Meet Jesse, a Peer House Leader! He started getting in trouble at sixteen and was trying to fit in with the wrong crowd. He became addicted to drugs which caused him to deeply hurt his family and friends. He was trying to find an escape with drugs instead of dealing with his emotions and his past. Consequently, he was incarcerated for a long time. While incarcerated he decided he wanted a new life for himself. He wanted to surround himself with new people, place and things. His counselor recommended REAL LIFE and Jesse applied and was accepted.
He was scared to go back to his old environment for fear of harm or potentially dying. He wanted a place that would allow him to transition into the world as a better person. Jesse started REAL LIFE with an open mind and embraced everything they offered. He loves and appreciates everything the staff and his fellow Lifers have done to support him. He is surrounded by people who want the same thing he does: an addiction free, productive life. And because of the changes he has made in his life through REAL LIFE, Jesse is beginning to re-establish a relationship with his family and friends.
Jesse wants to pay it forward by helping others achieve sobriety and a productive life. As a Peer House Leader he hopes he can show others how to succeed in the program. He is willing to help in any way he can.
Jesse’s advice to others is to work hard, be determined and surround yourself with like minded people. Anything you set your mind to is obtainable if you put in the work. He appreciates the opportunities and second chance he was given. The staff and Lifers believed in him, more than, at times, he believed in himself. He will be forever grateful for that.
