My name is Sean. I’m from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and my sobriety date is September 17th, 2021.

Before I came to The Wheelhouse, my life was the definition of unmanageable. I was homeless. The only place I really had to stay was my girlfriend’s car. I was using drugs every day, drinking a lot, borrowing money from everyone and never paying it back. I couldn’t keep a job, couldn’t keep a roof over my head, and honestly couldn’t keep my life together at all.

“Before I came to The Wheelhouse, my life was the definition of unmanageable.”

After two failed suicide attempts, that’s what landed me here.

When I got to The Wheelhouse, something different happened. They didn’t just help me stop using — they taught me how to get out of myself and help someone else for once. I was given the opportunity to be a house manager, and I did that for about nine months. That experience changed me.

I stopped being so selfish. I started seeing guys come in who were on speed, alcohol, all kinds of drugs — and I saw myself in every single one of them. For the first time, I had a real chance to help myself by helping other people.

My life today is completely different. I’ve got a job working in the plants. I’m back in communication with my family. I have a girlfriend at home. I’ve got my own apartment and my own vehicle — things I never thought I’d have back when I was deep in my addiction.

I’ve got a relationship with God today. I’m working on rebuilding my relationship with my kids. I’m not in prison. I’m able to come up here, work with these guys, and help out however I can. I show up to AA groups. I stay involved.

“People actually call me for advice today — and that’s something I never thought would happen.”

People answer the phone when I call now. They’re not worried that I’m trying to borrow money or run some kind of scheme just to get my fix. People actually call me for advice today — and that’s something I never thought would happen. People listen to what I have to say, and I think it helps them a little bit.

I really couldn’t imagine a better life than the one I have today.