My name is Paul and I am a 35 year old alcoholic. I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. I am the youngest of three children. Growing up, my father was an alcoholic and a workaholic and my mother was a housewife. They divorced when I was 12 years old. Once they divorced, my mother was working all the time to support three kids and a big house. This left me with only my older sister and brother to care for me. My brother and all the kids in the neighborhood were drinking and using drugs. And since there were alcoholics in my family, everyone I knew drank, so I thought it was normal for people to be drunk all the time. So, wanting to be like everyone else, and to get people to like me, I started drinking and doing drugs. At first, I smoked pot all the time because it was easier to get than alcohol. Around the age of fifteen, I was working most of the time to support my drinking and drug habit. By 16, my drinking and drug use progressed so much that all I would do, when I wasn’t in school or working, was lock myself in my bedroom and drink until I passed out. I didn’t want anyone to get close to me and find out, so I didn’t have many friends or girlfriends. The only people I associated with were people I would use with or get my drugs and alcohol from. After I graduated from high school, my new stepfather and I didn’t get along and I got kicked out of the house. This was the beginning of my next phase of drinking.

     Living on my own there was no one to hide my drinking from. I could drink as much as I wanted as long as I was at work the next day. This went on until I was 23. By this time, the police department was getting to know me very well. So, I decided I would move to Florida to fix everything. Having no one down here to drink with, I started isolating more and more. This pattern continued through the age of 27 and I got my 2nd DUI within 2 years. Because of this, I went to jail and rehab and managed to stay sober for about 2 months. After I left rehab, my drinking got worse. It got so bad that I stayed drunk for days at a t time, only going outside my house to get more alcohol. After awhile, I didn’t’ have the ability to work. I went through a few detox programs and half heartedly attempted to go to Alcoholics Anonymous. But it never worked for me because of my failure to have a Higher Power.

     In 2005, I got my 3rd DUI and I knew I was going to go to jail for awhile. I didn’t think I could handle it. So, at the time, my best idea was to end my life by drinking myself to death. I was scared to do it any other way. Fortunately, my mother saw what I was doing and had me put in detox and sent back to jail to await sentencing for the 3rd DUI. While I was in jail, I had time to clear my thoughts and for the first time in many years, I decided I wanted to live a different life. While in jail, I was invited to go to a church service and immediately saw a joy and peacefulness in those people that I only dreamed of having myself. Because of that experience, I started looking into different Christian programs and I found the Next Step Center. This program was the first program I had been to that gave me a desire to have Jesus Christ become part of me and my life. Because of this yearning to have a relationship with him, I have found a new way of living that I always dreamed of. I now have many closer relationships with people in all areas of my life and now look for ways I can contribute to this world rather than run and hide from it. I owe this new life to The Next Step Center and all the people who have contributed their time, money and especially prayers. Thank you.

Paul      April 07

     What has happened to my wonderful little boy? Is he still in there somewhere? Sometimes I can catch a glimpse of him in his sober moments, but those moments are becoming few and far between. I can no longer fool myself into believing him when he says he is trying to get sober again. He is living with me after sixteen years of living on his own. Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne have seen to that, destroying his home. The hurricanes also forced the closure of our yacht detailing business. All this one year after my husband died unexpectedly. How much can Paul take? What can I do to help him? How can I fix things for him? Why can't he see what he's doing to himself? Did I do something when he was young that made him an alcoholic? Was it because I divorced his father? Whose fault is it? Is it mine? What can I do??? Paul was getting worse by the day. He was not working. He couldn't seem to find a steady job. What am I going to do? What I did was talk to my Minister.

     I needed help for Paul. He suggested I speak with two members of our church, both of whom are recovering alcoholics. I first called Bob. He offered to come and speak with Paul, but only if Paul was receptive. Paul said "no". Bob gave me some good advice. Go to Al-Anon, don't give him any money at all, don't allow any alcohol in the house, and have a plan for what I would do if he did use alcohol, and finally stick to the plan. He wanted to know how Paul was able to live. I had to admit he was living with me and I was supporting us both. How could I not give him money for cigarettes? I didn't want to treat him like a child. I wasn't ready to listen. I tried to talk him into a program but he wasn’t interested. What should I do? I called Marge the other of the two members and she told ME to get in a program. What was she talking about? Paul was the alcoholic, not me. She told me the same things that Bob had and repeated that I should go to Al-Anon for help and support. I was at my wits end.

