixteen years old which was cocaine. I had my first child at seventeen years old and continued school and graduated from Dora High. I then got pregnant with my second child and continued using cocaine. I went to college got my C.N.A. I then got pregnant with a girl had her and went to a rehab called Alethia House. I graduated from there and did really good. Then I started back hanging around the same people. I continued to get high and started prostituting. DHR took all three of my children and closed the case. They lived with my aunt. I went to jail and nineteen charges of prostitution and I got sick and tired of the lifestyle and my friend Jamie called the W.A.D.E. Freedom House. I have actually found myself again. I have learned how to live a sober life. I have learned humility, gratitude, responsibility, and how to embrace myself. I found my God again, as I understand him. I am free working a program at peace and making a solid foundation for my future. Thank you Debbie and Wayne for opening the doors for anyone wanting sobriety and a new life.

January 3, 2011

My name is Keeley M. Alford. I am a 34 year old recovering drug addict. I was born in Tuscaloosa, Al on September 2, 1976. My mother teaches high school and my father is a manager for a local lumber company. I had a normal childhood and teenage years. I graduated high school in 1994 and enrolled in college.

In 1995 my parents divorced and I got my first taste of real life. I started abusing drugs after I had my first child at the age of 24. I became a drug addict because I was selfish. I had just divorced and thought drugs made me a better person. I began stealing pills. I have been arrested twice. I manipulated people. I stole things. I pawned things. I disappointed everyone, myself included.

I remarried and had two more children all the while in active addiction. I have been admitted to psychiatric facility, a detox facility and a rehab. In 2008, while at detox facility, I heard about a program in Jacksonville called WADE Freedom House, but I refused to go away for six months because I didn’t think I needed help.

I tried Suboxone, which I thought worked very well. Except for the fact that I was still addicted to that and never addressed my underlying issues, I just traded one for another.

It wasn’t until I came to WADE Freedom House that I discovered I can live a sober life. I have learned humility and the ability to have peace within myself. I have learned to express my feelings instead of keeping them buried inside. I have learned that there are people who care and will do everything they can to help you. I have learned true friendship. I have laughed. I have loved. I have learned the value of hard work. And most of all I have learned that I can only keep what I have by giving it away. Mrs. Debbie is an amazing woman who has completely changed her life, and in doing so she has changed others lives. Because of mrs. Debbie I want to be the 10% that never uses again. Being at WFH has given me hope that I thought I had completely lost.

Keeley Alford 1/03/11

November 6, 2010
My name is Christi Lynn Davis. I was born on September 24, 1972 at Mizell Memorial Hospital in Opp, Alabama. At the age of 4 my brother was born. My mom and dad both worked at the cotton mill on third shift, so were stayed a lot at Granny and Pa’s house. Our cousins also stayed with us at Granny’s. There were five of us, three boys and two girls. We grew up like brothers and sisters, always very close. I had a wonderful childhood; everything seemed perfect up until the age of 11 or 12 when Momma and Daddy divorced. After that it just all seemed to fall apart. I was introduced to speed, marijuana, and alcohol by my dad’s second wife. By the age of 14 I was drinking a pint a day. At the time of my high school graduation, I was a full blown alcoholic. In 1990 my drug use increased greatly after moving out on my own at the age of 18. I spiraled into a world of addiction that I had never known before. Running from my problems and stuffing my feelings deep down inside became second nature to me. My hurts habits and hang ups continued to completely control my life.

I was married now and had one son who was born on January 3, 1997, but things were not well,. We separated and I dove deeper into my addictions. My mother-in-law got temporary custody of my son Christmas week of 1999 and I completely lost it. In January of 2000, I began injecting meth intravenously. An overdose landed me in the emergency room and jail came shortly after, in May. July 5, 2000 I got out of jail. My husband and I got back together. I became pregnant with my second son and gave birth to him on April 6, 2001. I was in recovery from May of 2000 until July of 2004. I was involved with my church and attended meetings regularly. My husband continued to use during this time.

