Giving Thanks – Dale P
Dale
“As I was growing up, I lived in a decent home. When I became a teenager
Volunteering at our Thanksgiving Event
I started to go on my own path and do what I wanted to do: Drugs & Alcohol.
I started losing my families trust, one at a time. I didn’t care about things
anymore, just doing more drugs and alcohol. I was in and out of jail.
I stayed on this Path for the next 13 years! Not only did I lose some nice jobs, I lost my mother’s love &
trust and lost touch with my one year old daughter. I had lost my relationship with my girlfriend, who
was always there for me, as well as two close friends who were trying to get me help.
I was homeless, sleeping in the woods and staying at a crack house…I had decided my life was over…
A friend had taken me in for a few days so I could figure out something for myself. This is when I
decided it was time to end my life. I think God had something else in mind, because the police
intervened and took the gun. I ended up in jail. I sat in my jail cell and had a long talk with myself. Keep
going down this same path and end up dead or in prison for the rest of my life, or get some serious help.
God was listening!
The next day, I met someone from Teen Challenge, so I set my new path in that direction. I was at Teen
Challenge for 17 months. I learned about God. I was working on myself and getting my new life in order.
I started working on things that I had lost in the past. I needed a place to go after I graduated the
program. I found LIFE REBUILDERS in a list of Sober Faith Based Transitional Houses.
During my stay at Life Rebuilders, I went back to school, graduated and found a job! I volunteered in the
community, attended their bible studies. I helped out with the outreach program started at a small
church. I got back my driver’s license, after losing the privilege to drive for 10 years. I had been writing
to my daughter over the months, and was able to see her for the first time in 10 years! I reunited with
my mother. I found my sister that I hadn’t seen for 34 years!
I graduated the Life Rebuilders Redemption Program and moved into their Self Pay Sober Living
House. I became a manager of the house. I eventually reunited with my girlfriend and moved into my
own apartment.
Since leaving Life Rebuilders, life has been great! I have a good relationship with my daughter, seeing
her often. I see my sisters and talk to my mom on a regular basis. I jog a lot, an activity I started while in
treatment. I have been involved in 15 races. I wrote letters to some old friends, apologizing for what
I’ve done in the past. My girlfriend can’t believe I am the same person! I volunteer at the Food Shelf
and try to give back whenever possible! I stay in close contact with Teen Challenge and Life Rebuilders
and get involved with their events.
God has been Great to me…it wasn’t easy to change my life around, but now that it has been changed,
it is easy to stay on this awesome new path!” – Dale
Note from Life Rebuilders: Dale and his daughter volunteer often at our events, taking care of the
maintenance of our vehicles, and stops by often to check in. He is an AMAZING person, with a great
smile and a positive disposition. We are truly blessed that he remains an active alumni in our program!