Hello my name is Keith and this is part of my story. It's my journey from addiction and hopelessness to now.
Before I came to Agape, I was not in a good state of mind. I was partying everyday, and taking a lot of things that were not good for me, like meth, alcohol, and any other drugs you can think of. I would stay up for weeks at a time without sleep. I was super paranoid, seeing a lot of shadows and thinking they were after me. I got to the point where I just wanted to kill myself. During this time I was couch surfing and stayed at the HOPE Shelter for a time. Eventually I made my way to Safe Haven. During the Safe Haven interview I let the staff know that I wanted to receive counseling services. About a week after I entered the Safe Haven Program I had a difficult counseling session. A lot of emotions were brought to the surface that I had spent years pushing down. I admitted to the counselor that I was suicidal. Eventually, a member of the Safe Haven staff was brought in and the decision was made to take me to the ER for a psychiatric evaluation. From the ER in Longmont I ended up going to the psych ward in Lafayette. I was there for nearly a week. This event really made me want to have a change in my life. I made a promise to myself that I would never go to another psych ward again.
Agape has kept me away from meth, drugs, off the streets, and parks that I have no business being at. I now have a year clean from drugs and alcohol. Safe Haven has given me a routine that I needed. A Safe Haven staff member, Catherine has helped me a lot, just by staying on me and keeping me on track. I grew up in the church, so I knew a lot of the spiritual side already. However, the Bible Studies and Celebrate Recovery meetings got me kind of back on track with my relationship with Jesus. Agape and Pastor Gary have also taught me the skills I need to control my anger. When I begin to get angry I try to read the Bible, and usually this helps
Within the next couple months I will be leaving Agape as I am in the process of getting my own place. Currently, I am working for three companies. I am also working on getting my driver license. I have never had one before! I am also continuing my relationship with Christ.
I am truly grateful for my time at Agape, and truly believe that Agape and their staff have helped me in many ways.