In April 2004, I left him. In July 2004, I relapsed. It’s been a nightmare ever since. I have had up to a year clean since then and several months here and there. I gave birth to my third son on February 19, 2007 and wanted nothing more than to be a good mother for my children, but I always seemed to fall again. I realize now that I was not working my program, but most importantly I didn’t have God in my life. I was so ashamed of the things I had done and the hurt I had caused my family. I became a bitter person and truly hated myself.

Since my relapse in 2004, I have overdosed numerous times. My last hospital admission was in March 2010. I spent over a week in ICU. I had lost my will to live. I felt I had gone too far and that God just couldn’t forgive me this time. I know better now. While allowing God to cleanse my heart and my mind. I am learning to love myself again. The WADE Freedom House has been exactly what I needed – structure, hard work, discipline, responsibility, meetings and a routine that I so desperately needed to get my life back on track. Today I can honestly say that I like who I am and what I am becoming. My future has no limits, with God guiding my steps, I am not afraid. I will beat this thing one day at a time!

Christi Davis 11/06/2010

October 25, 2010
My name is Bridgett Holcomb. I came to the WFH broken and lost. I have been clean and sober for almost 10 months now. Before I came to the WADE House I had lost everything. I had no hope for life. I had been a hard drug user for almost 14 years. I had always thought I would die a junkie. I had wanted to change for a very long time but was too scared to take that first step to better myself. Finally came the day that I was tired of hurting myself and of life all together. So, I called and finally took that step. Since then I have only made steps forward and not backwards. I am so blessed to have the life I have today. I have been at the house since January 6, 2010. I have been saved, freed and forgiven. I have accepted Jesus Christ as my savior. I also have accepted my past and that I am a drug addict. I will always be in recovery if I want to stay clean.

I have a full time job. I attend GED classes. I have learned to live life one day at a time. And to be willing to do whatever it takes in order for me to stay clean. I know that I am a very sick person, but today my life is worth fighting for. It took this program for me to find myself. I have a light in my life today that I have honestly thought I would never have. I am so blessed to be alive, well, happy and free today. I thank God for the WADE Freedom House. I can never express what this place has done for me.

Bridgett Holcomb

10-25-10

My name is Andi Mangina and I have been a full blown drug addict for about six years. I am now twenty three years old, clean and sober for about a year and three months. I came to the Wade House in September 2009 because I was court-ordered for a year and I didn’t really want to be there, but I stuck it out. I am happier now than I could have ever imagined. I have to most wonderful church, support group and family ever. Most of all, I now have an extremely special and growing relationship with my Lord and Savior. I am so grateful to Debbie and Wayne for teaching me that I am a strong woman and that with God, hard work, open-mindedness, willingness and most of all honesty, anything is possible. Now I am ready to start my new sober life. September 27, 2010

My name is Julie Beam before I came to WADE Freedom House I didn’t know how to manage my life. Drugs had me hooked and so far out there that I was sleeping in a house with no power and water and I was even sleeping in the street, jumping in and out of cars for money to support my habit. Once I got here I learned that I didn’t have to live like that no longer all I had to do was take that first step and turn my life all the way around. And today I can proudly say I can manage my life without the use of drugs. I learned how to take on responsibilities, I’ve learned humility and also that my life is worth something. The program at WFH saved my life and I am very grateful. I also learned not to take things or people for granted. Today, I can proudly say that I love me and I am grateful to be where I am today. July 9, 2010

