Monday, May 21, 2012

Moving On..


A client who'd been with TLC for a few years came by my office to thank me. He was moving into a new apartment with his girlfriend.

            "You’re what TLC’s all about," I told him, as I shook his hand. And I sincerely meant it.

This man’s made a miraculous change. He came to us on parole from state prison. He had no job skills. He had few communication skills, often erupting in anger when he didn't get his way.

But as he stayed sober he began to change. He became more patient. He found a job in the construction field and puts in a lot of overtime. He has a sponsor.  He's developed a sense of gratitude that shows in his demeanor.

While he gives TLC a lot of credit for the changes he's undergone the reality is that he did the work. He followed the simple guidelines we set up many years ago. And while he feels the changes are miraculous, the things he's experiencing are nothing the ordinary person doesn't experience in daily life.

We expect clients to work.  They must stay clean and sober. We ask them to pay their bills and service fees. They can't commit crimes. They must have insurance on their vehicles. We send them to a lot of meetings - both on and off the property - to teach them discipline.

Moving into a new world of sobriety and responsibility brings so many benefits that many feel it's miraculous. And maybe for those who've spent much of their adult lives in a haze of drugs and alcohol it’s true.

However, this new life is available to anyone who wants to pursue it.  Our mission  is to help them get there.

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