Donny's Story

Journey to Freedom
How the program works: The first 30 days of the program seeks to reach three goals: objective evaluation, a recognition of the need for recovery, and gainful employment with the development of a plan to become financially responsible.The second phase of the program emphasizes the biblical concept of a new identity upon which new coping strategies are built. Family issues and historical failures are specially addressed. When possible, amends are made and reconciliation is sought with others who may have been harmed.The final phase of the program is devoted to learning how to relate to others in a healthy manner. The personal recovery plan is not really complete until it is demonstrated in positiverelationships. Donny is living proof the program works The “Journey to Freedom” is already being used successfullyby other recovery centers “I’ve had a problem with drinking and drugging since I was able to drinkand drug. Maybe a little bit before that! Safe Harbor is my third rehab. What I learned here is thatmy problem wasn’t really the alcohol. It was what I believed about myself and about other people.“We start out thinking that we’re not worthy at all, so we have these self-centered behaviors,these false motivations to reach these false goals. But when we get there, all we have is thistemporary satisfaction and a vague sense of emptiness. Then we just start the cycle all over again.“The other part is that when we believe that we are worthy because of what Christ has done,then we have Christ-like behavior which leads to an eternal satisfaction. Today, I have a yearand three weeks clean and sober. And that’s only because of what God has done for me and what theytaught me at Safe Harbor." "It’s been an awesome experienceI feel totally different. I have a good job again. I’m just glad that the Lord saw to give me one more chance toreally find myself. Today I feel like a decent human being.I have a lot of peace, and I’m gaining peace every day.“I’m looking forward to doing something for God. I’m nota speaker, and I’m not a teacher, but I can play music, andI can write songs. ...as long as you touch lives doing it.”