My name is Janie Elizabeth Lavett. I was born on June 15^th, 1986 at UAB Hospital… on Father’s Day, the youngest child by many years and the only girl. I have two wonderful parents, but they divorced when I was a baby due to irreconcilable differences. My mom was a highly functioning alcoholic, an ICU charge nurse at UAB. She gradually went downhill and after getting a DUI, my dad got custody of me. They both lived in Hoover so it was not a bad move, but actually a happy and relieving one. My dad, a normal and successful parent, provided me with all the love, compassion, stability, guidance and support that I could have ever asked for. He was and still is my biggest advocate and greatest friend. I was a well above-average student and good kid. The summer before my freshmen year of college, I began drinking, doing drugs and blowing through large sums of money. I moved to Charleston, South Carolina to attend college, same old behaviors, and came back home, still the same. I got a DUI but pled Youthful Offender and paid my fines and carried on about my business as if it never happened. I continued living with my façade, which kept everyone in the dark of how sick I truly was. I “maintained” enough to look normal on the surface until I began injecting heroin two years ago. I was also in a very sick relationship for many years, which we used together, and would not end it. I fell in love with heroin more though. I became a slave to my master, it consumed me and in that I lost Janie. I tried to detox many times, never could kick. I tried Suboxone and did not do Heroin for a little over a year, but even then I was still in active addiction just entirely ignorant to it. Nothing in my life really changed on Suboxone, just my circumstances. Shortly after relapsing, I got my first and only serious criminal charge. It scared me but not enough to truly change me. I tried other rehabs and I just wouldn’t do it- either denial or ego usually got me… even after spending 67 days in jail I could not see the reality and severity of it all. I had overdosed four times and actually died the last time, waking up in ICU the next day on oxygen. After coming to W.A.D.E. Freedom House, I I have learned humility, gratitude, responsibility and how to embrace adulthood. I have found my God again, as I understand Him, and developed a spiritual, eternal bond. I see His evidence at work in my life as well as the lives of others around me. I am inspired and intrigued again. I am free, working a program, at peace, and rebuilding yet truly making a solid foundation for my future. I have faith in myself and healing in my relationships with my family and true friends. I have a life back- not the old one, but a new more promising, brighter and rewarding one. Thank you Debbie and Wayne infinitely for your loving hearts and for graciously opening your doors for anyone wanting sobriety and a new life- I could never find the words to express my gratitude for it is far too great. I love you both so dearly.

~Janie Lavett August 16, 2010

My name is Mandy Taylor. I am a twenty-eight year old recovering drug addict and a firm believer in Jesus Christ. Before coming to Wade, I didn’t know how to deal with life on life’s terms. I have struggled with addiction for the past fourteen years. My father passed away on April 18, 2007, and from there my addiction progressed rapidly. Six months later, I was arrested and knew I had to do something about my life. Captain Moss suggested a six month program of recovery at WADE Freedom House in Jacksonville, Alabama. I didn’t know what to expect when coming into WADE but I had a strong desire to learn how to stay clean and develop a daily routine without using drugs. Since I have been here, I have developed a strong relationship with God. My journey through the twelve steps has brought about many spiritual experiences. I have learned a lot through these experiences, but most of all I have been humbled. Today I am aware that I have to be responsible for myself and for my recovery. Mandy Taylor

A testimony straight from the heart...
This is what was said to a judge by one of the girls before being sentenced for 150 months...
Your Honor,
Many of us choose to live in darkness with our eyes closed, our ears stuffed, our fist tightly closed grasping, in my case, a crack pipe. We abused our physical bodies, and used others selfishly as objects. We looked to people, places and things for our self worth, meaning and purpose. Not realizing that they are people not God. If we are willing to open our eyes, unplug our ears, and open our hands to both receiving and giving. We then will receive everything we need to awaken. Guilt and punishment is much like alcohol and other drugs, they give us the illusion that we have done something about the problem; however we may have a temporary fix at best. When in truth nothing has changed at the root of our problems, our personal "reality" we repeat the same problems until there is real healing. I am not asking that you accept what I did, I am asking that you help with my problems by giving me a chance to correct myself, and my mistakes.
As you all know I have been to prison twice and still came out a bitter, self-absorbed person. I bonded out February 8, 2010. I went to WADE Freedom House for two months and three weeks and my whole attitude and demeaner changed. I didn't however get to complete the program due to court. This world doesn't owe me anything, , I owe myself the chance to change. I truley and sincerely apologize for my actions and my behavior.
I do know today that's not who I am or ever want to be again.
I am asking Your Honor for one chance to change my life. I am the one in a million.
Thank you Your Honor for your time and I do apologize for my actions and ask for forgiveness.
After reading this statement she was sentenced to 150 months. Our prayers are with her on her journey... February 22, 2010 Stephanie Cox

Before coming to the W.A.D.E. Freedom House I felt as if my life was out of control. Since being here, I have learned that I was not only hurting myself but everyone around me as well. I have learned to let go of all the bad things I had done in the past because I can not change them. I also have a relationship with God now. I have learned to live life sober for a change which is something I have not done in twelve years. I have always had low self-esteem but today I love myself for who I am. On February 25, 2010 I will be clean and sober ten months. If it wasn’t for God, the W.A.D.E. Freedom House, and Mrs. Debbie I am not certain I would have made it. Thank you W.A.D.E. Freedom House.