     I decided to go to an Al-Anon meeting not expecting anything, just so I could say I had gone. I found out I wasn't the only person who had a loved one who suffered from an addiction. I could talk with people who had been through or were going through the same kinds of things. I learned I was not helping Paul by doing things for him he should be doing for himself. I learned to ask God for help. Paul was on a downward spiral. He couldn't sleep at night. He would be up all night drinking and stumbling around. Sometimes he would cook food and then pass out before he finished eating. His room was the proverbial pig sty. He did almost nothing but drink and sleep. Days would go by and I wouldn't see him out of his room. He had been in detox twice in 6 months. The second time he had a seizure and bit off part of his tongue. Now he was drinking and taking medication for seizures and depression.

     I made up my mind when I got home from work that day which was a Wednesday, March 8, 2006, Paul and I would talk. When I got home that day I couldn't wake him. I was angry but I was not going to give up. He was awake and only slightly drunk when I got home on Thursday. I was determined to have a discussion about rehab. I told him I had tried to wake him the afternoon before but couldn't. He told me that he had hoped he wouldn't wake up. I was frantic. Where was I going to get help? No insurance and no money surely didn't help matters. I went to work on Friday thinking I could probably go home and find my son dead. I called facilities in our area looking for help, suggestions, anything. The advice from everyone considering the circumstances was to call 911. On Saturday morning I called 911. The police and ambulance arrived. After speaking with me the officers woke Paul up and tried to get him to go voluntarily to detox. He refused. Eventually they had to baker act him. At that time the police officer found his misdemeanor charge for DUI had been changed to a felony DUI and he was arrested. He was taken to a hospital to be stabilized before being taken to jail. I thought that was the hardest thing I had ever done, but I was wrong. The hardest thing was saying no when Paul asked to be bailed out, and then sticking to it. I told him I would not bail him out unless he got himself into a long term rehabilitation facility. He was eventually given a list of facilities that were approved by the D.A.'s office. He asked if I would get him information online about the Next Step. I forwarded him the information by mail. He read it and asked for more information.

     I called The Next Step and spoke with Tina Cook, the Executive Director. Tina graciously explained the program, and its acceptance requirements. It sounded wonderful to me but, I didn't really think Paul would be agreeable. Tina said she would try to put an application in the mail before she left on a trip for a family emergency. Anyone who knows Tina knows the application was immediately mailed. She told me that in her absence, if I needed anything to contact the resident manage Bob Wilson. When Paul received the package he called to tell me the application was about ten pages long. I thought "oh no", it is too much for him already. Again I was surprised. He filled it out and mailed it the next day so Tina had it when she returned from her trip. I had a couple conversations with Bob Wilson which resulted in setting up a collect phone call interview with Paul from the jail. Miracle of miracles, Paul was accepted; now the waiting game… There were no beds available. It was close to the end of May when I was scheduled to leave for Massachusetts with my Mother for two months. I was so torn. How could I leave Paul here, in jail with no one to even visit with him once a week via a TV monitor at jail. I had to stay firm. Paul pleaded with me and made many promises about how good he would be if I would just bail him out to wait at home until a bed became available at the Next Step. I didn't do it. When the time came for me to leave on the 24 hour drive to Massachusetts Bob told me he thought it would be another two weeks or so before there would be an available bed for Paul at The Next Step. I had to leave, my mother was ready and my grand kids were waiting for me. I didn't know how I could do it, but I knew it was the right thing for me to do. Three days later, when we arrived at my sister's house, my cell phone rang and it was Bob Wilson at the Next Step. A bed had become available. Now, how would I bail him out? I made calls, arranged bail, Bob Wilson said someone from the Next Step would go to pick Paul up from jail, stop at my house to get Paul's clothes and stuff that I had put together before I left Florida and take him to the Next Step. It occurred to me then, that God had moved me out of the way, so Paul could begin the Next Step of his recovery. Paul and I spoke by phone every week; I could hear the change in him, certainly not all at once.

