Lee’s Story: The Man I Used to Be

Lee spent most of his life trapped in cycles of incarceration, addiction, homelessness, and survival. In and out of prison since the age of 18, he carried years of trauma, abuse, abandonment, and pain that followed him long after his release in 2019.

After prison, Lee met and married a woman who believed in him and encouraged him to seek help. But addiction continued to take control of his life. Alcohol cost him jobs, stability, and eventually his marriage. Over the years, he came through the doors of New Directions multiple times, each time struggling to fully break free from the cycle.

“I thought I knew everything,” Lee shared. “But when I finally realized I had a real problem, I started listening to suggestions.”

That decision changed everything.

Through New Directions, Oxford House, the I-CAN program, church support, and recovery meetings, Lee slowly began rebuilding his life. He committed himself to sobriety, worked through his trauma, found sponsors and mentors, and started focusing on healing instead of running.

Today, Lee owns a cleaning business, drives for Uber, recently purchased a new vehicle, and is preparing to pursue certification as a peer support specialist so he can help others battling addiction and homelessness. But more important than any material success, Lee says he has finally found peace.

“I thought money, cars, and things would make me happy,” he said. “But what makes me happiest is coming back here, sharing my story, and helping someone else.”

Lee now returns regularly to New Directions to encourage others who may feel hopeless, reminding them that recovery begins with honesty and willingness.

“If you’re here, you need help with something,” Lee said. “Be honest with yourself. Listen to the people trying to help you. New Directions can change your life.”

Looking back at the life he once lived, sleeping in tents, digging through trash, and cycling through prison and addiction, Lee says he hardly recognizes that person anymore. Today, he sees purpose in his journey and hopes to use his experiences to help others find their own path forward.

“I’m not that man anymore,” he said. “Now I want to give back.”