“Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?” For an addict with a record like Raymond, this question became, “Where do you see yourself in the next five minutes?” By the time he was ready to get clean, Raymond had a very specific list of goals he wanted to accomplish in the years ahead—years he would be drug-free and out of jail.
At 12-years-old, Raymond had his first encounter with drugs. It was right around the era of Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign, but that did not stop him from forming a habit that would eventually evolve into a full-blown methamphetamine and cocaine addiction in his adult life. This lifestyle would also lead to numerous stints in prison over the course of 14 years, something that would gradually create a rift between Raymond and his children. It wasn’t until 2006 that Raymond decided that he had so much more to say yes to – his life and his family.
Raymond first heard about Chrysalis while participating in the program People in Progress (P.I.P.). Although he was motivated to find work, he worried that potential employers would turn him away because of his background and physical appearance: “Having a criminal offense was a big fear for me, and I was afraid having tattoos would be a hindrance. But then I realized, my biggest hindrance was me.” So as he worked to overcome that mental barrier, he also worked on hard skills including working with computers.
At Chrysalis, volunteers helped Raymond set up a professional email address, taught him how to conduct an online job search, and worked with him to flesh out his resume. Ready to begin looking for a job, Raymond took his natural networking skills and put them to use. Before long, he found an opportunity working the graveyard shift at a warehouse. During the day, Raymond was also given more responsibility at P.I.P., first as a driver, and later referring clients to resources and leading support groups.
After completing P.I.P.’s two-year program, Raymond decided to pursue his passion of working with individuals who, like himself, struggled with addiction. Today, he works as Behavioral Tech at a local Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center!
Years ago, Raymond sat down with his sponsor and made two lists of goals—one for the next 5 years and one for the next 10. Along with becoming stably employed, Raymond also hoped to own his own vehicle, buy a home, and get married – Goals he can humbly say he’s accomplished. Now 10 years sober, Raymond continues to look ahead to a future where he is fulfilled by the work he does and where he can proudly say that he is the role model he always wanted to be for his children.