“I thought it was just another transition house. . .”

Alan B 

I have been incarcerated five times, for a total of about five years.  When I was released the last time, in March, 2014, I was planning on going to a halfway house in St. Louis.  However, the deputy warden told me, “No, you are not going there!  Drugs are rampant even in a place like that.”  Instead, he pointed me to in2Action, here in Columbia. I thought it was just another transition house, but after I arrived I realized it was totally different – it is more Christian-based.  The first thing they did that day was feed me – they took me to some taco place – and you talk about the best food I ever tasted in a long time!” 

And the minute I walked in the door they made me feel welcome. In2Action actually gave me a chance – instead of just setting down a bunch of rules and regulations, they gave me a chance to adjust.  Most men, the first thing that comes to mind is, “I need a job, I need a car, and I need a girl!” – and next thing you know, ‘Good-bye!’ out the door, they’re gone.  In2Action slows you down that first month so you can settle down and think.The other thing in2Action did was to give me a job and they paid me to work on the lawn crew – even though I was injured at the time.  Most people don’t do that! 

They gave me support, everything I needed.  That part-time, transitional job gave me a little extra money when I needed it.I was also able to go to trade school part-time while I lived at in2Action.  I received several certifications, including HVAC and refrigeration, among others.  For the past 2 ½ years I’ve worked as the HVAC Supervisor at Corporate Lake Townhouses, here in Columbia.  And now I supervise one of the current residents at in2Action who works here; and I wish I had ten more guys just like him! What helped me the most at in2Action was Dan (Executive Director) and Daxe (House Manager at the time) – because Dan stood behind me 100%, even when I needed surgery on my broken arm.  He picked me up at 5:45 am that morning, took me to the hospital, and five hours later when I woke up, he was still sitting there in the corner! 

And Dan just has that voice and that personality – full of authority and wisdom and inspiration – When Dan talks, everybody listens! I left in2Acton successfully after a little more than a year.  Unfortunately, some time later I relapsed.  After a stint in rehab, Dan allowed me to re-enter in2Action.  I stayed for three months that time, and it was what I needed to get back on track.If you are really serious and want to clean your life up and want to change your ways, in2Action is the only way to go – because it has changed me totally, 100%.   Even my family and my old running buddies noticed it.

Now I attend church at ‘Alive in Christ Lutheran’ whenever I’m not working, and I’m part of a men’s group.  I’ve been sober for sixteen months.  I’m living in a totally different world now, a more at ease world – because I’m not thinking in my brain, “where am I going to get the next one from?”  And I’m going to keep on doing what I’ve been doing, because it’s working for me.

[Editor’s note:  On June 20th Alan graduated from the Boone County DWI Court.  He is now eligible to drive again.  Congratulations, Alan!  He is pictured here with the plaque that certifies his completion of this 13-month, mandated program.]