Dena Renee Jarrell age 30

Graduated January 18, 2010

Before coming to the Wade House I thought my life had no purpose and I felt like what I was doing was not affecting anyone but me. Since being at the Wade House I learned how much I hurt my friends and family and most importantly myself. Being at WFH has taught me how repair past relationships that my addiction tore apart. I have learned how to feel again and also how to express my feelings. I have learned to have a closer relationship with God. I now understand the boundaries you have to have in everyday life in order to stay clean and keep working a program. I am very grateful for people who give back because if Ms. Debbie was not available to give what she learned I may not be here today and be seven months clean and sober. I am looking forward to doing the same for someone else someday

My name is Lorie Ingram. I am 30 years old and grew up in Gadsden, Al. I have struggled with addiction on and off for 10 years of my life. I grew up in a close-knit family and was and was blessed with loving and supportive parents. Looking at my childhood and adolescent years, I often wonder to myself “what happened.” I started with my addiction with alcohol and weed when I was around 15 years old and stopped when I was almost 17 because I had found out I was pregnant. I do realize my “out of control” lifestyle started to take affect when I was 21. I use to blame to my 1^st husband for my addiction but later realized it was my choice. My life continued to spiral out of control until I was sentenced to prison on Dec. 12^th, 2007. I thought my life was over. I was released from prison on October 30, 2008 and was sent to a rehab in Gadsden, this was a huge mistake for me because I was very vulnerable to my negative behavior and old ways.

I came to the W.A.D.E. Freedom House on March 20, 2009 after being out of prison for 4 months. I know with all my heart that coming to this house was completely in God’s will. I cane to this house a broken person and still so full of self hatred and resentments. I was completely codependent of my family all my life and never knew how to take care of myself. When I came here I made a commitment to myself, this program, and to God. I knew this was my last chance. I had no idea that my life would change forever. I decide I would give this program a fair try. I decided I would stay open minded and willing as I worked thru my steps. Until I started working my 4^th step, I had no clue how much bondage I kept myself in by denying the truth of my past,hurts,and resentments of my life. I came to understand that by admitting the truth of my past made it a lot easier to accept all the hurts from the past. I started to learn how to manage money and be a responsible adult. This program and house has showed me that hard work does pay off. I wouldn’t give anything for this house. Today I can look at myself today and for the first time I have respect myself for others. I accept myself for who I am and I accept the fact I am an addict. I still say and believe Mrs. Debbie is my guardian angel. She gave me the chance when I thought life was hopeless. I’ve learned the hard way that honesty is always best even when it hurts. I learned that anything worth having is worth the fight and hard work. I still have codependency issues and other issues I have to work. I use to think that when the “Spiritual Awakening” happens you are automatically “cured”. Today I believe that my spiritual awakening does not mean I’m cured, for I will never be cured. There is a whole life out there for me full of happiness. My will cannot be my will, it has to be God’s. My 6 month in this program has not been easy, there have been days I’ve really struggled; but I have learned that no one but myself and my choices make days hard. I have to surrender to my Higher Power and I also have to admit every day that I am an addict and I am completely powerless. I’ve come to understand that doing those things everyday makes it easier for me to live each day. I do not know where I would be if it weren’t for Ms. Debbie and this house. I still have a lot of issues to work on, I know I will never be perfect. I know I’m not where I want to be in my recovery, but thank God I’m not where I used to be. I feel like my life is just beginning and I have the W.A.D.E. Freedom House to thank for that. #70

