Addiction Recovery that Works
During the month of September, we’re raising awareness about addiction recovery and celebrating the individuals whose lives have been transformed on their journey toward recovery.
That is not to say that addiction recovery is limited to a single month of the year. Rather, this is the season we join with like-minded organizations throughout the nation to speak to the power of healing our communities by transforming the lives of individuals who are struggling with addiction. Men like Kyle, who started using drugs as an 11-year-old, and men like Michael, who was regularly sleeping on the sidewalk in front of a public library. When they were at their lowest, both men met someone who told them about Men of Nehemiah.
Men of Nehemiah is not just another addiction recovery center. We are a Christ-centered organization that exists to rebuild the men whose lives have been torn apart by drug and alcohol addiction. We serve each man and his family as he is restored to the person God has created him to be, reunited with his family and community.
Our unique model combines the latest research-backed clinical services with compassionate spiritual care and a one-of-a-kind military structure. We have served more than 1,400 men over the last 12 years. 87% of the men who have completed our nine-month program and continue in our sober living after-care community have been drug and alcohol-free for a year.
“I was a 28-year-old dope fiend causing chaos, but today, I’m fully employed, providing for my family and children. This is a radical transformation. I’m able to be all these things because of the transformation of Jesus Christ.”
Michael’s Story
Before Men of Nehemiah, Michael, now 52, “was at the end of my rope,” he says. “Things were pretty bad. I was sleeping on the sidewalk in front of the library, and at night I would get sheets of cardboard to sleep on. I ate anything that anybody would give me because I had no money, and I couldn't stay sober long enough to keep a job. I was at my absolute worst.”
Sometimes, when the weather got to be too much, Michael would spend his days at a place called OurCalling. It was there that he met Tyrone Choice, a Men of Nehemiah alumni and former staff member. Tyrone gave him a card and told him to reach out when he was ready for a change. Michael says he put Tyrone’s card in his pocket and two days later, he gave him a call. Tyrone picked him up less than an hour later and brought him to Men of Nehemiah.
Initially, Michael says, the program was hard. “You have to really want to get better to get through the program.” But, he says, “I was at my wit’s end. I was willing to do anything and everything the staff told me to do so I could get better. I wanted something different in my life.”
Since entering Men of Nehemiah, Michael has been sober for about 15 months, the longest he has ever been sober. He laughs when he describes himself as “fat and happy!”
“Every morning I wake up grateful. I’m grateful that I’m getting out of a bed. I have a toothbrush and toothpaste, the smallest things. I can go to the refrigerator and get something to drink if I want it. I have a job. Now, I’m walking with the Lord. ”
Rand’s Story
At the age of 30, Rand had spent nearly half his life in a state of active addiction. As a teenager, he began drinking and smoking marijuana, which soon led to harder drugs like heroin and methamphetamine. During that time, he says, “I went through everything that comes with that lifestyle.” Eventually, Rand went to prison because of his struggle with addiction.
While there, he decided that he was going to stay clean, but “within a month after prison, I relapsed.” That’s when a close family member brought him to Men of Nehemiah.
Initially, “it was a culture shock,” Rand says. “I saw the structure, the drill sergeants, the men in uniforms. But about a month in, I felt like I belonged. The community, the brotherhood, and just sharing this experience—it really resonated with me. Because it was hard, this experience taught me to show up, regardless of how I feel.”
“I tell my friends all the time, it was the best part of my life that I never want to do again.”
At Men of Nehemiah, Rand found a community of people who supported his journey toward recovery. He found his "tribe.” Since graduating, he has been sober for five-and-a-half years and now works as our Director of Community Engagement.
“Men of Nehemiah completely changed my life. I’m married, I have a family, and I’m in the process of purchasing my first home. My brother went through the program, too, soon after I graduated. It really brought a lot of healing to my family. It brought everyone together.”
A Lifelong Commitment
Drug and alcohol addiction is destroying lives in our community—not just the individuals who are struggling with addiction, but their loved ones as well. However, with the help of our supporters, Men of Nehemiah is bringing effective, lasting transformation to the lives of men like Aundray in Dallas.
“Men of Nehemiah has done so much for me. It’s shown me how to be a man, to be a brother, to be a better father, to be a son to my family. It has shown me that I can be a man of God.”
Recovery from addiction is a lifelong commitment. Only in the context of hard work and loving, unconditional relationships can healing take place. This September, as we come together to recognize the hard work of the men who are experiencing transformation through the Men of Nehemiah, we would like to invite you to follow us on social media and visit our website to listen to the testimonies of the men we serve. Please help us continue our mission to rebuild lives and restore families that have been torn apart by drug and alcohol addiction by making a gift of support today.