Eric’s struggles began in his early teens when he started using alcohol and marijuana. He realized that his addiction had taken over when he was staring at his drugs anxiously planning on “trying to get more” because it was never enough. As his addiction escalated, he found himself in a cycle of legal trouble and homelessness.
Sitting in prison, Eric heard about Heartland Recovery and decided to apply. During his time in the Men’s Recovery Program, the most significant change he experienced was building a relationship with God. “I needed to trust in Him and turn my whole life and everything over to Him,” Eric reflected. Today he has hope, faith, and a support system that will continue to guide him as he reintegrates into society. Eric encourages anyone who is struggling and doesn’t know where to turn to consider Heartland.
Rally For Recovery Walk
September is National Recovery Month, a time to increase awareness and celebrate the successes of those who battle addiction.
Heartland is holding several events to make a difference in the recovery community, culminating in our 5th Annual Rally Walk on campus. Save the date and join us for the in-person run/bike/walk event on September 29th. We’ll meet at Heartland Community Church at 4pm and walk to the Men’s Recovery building, have refreshments, then walk back (about 2 miles total).
Whether you’re walking to create awareness, to honor a loved one, or to celebrate your own victory, join us! Make a difference in the fight, one step at a time.
Walking Through Recovery | Tye’s Story
Tye grew up with an absent father and a mother struggling with addiction, which led to his experimenting with drugs from a young age. After losing a father figure at 13, Tye went deeper into drug use seeking comfort. Full blown addiction followed, causing him to lose jobs, relationships, and even custody of his daughter.
Despite cycles of getting clean and relapsing, addiction and anger issues persisted. After years of ups and downs his marriage deteriorated to the point of a restraining order and jail time. Feeling hopeless, Tye considered suicide, but knew it wasn’t the answer. A friend encouraged him to seek help at Heartland Recovery’s 12 month program, where Tye quickly learned he needed to fully submit to God. Through faith he found purpose, peace, and the strength to forgive his parents and improve relationships. His marriage is now thriving, and he lives to show Christ’s love through his actions.
Walking Through Recovery | James’ Story
James grew up in a family struggling with addiction. During high school, James began experimenting with substances himself, leading to a lifestyle of drinking, smoking, and partying. His addiction escalated to the point where he prioritized alcohol and drugs over his family. “I was choosing going out with friends rather than taking care of my son,” he recalls, “and to me that just didn’t sit right.”
The turning point came after his marriage failed. James realized he wanted to provide his son with the stable home he never had growing up. He enrolled in Heartland Recovery, the same program his biological father came to which helped turn his life around.
Change came slowly as James found God, but the biggest change was witnessing his father’s Christ-like behavior and for that relationship to begin to heal. Over the next 12 months James mended relationships with his family, gained their respect, and most importantly is now able to be there for his son. “I’ll tell you from experience, 12 months means nothing to the rest of your life, so take the time put in the work to know God and become a new creation.”
Walking Through Recovery | Scott’s Story
A year ago, Scott visited his family at Christmas for what he thought would be the last time, feeling hopeless and planning to immediately leave to get more drugs. Scott had been caught in a vicious cycle of addiction, prison, treatment, and relapse. Before he could leave that Christmas his family staged an intervention. This was a turning point for him, and by the grace of God, he decided to change.
He committed to coming to Heartland Recovery, a long term program where a relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone to recovery. Though reading the Bible, praying, and building a relationship with Jesus Christ. Scott was transformed and he found hope. “Don’t give up, there is hope.” Scott says. “I’m a proven fact that Jesus is the answer.”
Many like Scott are caught in cycles of hopelessness, Heartland is here to help. We’ve removed one of the biggest roadblocks to taking that next step toward freedom—the cost of treatment—thanks to the generosity of donors who fully fund Heartland Recovery programs for men and women wanting to change. Call today.
Addiction & The Church Seminar
Jesus came to set the captives free, and we know that the church is called to be His hands and feet to help do just that.
When the church puts faith into action to embrace those with substance abuse disorders and those coming out of incarceration, it makes a significant impact.
Join Heartland Recovery, for this 1-day informational seminar on September 20, 2024. Our format is designed to provide church leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to help their congregation effectively identify, support, and welcome these individuals impacted by addiction and incarceration.
Click here to register online, or phone 573-633-5603 before 9/6/2024. The event is free, but your donation to offset costs is welcome.
Speakers for the event have a broad range of experience in areas which include licensed counseling, prison ministry, recovery programs and support groups, higher education, leading churches and outreach ministries, and more. Visit our Facebook page for details and updates.
