From New Year’s Resolutions to Life-Transformation
James did not come to Helping Up Mission (HUM) by accident. In 2025, after decades of addiction and years of trying to control his life, he reached a point where resistance no longer made sense. “I was tired, tired of running, tired of fighting, tired of thinking I had all the answers,” James recalls.
He first learned about HUM in Bradenton, Florida, where he met Ramon Croussett Jr., Assistant Director of Program Development. At the time, he was moving between treatment programs and choosing options that felt more familiar than starting over. “Ramon came to see me more than once. Every time, I turned it down. I thought I had better plans.”
Those plans eventually fell through. “I got tired of fighting. I said, ‘I’ll go to Baltimore and try it.’”
Walking through the doors at HUM challenged his expectations. “At first, I wasn’t sure this was for me. But I started listening to the conversations people were having. They were real. They were positive. And I thought, if I don’t get what I need here, where am I going to get it from?”
In 2025, he slowed down and took an honest look at himself. A resolution made months earlier finally took hold. “I made up my mind last New Year’s Eve. Enough is enough.”
The lesson that continues to shape his recovery is humility. “Acceptance and humility changed everything for me. Accepting life for what it is and understanding people where they are, without judgment.”
“I made up my mind last New Year’s Eve. Enough is enough.”
Faith has also become central to his recovery. “I’ve always believed in God, but now I trust Him. I stopped trying to control everything and started surrendering.”
Looking ahead, 2026 represents rebuilding. “I want to rebuild my image. The person people thought I was, that’s not who I am anymore. I want to rebuild mentally and spiritually.”
He also hopes to use his experience to help others. “If I can understand why we do what we do, I can help somebody else.”
Reflecting on his journey, he offers words that define his transformation. “Before I came to HUM, I was confused about how life should be. Since coming to HUM, I’ve learned that life is life. Through humility, I can and I will survive.”
The impact of donor support is clear. “They saved my life. They gave me hope, honesty and a reason to live instead of just exist.”
As he steps into 2026, he does so with purpose, grounded in humility and faith and focused on becoming whole.
