I grew up in an environment where drugs abuse and the street life was glorified. I wanted to live the fast life so at an early age I started drinking with my friends. This turned into using drugs recreationally and selling drugs in the community. I dropped out of school in the 8^th grade to pursue the street life and for awhile it was exciting and I loved it. I married and started a family but it didn’t last long because I was always on the street. My wife divorced me because of my abusive ways and my children spent many years seeing their father in the streets instead of in the home.

Due to my drug use I contracted a disease and knew that it was time I change my life around. I moved to the Danbury area but found myself still attracted to the street life and continued using drugs, eating, and sleeping in shelters. After attending many rehabs, I finally followed through with an aftercare sober house where I would commit to staying clean and reconnecting with my family.

I had a lot of help from counselors and from the Payton’s at Christian Community Outreach Ministries. Whenever they would see me on the street or at the shelter they would encourage me and show me love with a hug. I always felt comfortable going to them to get advice about family and life in general. I know attend their church service regularly, working on getting my GED with the help of their ministry. I know have a relationship with my daughter and her children and attended her wedding this summer. I also had opportunity to speak to my son again after over 15 years of not speaking.

M. L