Wanda Riddle August 24, 2009

My name is Wanda Riddle. I was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama. My mother is Alice Riddle and my father is L.C. Riddle. I attended grade school at Turkey town. I attended high school at Gadsden High. I was employed at Tyson Food for two years then I started work at Wayne’s Poultry Farm. I have done some private sitting with the elderly. My life started going down hill around my late 20’s or early 30’s. I started with pot and alcohol. I continued to progress drinking more heavily as years went by. I thought it would be cool to try crack cocaine. Well, little did I know, this was one of the worst mistakes of my life and that it would cause me to lose everything. I have worked my whole life to come back, and on top of it all, I would disappoint God, myself, and my family. I did not realize what I was doing would get me in jail and away from everyone and everything I cared for or loved. I thought I was living the good life but come to find out, my good life caught me a felony at the age of 45. I was living in my own hell and strived to make myself what I thought was happy and now realize that I was in pure misery. I was in Etowah County jail for six months. During this time, I attended SAP. I have since been ordered to complete rehab at the WADE Freedom House. I graduate from WADE Freedom House Monday, August 24, 2009. This is when life will begin to start over as I work my steps daily in the real world.

Erika Blocker August 17, 2009

My name is Erika Nicole Blocker. I am 24 years old. I went to jail on April 9, 2008 for manufacturing and distribution Meth. They sentenced me to 10 years split 18 months upon completion of Sapp. I was to be on community corrections for the rest of my 18 months. When I was about to graduate Sapp, I said that I need to come to the WADE Freedom House. Between Sapp and here it has helped me a lot. I’ve learned how to deal with life without drugs, how not to shift blame, and coming to the WADE Freedom House I have learned to be more responsible, how to live life on life’s terms, and how to pay my bills first and how to be honest with myself and everyone else and how to accept the things I can’t change, how to be a better person, how to do things on my own, and not ask for help because it does make me feel better about myself and how to work and keep myself up.

April Gilliland June 22, 2009

My name is April Gilliland. I came to WFH on 12/19/08. I had just graduated the Etowah County SAPP which was my first introduction to the 12 step program. I thought that since I had already worked all 12 steps that I would complete this program with ease. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I still struggled with my attitude that the world and everyone in it owed me something however that is not the case. This program has helped me tremendously with that in my daily life. You have to work hard to get what you deserve because I believe that way you will appreciate it that much more. I have learned that speaking my mind instead of holding my thoughts and feelings isn’t necessarily a bad thing, like I always thought it was in the past. I have a greater understanding of what acceptance and patience of others and the world around me mean to me and my recovery. I cannot change others to conform to my way of thinking so I have to accept them the way they are just like they have to accept me for who I am. I have learned how to truly enjoy myself without the help of alcohol and drugs as well as find a silver lining to every cloud by being in the WFH. Life is what you make of it. You can choose to be miserable or choose to be content in every situation that you may find yourself in. Life is full of choices and you have to live with all the choices that you make whether they are good or bad. I have also learned to accept myself the way I am and that it is ok to just be me. I don’t have to have the worlds’ approval as long as I’m ok with who I have become. I believe that one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned at the WFH is that my past is the past. Today is all I have to deal with now because the past is gone and can’t be changed and I will conquer tomorrow when it comes. Yes, I’ve made plenty of mistakes and bad choices in my life however I don’t have to pay for them the rest of my life. I know that God has forgiven me and I have forgiven myself also. That is a great feeling.

Kelly Gossett March 16, 2009

My name is Kelly Gossett. I am 49 years old and a grateful recovering addict. I worked 23 years as a registered pharmacist and had 3 beautiful daughters who are 22, 21 and 18 now. I led a pretty normal life until about 10 years ago when my drug addiction began. My addiction took over every aspect of my life. I spent my 40^th and 45^th birthday in jail as well as several other times in between. I lost everything that was important to me as a result of my addiction. In July 2008, my father passed away and my addiction became out of control. I prayed that God would just not let me wake up when I went to sleep, but that never happened. I felt like I had nothing left and nothing else to give in life. I knew something had to change and that I was really sick of living that way.

I came to WFH on September 13, 2008, a lonely broken person with nothing except a few clothes. I soon realized that I wasn’t alone – I had God beside me. I asked Him to forgive me for all the things in my past and at that time turned my life and will over to Him. I felt a peace in my heart that I had never had. The WFH has taught me willingness, acceptance, the desire to be a better person and given me the tools I need to live life on life’s terms.

