“Simon” was in and out of prison since the age of 16. His father had never been in his life, and his mother didn’t want him. He was raised by his grandmother. This rejection by his parents was nearly impossible to cope with.
From a young age he started using drugs to deal with his depression, and as a result spent 13 years of his life in and out of prison. At age 39, he was tired of his depression and drug use dictating his life. He needed a change.
He started looking for help and connected with the NEW Reentry Council. His case manager helped him find a stable job, and get free mental health and substance use treatment.
Thanks to these programs, Simon is drug free, employed, has a car and even owns his home. He has even started building a relationship with his father.