Every member of our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program at Helping Up Mission has a daily work therapy assignment (WTA). We actually believe this is a therapeutic activity – even if many guys don’t!
After years of losing jobs because of their addiction, as guys conscientiously do their work duties at HUM, many really find some self-esteem again. It feels good to be counted on by others to do their part – and doing it well.
Following directions, working as part of a team, even providing directions to others – all are important parts of a guy’s recovery.
Today, as I arrived at work, Mickey was doing his daily WTA cleanup all around our campus. I thanked him and he said with a smile, “It’s my job.”
Inside the building, I passed Jamar on the stairs. He had already swept up any debris along the four floors of stairway and was now wiping down the banisters of all those stairways. I noted the thorough job he was doing and he thanked me. Jamar said he just wanted to do a good job.
When I got to my office on the fourth floor, Travis was collecting the trash and cleaning the restrooms. I’ve seen him working elsewhere on campus at other times, and everywhere he goes, T does a good job.
I don’t know if any of these three guys likes his WTA at HUM. But each one conscientiously tries to do it right.
Doing good work with proper attitudes sets them up for good recovery. It might even be therapeutic!
One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director