Since coming here, I’ve gotten involved in Celebrate Recovery. I have a full time job. I have a great relationship with my daughters and they are actually proud of me rather than being ashamed or embarrassed by me. I am getting my marriage back together. I have Christian friends who care about me. Most importantly, I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I know today that God has a plan and a purpose and today I no longer want to die but to live life to the fullest. I do pray daily that God never lets me forget where I was before I got here. Coming to WFH and working this program saved my life.64
Melody Evans 2.26.09

My name is Melody who struggles with chemical dependency and also was dependent on family. I came to the United States at the age of seven from Gimli Manitoba, Canada. I was adopted along with a older brother and younger sister. I was raised in north central Michigan, where I also graduated high school May 30, 1985. I began to start drinking through school before games dances or key parties from older high school students. I ended up moving to Florida the fall of that same year. My younger sister and I were always very close. We mostly had the same friends, and would always would drink together socially with them. I got my first job as a cashier at an Amoco gas station for a while. Then I changed jobs to a convenience store clerk right next door. That’s when my life started to change meeting new friends who came in the store to buy alcohol inviting me over. I turned legal age to purchase alcohol myself working at the store was available. I stayed with that job over a year then moved to Georgia with my younger sister and her husband she was already in the military. I was able to get a job on base. I was going out to clubs with new friends who drank. I started going to a vocational alcohol in Valdosta, GA for a Certified Nurses Assistant. Through that time I met my ex-husband now. He was attending VSU. I did get certified as a CAN. There were problems in our relationships with substances. Being a divorced mother of two sons, I realized that admitting to God that my life was still unmanageable. I didn’t want to keep slipping back to a place where I’ve been in my life too many times.

I moved to Jacksonville, AL to build a relationship with my oldest son, I met a complete stranger, who I now call a close dear friend. We shared our addiction, hurts, habits and hang-ups. She ended up telling me about the WFH. I thank God for someone who was a true friend, that’s been there along with me in my daily recovery at the WFH. It has changed my way of thinking and gave me the courage, willingness and acceptance. The program for me wasn’t easy but I wanted it for myself. The fellowship with others who struggle with addiction is amazing just for today. 63

Graduate Update

Diane Melissa Small

Graduated 3/08/07

I am what a person would refer to as a "life-time addict."

I started using drugs in my early teens and continued until my mid-thirties.

A lot of things changed during my drug use,but the only thing that changed with me would be the types and amounts of drugs.

I would occasionally have moments of sobriety that I could see the destruction,loss and chaos I had created during my addiction. I would feel extremely hopeless because I thought the only option left for me was to continue on until death.I hated the person that I was and I continued in this self destructive path until I finally ended up in jail,with a good chance of making it to prison.

Thankfully, a caseworker at the jail new about W.A.D.E. Freedom House and instead of sentencing me to the State Women's Correctional Facility they sent me to Freedom House.

At Freedom House they started with the basics.Things that I no longer knew how to do such as: making your bed,doing a chore and

pausing for a early morning meditation.These were very simple basic first steps,and that was what I needed,I needed someone to teach me how to live again.

Slowly but surely, the routine increased,things like,cooking and cleaning,along with gaining and maintaining employment were added,lessons on addiction were taught so that I could learn that I was not a bad person but I suffer from a terrible disease.....one that cannot be cured,but by maintaining sobriety it could be "arrested".

We were also allowed to take part in spiritual based programs so at the same time we were learning about our illness we were able to minister to our spirit and this created a healing process for the body,mind and soul.

There were classes on parenting,anger-management, and counseling, that laid the footwork for me to learn to love myself and rebuild the relationship between me and my daughters,family and friends.

Freedom House gave me a place to climb out of the hole I had dug for myself and get my feet planted on solid ground,so that I would have a fair chance at beating my addiction.

This coming month I will celebrate 18 months clean and sober,and I can honestly say, through Christ and WFH,everything that drug addiction stole from me has been restored.

