My Life Back From...
I had met Maggie a few months before I went to jail. I was in a bad place at the time. I was selling drugs, using drugs and alcohol and on a path to nowhere. I was sentenced to 3.5 years in the state penitentiary for selling drugs. Maggie had heard that I was in jail and she sent me a note telling me that I could come to the Stephen Center when I was released from jail as long as I was clean and sober.
While I was in jail, I went through the nine month program to get clean. I knew that I needed to turn my life around. When I was released in January of 2010, I took a bus to Omaha and went straight to the Stephen Center. I knew that the Stephen Center would help me get my life back on track. Everyone was so helpful. Alice has been an amazing case manager. She had everything ready and rolling within one month.
Alice met with me when I moved into the Emergency Shelter. She helped me get an apartment and general assistance. I was in my own apartment in two months. The Stephen Center will definitely help you get back on your feet. All you need to do is be ready and willing to get back on your feet. In the short time that I was there, I was able to get everything that I ever needed or wanted. A lot of people are scared that it will be too difficult to get their life back, but with everyone’s help, it really is easy. You just need to follow the rules. The shelter staff will set everything up for you and help you along the way.
I have had a hard time finding a job, because of my health issues. Alice is now helping me get on disability. Even though I am in my own apartment, Alice is still helping me. I, in return, have been volunteering at the shelter and Thrift Store. I usually cover the front door or help Mike with anything that he might need. I love to sit around and listen to Martin tell stories. Everyone at the Stephen Center is so nice and helpful. I really enjoy being able to give back by volunteering there.
I was about to be thrown out of my apartment because I had some mistakes in my General Assistance paperwork. Alice went to bat for me and she was able to get it straightened out so I could stay in the apartment. I don’t know what I would have done without Alice, Maggie, Del and everyone at the Stephen Center.
My life is back on track with the help of everyone at the Stephen Center. Thanks.
