Arriving at the Mann House July of 09 I was a scared, hopeless, lost boy with no future. When I walked through the door I heard things like “NO” you need to change ….get a sponsor, get a home group, put your hand out. I heard nothing I wanted to hear …immediately I knew I was in the right place, because no one in my life has ever told me what do. Right from the beginning they introduced me to A.A. The taught me how to live life with discipline through structure. I was immediately taught things like make your bed, clean up after your self, and how to find a job. They also taught me how to Identify my feelings through writing in a journal which was a task for me because I didn’t feel or even know how to show emotion.
The Mann House was just what I needed in my life …. I learned how to become a man, because I was finally willing to let go of my ways and learn from someone who has walked in my shoes. I remember sitting in the office interviewing with the manager and director ….the only thing I heard was “your not going to continue in your field of work, your here to work on recovery …. not work on making money”. Today I know it was just what I needed to hear.
After staying in the house 9 days I was employed, I gained hope, and had a conscious that was eating me alive. For the first time in my life I got honest and went to speak with the director about a court case I was facing. Reflecting back I know it was God speaking for me. I told him I needed to turn myself in and I didn’t want to loose my bed here. In the few days I was there I took everything in that I learned and kept doing it while incarcerated for 2 months. Upon being released September 3rd the manager drove 2 1/2 hours to pick me up….all I had to do was ask for help and he was right there. The Mann House kept my spot here (actually they made room for me) and it’s the best thing that has happened to me in my life up until this point. As a resident for 6 months I received 1 on 1 counseling, 2 group sessions a week, structure, the true meaning of a rule, and most importantly how to live life on life’s terms. The Mann House helped me change from a hopeless, broken kid to a productive member of society along with giving me the chance to be a father, son, friend, and active member of the AA fellowship.
10 months into my journey of recovery I am proud to say not only am I alumni of the Mann House, I have been blessed to be employed there as House Cook. In this position I have been able to continue my growing process and really take the time to look at myself. I wake up everyday looking forward to providing meals to the residents and watching them turn their corner. Helping the new residents has given me so much gratitude that I thank God everyday, because it allows me to give back on a daily basis what was so freely given to me. As I pray each day and I will continue …1 thank God for the Mann House.