A Very Grateful Recovering Addict,

Melissa

MISTY SMOTHERS 2/19/09

My name is Misty Smothers. I am 36 years old and a recovering addict. About 8 years ago I started doing drugs. It soon took over my life and my children’s lives. We went through a lot in eight years. I became a single mom and had to support them alone. I ended up with no husband except for one in prison on a twenty year sentence and my children were taken from me by my mom. Drugs soon made me lose everything important in my life but I kept using to escape that hurt that I felt inside. I was homeless with no place to go and would stay wherever I could. I finally realized I did not want my life to be like that any more. I decided I needed help for myself, so I came to WFH. Now I have realized how much drugs made my life out of control and now how I can be clean, sober and live my life right.

Recent Graduations:
Amy Madison graduation January 8, 2009

My name is Amy Madison and I’m 25 yrs. old. I’ve struggled with addiction since I was 14 yrs. old. I was a 24 year old single mother of a 5 year old and I was addicted to drugs, had lost everything I owned and was about to lose my son forever and also was losing my family as well. I’d had enough of living like I had no cares in the world when really I had everything to be worried about. I had to change a lot of things and the first thing I had to do was get clean.

When I came to WADE I started work, church and celebrate recovery. I’ve become involved with celebrate recovery as much as I can. Celebrate Recovery has helped me a lot and I’ve gotten my relationship back with God. God has given me so much in these six months and I’m sure he will bring so much more into my life. I’m very blessed to have the chance to turn my life around.Coming to WADE has helped me more than I ever thought it could or would and I plan on always remembering the experience that I had here.

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Susan Renee Hill graduated on January 12, 2009

My name is Susan Renee Hill. I am 41 yrs. old. Before I came to WADE my life had become a complete mess. For the past three years I’ve been in addiction and didn’t know how to get out of it. I had a lot of problems legally and I had become a mother, daughter and sister that my family wasn’t proud of.

Now I cannot believe the changes that WADE had made in me. First of all, I’m proud to be my old self again and my family is also very proud of me. I’ve also learned to accept life on life’s terms and to accept the things I know I can’t change. I now keep a steady job and I have a schedule that I go by. I attend Celebrate Recovery and NA meetings.

For the first time in a long time I enjoy being me and I’m happy with my life. I’m thankful for the opportunity to come to WADE and learn all that I have because it’s really changed me a lot. Now I’m once again the person I was before my addiction took over my life.

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My name is Bridget Bowen I am 27 years old and I am a grateful recovering addict and a firm believer in Jesus Christ. Since I was 12 years old I’ve been in and out of boot camp, jails and institutions. I’ve never realized that I had a problem with dugs and alcohol. Until one day I realized life was too short for that, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I realized I needed a new start in life. So, I came to W.A.D.E. Freedom House. I came here with my eyes and ears open taking in all new direction to learn a different way of living.

Since I’ve been here I’ve changed people places and things in my life. I’ve learned willingness for my program. Acceptance is the main thing for me and willing to change everything in my life. A strong Desire to change. And change is empowering!

I have grown closer to my family and my daughter. Our relationship gets better every day. I also found God through this program and was baptized on March 9, 2007. I am now a manager at Subway. I can honestly say I am a productive member of society and proud of it.

Graduated W.A.D.E. Freedom House on August 6, 2007 opted to stay and save money to get a place and a car.
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Alex White

18 years old

Graduated on June of 2008

My name is Alexandria White. I am 18 years old, but sometimes feel more like 30. I began using drugs when I was 13. It was nothing big until my best friend died about a year later. Then I began using all day everyday. My life spiraled out of control. I have been to other programs in the past, but none of them ever stuck. The past 3 years have been a blur. I lost all trust and respect from my family, lost all my good friends and traded them in for people that liked to get high, and almost ruined my education. I had lost all hope and wanted to just give up. I came to W.A.D.E. Freedom House December of 2007, and could finally see the light. I had been mad at God for years and now I talk to him and ask for forgiveness daily. I have learned that even if I hate working, the bills have to be paid and it’s really not so bad. My family loves to see and talk to me now and is beginning to trust me again.

