Update on Sheldon & Rowdy

SHELDON

Sheldon has finished the first four phases of Men’s Recovery and is now in the final transition phase. He works full-time in production at the UGM Thrift Store downtown – cleaning, repairing, pricing and moving merchandise to the sales floor. He lives in his own apartment at the Barnabas House, UGM’s clean-and-sober transitional housing for men.

Sheldon has consciously immersed himself in supportive environments. In addition to his work and housing choices – where he is surrounded by people with similar goals and values – he has a close relationship with his mentors, generally getting together with them twice a week, and he attends his church and small group faithfully.

“I’m living, instead of just surviving,” Sheldon said. “I’m no longer ruled by my emotions. I’m blessed, and I’m grateful.”

ROWDY

Rowdy is currently in phase 3 of the Men’s Recovery program. He is in regular contact with all four of his children: Wacey, 14; Corbin, 12; Brody, 10; and Sarah, 5, and making progress on restoring those relationships. He works on the check-in desk three days a week, assisting guests with various needs and sees the position as strategic in his recovery. “It gives me the chance to stand up and be a man of integrity,” he said. “I’m learning that it’s OK to step outside of my shell and do the hard things.” For more of Rowdy’s story, read “Freedom for the Captives.”