“Red” is a 49-year-old white male who self-referred to the program, following a 20-year stint of unemployment. He has spent the previous two decades in multiple relationships as a means of finding support.
He has two children from whom he has been estranged their entire lives. He has a long history of crack cocaine usage and alcohol addiction. Red spent several stints in prison pursuant to misdemeanors related to alcohol and drug use. He is from East Baton Rouge Parish. Upon admission, Red was very difficult to manage. He had serious anger management issues, engaging in personal conflicts with staff and clients. He was within an inch of being put out of the program but begged to stay, promising the Director of Social Services that he would change if given one more chance. He was given that chance.
Red enrolled and completed the Jobs for Life program in collaboration with Christian Outreach. He has secured full-time employment landscaping for a local cemetery.
Since coming to The Salvation Army, he has worked on the loading dock taking in and sorting donations. He has been completing AA, has been an active church member and completed intensive outpatient for chemical dependency. Red enrolled and completed the Jobs for Life program in collaboration with Christian Outreach. He has secured full-time employment landscaping for a local cemetery.
Red’s attitude has completely transformed from an angry, sullen, uncooperative individual into a humble and grateful man. He achieved 100% attendance in the jobs for life program and was only one of two to achieve such status. He credits the encouragement from his peers (fellow clients), The Salvation Army staff and God for this personal transformation, which Red describes as miraculous.
As part of his long-term recovery program, Red is currently making arrangements to see his children who are now grown, to make amends for his past absence in their lives. His goals for his life are to get his own place but always remain active in the recovery program – giving back what he has received.
