Mike’s Story

I got to The Potter’s House in November of 2018. After finding myself locked up over and over, and living under a bridge, I realized my life had become unmanageable. I was chasing addiction, but I got sick and tired of the cycle. My self-esteem was beaten down. I finally got to a point where I gave it all to God.

Then, I told my court-ordered lawyer I needed help. He recommended The Potter’s House to me. That was a God thing, and I thank him every day for doing that. When I got here, I started doing the right thing, because that was the right thing to do. Then I wanted to do the right thing, and now I hunger to do the right thing. They gave me the tools here to learn to like myself again.

I was able to take a Nurturing Family class and a Family Systems class here, learning how to speak to my son, how to talk without raising my voice, and more. The classes here have been so great, teaching me things I never knew.

My advocate at The Potter’s House, Danny, gave me some tips and tools along with teaching me how to pray and see myself the way God sees me. He taught me I am somebody, and that I have a purpose. I’m learning to like myself again.

I’m moving on to the next stage of the program, New Start, and I’m beginning to look for work. I now have career goals and a plan for my life! I’m prepared. I’m nervous, but excited, too. This will give me the opportunity to save up some money and send it to my 15-year-old son. I’ve been blessed to have him. I just want to be there for him and work to rebuild our relationship.

“Putting God first is what it’s all about. God did for me what I couldn’t do for myself. The chains of addiction are broken. I’m free. I wouldn’t change that for the world.”

Every day, I have peace and overflowing joy. The tools they’ve given me here have taught me a lot. I know I have to pursue this new life and recover every single day. And I am.