ETHAN (client story)
Ethan was homeless at the time of his HRC admission, displaced from his family for cultural misunderstanding of his behaviors related to Autism and ADHD. The environments of temporary shelter placements were challenging. Law enforcement brought him to HRC under the homeless initiative.
Ethan, 19 years old and barely 5ft tall, arrived at HRC with long, unwashed hair, limited hygiene skills, and a withdrawn, hopeless demeanor.
Staff compassion and support seemed to breathe life back into Ethan. He received a haircut, assistance with scrubbing dirty feet in the shower, clean clothes, plus McDonald’s meals with onion rings (donated by the staff) – simple things we take for granted meant the world to him.
He remained at our center for three months without incident, awaiting access to housing through our partnership with The Beacon. Ethan has a huge heart and became part of the HRC family alongside so many staff and clients who also adored him.
A group home for males of Ethan’s age finally had an opening. He was placed in a private room this month. Ethan reports being happy and is thriving – having gained weight and landed a job helping with administrative tasks for $10 an hour.
“My past was terrible. Homeless. I don’t want to share it. I was nervous about how things would work out here [at HRC]. Now I have hope. I don’t feel alone. I am excited about life. I have made friends for life.” – Ethan
JAX (staff story)
“HRC saved my life.” – Jax
Five years ago, Jax was 32 years old and homeless. She came through HRC’s doors, admitted by law enforcement, wearing only one shoe. Now employed by HRC, she capitalizes on life experiences to help clients reconnect with themselves, others, and life, inspiring them to believe they, too, can turn their lives around.
Read Jax’s story below…
“Hello from the other side.”
– Jax, HRC Recovery Support Specialist
As a Client:
“I came to HRC on June 15, 2021. I called 911 earlier that day. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I was going to die if I stayed out there [on the streets] another second. I had nothing left but my breath. I was bankrupt. Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and financially. I had abandoned all hope. I had been addicted for over 20 years. Addiction is a progressive disease. It only gets worse.
If you don’t die. Law enforcement brought me here. To HRC.
This place saved my life. It was my launch pad to build a new life. They sent me to treatment after 3 weeks. I will have 5 years of clean and sober time on June 15, 2026.
As an HRC Employee:
I became a peer recovery support specialist and now work in the sobering center. I know what the people [clients] are going through here because I am them. I will forever be grateful to HRC. Every day, I look at the bed I was in when I was here and defeated, and I see hope.
I have lived 2 lives. One before HRC and the one after. I don’t regret the past, nor do I wish to shut the door on it, because I see how my experience can benefit others. I learned that in Alcoholics Anonymous.”
HRC operates a true peer support sobering & recovery model where the lived experience of all of our staff is the “secret sauce” of engaging people with complex social and behavioral issues. Staff have been in our clients’ shoes. And clients sense it.
“I am not my sister’s keeper. I am my sister. I am not my brother’s keeper. I AM my brother. I don’t serve my brother/sister. I am my brother/sister.” – Staff motto
Jax and Precious are now Independent Living Mentors for Ethan and continue to support and guide him in community life. They FaceTime with Ethan every day.
