A prosperous businessman called the other day and invited me to lunch. I was kind of surprised because I didn't know him that well. Even though I'd met him on a few occasions over 25 years ago when we first located a few transitional houses in a neighborhood in Phoenix where he has several businesses and real estate investments.
We met for lunch here in Mesa and he thanked me for the positive influence we'd had on the neighborhood where his businesses are located.
He said that since we'd located there over 20 years ago that drug use and drug dealing, as well as prostitution and other crimes had gone down substantially. I recall that when we first located there, hookers strolled through the neighborhood and meth addicts were using and peddling their wares on all corners of the area. At the time there were also a high number of violent crimes and a large police presence.
During our meeting I explained that once our program moves into a neighborhood the word gets around to the dealers and users and they tend to stay away. Except when one of them wants to get sober and change their life. Then they come see us.
This is the kind of thing that doesn't just happen in his neighborhood. Everywhere we're located, our presence tends to improve the quality of life in area. We seem to cast an umbrella of security wherever we put down roots. We develop good relationships with the neighbors. We keep our yards manicured, our buildings maintained, and don't have parties or loud get togethers. We become part of the fabric of the community.
And at the same time we're helping addicts and alcoholics become better people.
I left our meeting feeling gratitude for his recognition and support.
No comments:
Post a Comment