Service Array:
Individual Skill Development and Enhancement
I was born in Cumberland, Wisconsin. I spent most of my younger years in foster care. At age 9, I was returned home, to my mom and spent most of my childhood in the Barron County area.
I was 10 years old when I started to realize how much I was subjected to addiction. My father used drugs and my mother drank a lot. My childhood was unstable and very chaotic. I My Dad went to prison when I was 10 and during that time, I become resentful and full of anger. I had a tough time in school following my dad’s sentencing.
When I was 15, I started experimenting with drugs and hanging out with the wrong crowd. I always felt like the outcast no matter where I was. I often did things, not worrying about the consequences, if I thought it meant I would “fit in.”
Before my 16th birthday, I was arrested and sent to a juvenile detention center for truancy where I stayed until they had room for me at the group home for teen boys. It was during this time that I learned various ways to cope with my anger but the one that I took to the most was kick boxing. I used this as a way to run from all of the trauma and past experiences that I didn’t want to face.
In 2011, I was released from prison. That’s when I learned that my mom was sick with cancer and her life expectancy was short. Not long after being released from prison, I began using drugs again. In 2013, my mom passed. Not even two years, later my brother also passed away. I found myself in the deepest and darkest part of my addiction. I was arrested over 50 times and was convicted of multiple felony drug offenses.
I had the opportunity to participate with Drug Court, Probation and Parole, and also Child Protective Services. I started Drug Court in 2019 where I began my journey of recovery. I learned the three core values of life: Honesty, Humility, and Responsibility.
In 2020 I graduated from Drug Court, which changed my life. That is where I found my passion for helping others. I quickly realized that living life to the fullest is so much more rewarding than just barley getting by. I began to participate in the Drug Court Alumni program, which is for helping the newcomers in the program with any needs they may have. With doing that, I quickly learned how much I enjoyed helping others to get out of their own way and live a more fulfilling life. I became a sponsor in the program.
To this day, I continue to show others the way of recovery the best way I know how. FUN. Sober healthy fun is possible. I am determined to share my life experiences to help others find their way in life.