A hard-working old construction guy — layoffs, slow downs and the daily wear and tear of his profession left Pete tired and beat up when he arrived here.

He was also pretty jaded about life, skeptical about anything someone might suggest and nervous about his future.

And there was his chemical addiction. To paraphrase another old guy, Aristotle (4th century BC), I’m not sure which came first — the chicken or the egg…that is, Pete’s job troubles or his addiction.

Either way, in our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program because he had no better options, Pete kept to himself and quietly did what we asked him to do.

In time, Pete became more comfortable with himself and his life — and eventually was ready to get back to work. Done with construction, he wanted steady hours with benefits. Pete wanted a new career… with a particular employer.

Now a HUM grad living in graduate transitional housing here on campus, Pete started with that employer — through a temporary employment agency. Recognized for his work ethic and solid daily performance, he started feeling good about a permanent position there.

But the employment agency moved Pete elsewhere…and he shined there, too! In fact, they offered him a full-time position!

But, after talking with our Vocational Coordinator, Pete said “no thanks” and told the agency what he really wanted. Eventually sent back there — Pete got the permanent job he wanted a month ago!

Not quite so jaded anymore, Pete’s feeling pretty good about his future. In fact, he even smiled — broadly — telling me this story!

One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

Here, Mel’s been focused on his own recovery — especially addressing the underlying issues that cause him to use…and it’s been working. He feels good about himself again — and others can see it in him, too.

But there’s an old saying in recovery — “You have to give it away to keep it!” Focused and working on his own recovery, Mel now has some experience, strength and hope he can pass on to others.

Mel has a 28-year old son who also struggles with addiction and it’s tearing up his life. Dad knows exactly how his son feels…and, today, he has something to offer him.

So Mel encouraged his son to go ahead and get the same kind of help he received, himself. His son admitted he needed something and agreed to go into a recovery program.

But when it was time to move and Mel called his son — he was nowhere to be found! Eventually, when they did talk, Mel’s son said, “Sorry, dad, I knew that was you calling. I didn’t answer because I didn’t want to have to tell you no. I’m just not ready yet!”

While disappointed, Mel understood. No one could make him to go into recovery until he was ready, either!

Dad responded, “You’re my son and I will always love you — and you’ll have to find your way like I did. But I do want you to have what I have today.”

Mel’s in process…and God’s not done with his son yet, either! You may want to keep both of them in your prayers.

One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

Clark joined our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program in January 2005, really needing some things to change in his life — and getting clean from drugs and alcohol was only one part.

He got clean and developed some meaningful spiritual connections with God. And, since he was here and wanted to be a different guy, Clark also committed himself to earn his high school diploma in our Learning Center on campus.

When he moved away 18 months later — as a HUM grad — Clark also took his State of Maryland High School diploma with him! He was also employed full-time at a local hospital.

Now living closer to work, even though he stops by HUM often, I haven’t seen him much over these past 9 years and didn’t really know how things were going — so it was great catching up when we connected this week.

He’s still there at the hospital…now a supervisor in his department. Today, Clark loves God, enjoys his life, likes his job and is grateful for all the things he has.

This is why I come to work every day!
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director

At that cold time of the year (remember last February?) and that particular point in his life HUM’s 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program sounded like a pretty good idea!

So Kent settled in here for the long-haul. Very quickly he began addressing the issues that caused him to continue in his addiction — and Kent started finding some peace and contentment in his soul.

Last August he shared with me that he enrolled in college, studying Human Services. I shared the great story about his first day: http://helpingupmission.blogspot.com/2015/09/kentcollege-boy.html.

While college hasn’t been easy, Kent’s getting more and more comfortable with himself being a college guy. And, in appropriate settings there at school, he’s begun sharing bits of his story.

One of those times came in English class. I don’t know what Kent said, but it was enough…because his professor spoke to him privately later.

She offered her encouragement to him for being willing to talk so honestly about his life. Then she asked where he’d gone to get help. He told her Helping Up Mission.

Kent’s professor broke out into a big smile and said, “I knew it! I believe in what they do there and support them, myself.”

Another person on Team-Kent! I don’t know that he’s going to get an “A” in English this semester, but he is feeling better about himself — and his college career — every day.