Testimonials

Jerry G.

     To anyone interested in growth and recovery:

 I moved into First Things First sober living homes through an unexpected chain of events. After a year of sobriety I was hit by a car; lost my job and apartment, ending up in a shelter looking for a job. Too disabled to collect unemployment benefits, but not disabled enough to qualify for short-term S.S.I. disability. I had lost everything but my life and my sobriety.

 I was able to move into First Things First with a new job and a new beginning in a sober spiritual setting. What I thought to be only a place for me to start over turned out to be a unique opportunity for personal and spiritual growth within a structured sober environment.

 The basics of food, shelter, fellowship, and socialization are truly enhanced with the fundamental core beliefs of a 12-step spiritual program. John, the owner of the houses, takes an active interested role in everyone’s recovery and progression back into living life on life’s terms. The transition into service work in the houses and meetings becomes a natural progression because of the living examples of John and Senior house members.

 The concept of balance in my life became something I could finally comprehend and begin to implement into my life. I heard a phrase recently that describes my experience from living in a First Things First house “I can truly begin to live in the moment with a 360 degree life”.

 I continue to attend F.T.F. house meetings and maintain contact with the men who lived and live in the houses.

     Jerry G.

Joe A.

I’m Joe alcoholic an addict without a doubt. I’m going to tell you a little bit about how I got to First Things First. Well this last go around I was out and about doing what I knew best drinking, thinking and smoking crack. So I thought! It was Saturday, October 23, 2005 and it was going to be my last time using. That following Tuesday I was supposed to go to treatment but it didn’t happen that way. That Saturday evening I got lost. Then I got into a high speed chase. I was not going to stop for nothing. In fact I was smoking crack while they were chasing me. They finally trapped me and I had no choice but to give up.I was locked up in Coffee County for about ten months. I couldn’t afford a lawyer so they appointed a public defender. I realized I needed some help so I pleaded to the judge to send me to treatment, my request was answered. I was on state probation for two years and two months also, which I completed on November 11, 2008.

 My case worker asked me what I wanted to do when released. I asked her to look for a sober living or recovery home. That’s when John C. came down to Pathfinders personally to talk to me. He must have had a lot of faith to take me in. It was a answer to my prayers, I believe. When I arrived at First Things First I really didn’t know what to expect. There were five other guys staying at the house at the time.

There were house responsibilities to fulfill and other requirements in order to stay they include; getting a job, going to meetings getting a sponsor and working the steps. It may seem like a lot but I realized it wasn’t that much when the pain outweighed the pleasure. I also completed I.O.P. and aftercare with pathfinders.

I was becoming adjusted with my “new way of living”. I learned to be more responsible and to accept the things I could not change. While living at First Things First I saw people come and grow spiritually. The great fact is that it taught me so much! I also became a senior house member which was a great feeling. As I stay in the process it gave others hope another thing I realized is that the longer that I gave the program and First Things First a chance the more it brought structure into my life.

So if you are like me an addict and alcoholic, be honest, open minded, willing and experience the sunlight of the spirit. May god bless you and keep you till then. Your experience, strength, and hope lies ahead.

Your Friend,
Joe A.