*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of our residents.
This story is a classic example of how someone can try and fail multiple times before finally finding success. Sometimes people come to MATS who are not completely ready to make the drastic changes needed in their life to become self-sufficient and finish the program successfully. Often, they leave and end up right back where they started...that's where Marshall* found himself the most recent time he came to us.
Quite some time ago, Marshall went through a divorce, and in his lowest point, he turned to drinking and drug use to try to solve his problems. He got clean and sober then relapsed several times--in the process, ruining his relationship with his son and causing himself severe health issues. Even though he was still quite young, he had heart issues and ended up needing to have heart surgery.
During all of this, Marshall had been to MATS twice and left the program too early without following all the way through with saving his money and preparing to live on his own. But the third time really was the charm! He came in with a whole new attitude, ready to submit and fully commit to the program. He was tired of the lifestyle he had been living and desired to earn back his son's respect.
Marshall came in, saved up enough money, and found a good apartment. Since leaving the shelter, he has restored his relationship with his son and even got himself a little dog to help keep him company. He is happy and doing well.
The moral of the story? It doesn't matter how many times you fail. What matters is how many times you choose to get back up and try again.
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