I am so grateful to WFH because it helped me find a real me again and remember what happiness is. I only hope it can do for others in the future what its done for me.

Now, I realize that I can achieve anything if I really want it. I came here feeling like a little girl, and now I feel like a responsible young woman. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me on the long road ahead.

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Hello everyone I will start by introducing myself. I am Amber Garner, a grateful recovering addict. I am from Jasper, Al. and I am 20 years old.

As a child I was lost. I didn’t really know who I was and if I did I didn’t think I would get approved by society. So, I was always afraid to actually be me. When I was me it was around some family only because I thought other people would use it against me.

My father passed away suddenly in 2004 with no warning. After he passed my mother remarried an alcoholic not even a year later. I was never very close anyone other than immediate family. I always thought they were better than me when I became an addict, I chose to stay away from them most of the time. I only went around when it was a must or when I was trying to act or play or even feel normal. Through all of this I managed to graduate high school in 2005. After my dad passed and after graduation things just got out of hand. My mom, brother and everyone around me including myself was changing and getting deeper and deeper into addiction. I was getting more and more addicted to the fast life and who knows what else. I stayed in that stage for a year or so but at the same time working and supporting myself. Every night I would come home to drinking and parties and partiers. That is when I started staying away from home as much as possible. I felt alone and lost also abandoned thinking up and dreaming these dreams that were so far out of reach at the same time continuing to use.

I messed up and moved in with my boyfriend. He was on house arrest and didn’t work but still brought in a lot of money, bet you can’t guess how. While I was there I worked all the time basically going there to lay my head and stay away from home.

In November of 2006 something happened and I got into trouble which landed me on probation for the next two years. I had to stay at home then so there is where I landed. I worked two jobs one in the morning and one in the evening to pay fees, fines and support myself and stay away from home.

One night I was at a meeting called Celebrate Recovery, I was required to go to. And I met this lady named Debbie Musselman and listened to her testimony. She was a recovering addict herself and had opened a recovery home for women. I decided to give it a try. I had been looking for a way out anyway. To get away from it all and try to do something about all of these big dreams I had been dreaming.

As of today, I have been at W.A.D.E Freedom House for six months. I will continue to live here until I can stand on my own two feet again. I have turned to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior for everything. Recovery is truly about willingness, acceptance, your desire for wanting to make things happen and of course walking with God.

God puts people in your journey of life for all kinds of reasons because of Daryll Gurganus, Debbie and Wayne Musselman, my girls at W.A.D.E. house and my church, only God knows where I would be today. God is my number one priority and best friend. Debbie Musselman is very much a mother figure to me and took me right under her wing and helped give me the help I was yearning for.

The W.A.D.E Freedom house is, will and always will truly be a place to come home to

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Leslie Schors

DOB: Sept. 7, 1972

Age: 35

First of all I would like to thank God for working a miracle in Debbie Musselman’s life and making W.A.D.E. Freedom House possible. If I were asked by someone what got me here I would say the bad choices I made. Drugs were only part of the problem in my life. My biggest problem, everyday was that I had grown to hate who I had become, which made it easier to use. My problems started out as a child. I had a very dysfunctional family. I stayed confused a lot of the time. I isolated myself at home and at school. I see now how life works when there is balance between the heart and mind. I have learned that all of the years I blamed others for the way I turned out should have been spent helping others. I knew that I was ready to make changes in my life several times before I came to W.A.D.E. Freedom House. I had to loose everything precious to me before I could fall to my knees and ask God to help.

Through Debbie Musselman God worked out a way for me to come here and work on a new way of life. I believe that recovery is a life long commitment. Life isn’t easy, each day is filled with it’s ups and downs. I learned that I wouldn’t even be able to change unless I could face the demons that kept me in bondage.

Today, I have a personal relationship with God, I am grateful for my life. I plan to go home on Oct. 18, 2007. This house in Jacksonville, Al is where I have started to build a foundation for a better life. I plan to stay connected to W.A.D.E. Freedom House, I feel overwhelmed at times at the beautiful changes that happened inside of me after I started working the program. I can’t keep what I have, I don’t want to keep it to myself, I want to help others see that people can change---- I did!