For the last five years, Jared describes himself as “dead inside”.  He had no real connection with anyone. Five months ago, he intentionally tried to overdose on heroin.  It didn’t work.  He came to with the needle still stuck in his arm.  That was when he checked himself into Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services and went through detox for ten days.

It was at that point he was determined not to go back to the life he knew.  “There had to be a better way.”  Jared called family and asked them to bring him to Guiding Light.  That was four months ago.

Jared is quiet and shy, but smiles.  During the first four months at Guiding Light, he has learned to open up, be honest with the staff and with himself.  He’s learned to be open and vulnerable with the other men in the Recovery program.  Jared came to Guiding Light feeling completely alone. Today he tell us, “Here I am, able to connect with people. That will help keep me sane and straight.  Everyone here understands where I am coming from. There is no sugar-coating, and I need that to learn. I need real honesty.”

This month Jared will begin Achieve, a job readiness program, and start to look for work as a masonry, a trade he has always enjoyed.  Once he is back to work full-time, Jared wants to move to Iron House, Guiding Light’s sober-living apartment complex.  “I do not want to isolate myself, like I did in the past. I need the continued support.”

“I am grateful for a new way of life. I see things differently. I feel safe.  Thank you.”