Real Stories of Change
I have my own story which I will be willing to share with you. I have encountered and helped many people along the way. Their stories remain confidential to be told in their own way on their own time. As will yours. I have a daily blog where you can publicly tell your story and see others’ comments and interactions.
But here are a few that wanted to be featured here. Names are changed as to adhere along the same lines as AA meetings or similar-type venues.
I met Sharon at a substance use meeting and found out what she does. Her guidance was priceless. I had never been arrested for anything, much less something as serious as a DWI. You need an advocate. Your probation officer is not that person.
Patricia R.
I was on my way home from a happy hour event with coworkers and found out the hard way my car was an informant. Only a block away from my house, I accidentally ran into a neighbor’s mailbox. Doing the right thing, I got out of my car and proceeded to write a note saying that I would contact the owner in the morning and work out repairs. Before I was finished, the police pulled up. Come to find out my OnStar system on my car reported I had been in an accident. Since I was the only driver, I was arrested for DWI. I was given Sharon’s name by the bail bond place as a person to talk to once I was convicted.
Deborah T.
I cannot express what a relief it was to know I had someone in my corner to help me understand the road of probation. And to support me through the shame and how to handle the stigma of being convicted for a substance use crime. I am a medical doctor and was leaving a professional convention event. Along the way home, I had a flat tire. While changing the tire, a police officer pulled up to see if I needed assistance. At that point, he smelled alcohol. The rest is history.
Dr. Sarah M
Boy do you need someone to understand the complicated system of probation. I got into my pickle seemingly innocent, you would think. I was sitting at home watching the game and throwing back a few beers waiting on some buddies to come over. I get a call from one of my friends telling me he just got arrested for DWI and could I come and help with bail.. Of course. So I grabbed my keys and headed out. Not thinking about the fact I had been sitting innocently at home drinking, and not realizing that I, too, was driving while intoxicated, I got pulled over. DWIs don’t just happen to those staying out at bars all night.
David C.
Sharon and I met in jail. She was doing weekends and I was in for a couple of months continuously. Nonetheless, I eventually got released to serve the rest of my probation time. I called Sharon and together we navigated the next few months until I successfully completed my sentence.