Red Ribbon Alliance

Robby’s Story
March 20, 2009 I thought that I was going to die. I had been using drugs and alcohol for quite some time and became homeless. I felt that there was no hope. I finally made the decision that if I did not get some help that I was going to die. I went into treatment and contacted Ms. Liz at Making A Way Housing.

After completing treatment, I came to Making A Way Housing into the emergency shelter program and begin to volunteer in the office answering phones and filing paperwork. I graduated from the emergency shelter program into the transitional housing program. Ms. Liz saw something in me that I did not see in myself and hired me on full time as the Intake Coordinator. I have recently celebrated 1 year of continuous sobriety and am approaching one year of employment here at Making A Way.

In addition to that I am getting ready to begin my clinical supervision to become a certified substance abuse counselor, a dream that I have wanted to fulfill for a long time. Because of the unconditional love and support that I have received from everyone here at Making A Way, especially Ms. Juliet and Ms. Liz, I realize that everything is possible if I stay focused and keep going in the right direction. Making A Way Housing has taught me how to be a responsible, productive member of society. I am learning how to be a lady, a mother, but most importantly, a child of GOD! Thank you Making A Way Housing for giving me a life worth living again!

Robby Travis 

Paul Jones Story
I was born the second child of three. I was raised in a modest middle class family and dropped out of school in the 9th grade. I ended up returning to school and graduating a year behind my class. I had been smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol since the age of 14. I worked in the hospitality industry as a busboy and waiter, and before leaving the hotel I was working in to begin to work at Delta Airlines, I had advanced to the front desk. I got married shortly after I begin working at Delta Airlines and fathered a child and continued to use drugs, with the addition of cocaine. The progression of of addiction was beginning. My marriage lasted for 4 years. My using had begun to happen on a daily basis.

I remarried and while my wife was 6 months pregnant, I was given the choice to resign from Delta, or be fired. I decided to move out of state and begin working in the hospitality industry again. I struggled with buying drugs, and being a responsible father and husband. Two years later and some 40 pounds lighter, I got off a Greyhound bus looking for drugs….. I lived on the streets of Atlanta for the next 25 years. Twice seeking refuge with a 28 day detox and outpatient treatment, - twice getting a little less than 90 days sober. Several misdemeanors and one felony later, spirit broken and hopeless, I left the bridge I was living under and begin to look for help. I ended up at Grady Hospital and was given 7 days in a safe house. While looking for treatment, I was able to clean up a little and try to get some direction in my life. I was accepted into the Salvation Army Program, finished the program and subsequently used again. Within 5 months I was homeless again.

I returned to the Salvation Army, stayed sober for 14 months and moved to Making A Way Housing. After completing the program here at Making A Way, I was hired as the overnight staff .I begin to explore the idea of becoming a substance abuse counselor. I am presently pursuing my certification as a substance abuse counselor and would like to attend college in the near future. I am so grateful to Making A Way Housing for giving me an opportunity to pursue my dream. I know now that anything is possible. Oh, by the way, I am celebrating 5 years clean!

Thanks Making A Way for all that you do!