     Gradually,  meaningfully the changes came. Nothing in his voice prepared me for the wonderful sight of him, when I returned at the beginning of August. I was just in time for the once a month Next Step picnic. He was clear eyed. He no longer had the yellow skin color of jaundice, and was on his way to being physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. Since then with the support, guidance and structure of the Next Step, as well as the love of family friends and God, Paul has reached 13 months of sobriety. He has learned to accept himself and be more accepting of others. He has always had a good and caring heart. Now he knows that. He has learned to reach out to others both to give help as well as receive help. This is a very important step in reaching and maintaining sobriety. He is wonderful to be around. He has become a responsible, reliable, sober, Christian man. He smiles ..... 

Paula, mother of Paul              April 2007

My name is Tom and I am an alcoholic. I was adopted into a loving family at a few days old. Little did I know at age 5, when I was told I was adopted, that that fact would control most of my life up to 11 months ago. That when I was reborn and readopted into the Lord’s family! Looking back the need to be accepted and loved started at age 5 and that drive, which was a lie, made most of my decisions from then on. In order for me to be loved I had to work at it. Perfectionism and being a people pleaser showed through my grades at school, following my dad around like a puppy dog and my many friends. It worked, I was the one with the most potential, so they said. My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work, schooling, church and the value of a dollar. We wanted for nothing. There was no verbal or sexual abuse in fact mostly there were positive affirmations. So the question is why did I become an alcoholic? The friends were there, our family went on vacations, I had everything a young man could want and I had a great childhood!

Enter adolescence and a new school. Wow, no more uniforms at Catholic school. This was my first major decision, I begged my parents to change schools from parochial to public. Freedom at last! My self will began and my life changed completely! There wasn’t as much freedom, I found out, when I’m in control. Still I had it all; friends, good grades and soon to follow girlfriends. The major event that did take place in my life was me being sexually abused at age 14. It was a friend that my best friend and I hung out with. I went to his family’s farm and that’s where he molested me while sleeping over for two nights. I remember being frightened, scared and then angry. Once I got home I never saw him again. My parents had concern at the time, yet I was in control so why listen to anyone who might know better. That was a road sign I had missed. At that point on, my drinking and marijuana use, which was first occasional, took on a whole new meaning. I was angry at the world and began drinking before school, causing destruction of property, isolating, and doing what I wanted.

For the next 29 years I played the game most addicts and alcoholics know; skipping school, getting arrested, living from couch to couch, DUI’s, many broken relationships and jobs. At first it was fun, for about a minute, then the question to God was why me. During those 29 years help was offered many times but there was no real interest on my behalf thereby, one insane asylum, a few rehabs and a couple of halfway houses, all had no results! Then came the time when I made the decision that enough was enough, maybe it was because I was in jail serving a 10 month sentence on my 3^rd DUI. Moreover, I believe it was God who made the decision! Through His work in others and situations, I was lead into a program that was spiritual in nature. Having my doubts and fears but yet willingness, I proceeded to work the program. I struggled for awhile, yet praying everyday for what I hoped was the missing piece. It was! Jesus Christ had entered my life. The miracle they all say to wait for happened, the spiritual awakening! My life has not been the same since.

Many doors have opened since and I was lead to another program through circumstances only God can explain. The Next Step Center was the path chosen for me and I just did a little leg work. Through this program and a network of spiritual meetings; true friends and relationships have blossomed beyond anything this alcoholic could have ever imagined. The thought, care, protection and prayer that goes into every decision from the leadership of my new home, is one that looks out for the well being and continued growth of men that are willing to change their lives. I am extremely grateful for all the help I’ve received and now even ask for! Today’s goals and beliefs are continuing to grow and change due to Jesus Christ and the people the Lord has placed in my life. Relationships, freedom from bondage, joy, peace and love are now part of my new life. The past is just that, the past. I’ve been forgiven. Have you?

Tom D.           11/06   

A miracle occurred the other day.  It was not reported on the 6 o’clock news, but it certainly should have been. Actually, it was the icing on the cake …a wedding cake, but  I have gotten ahead of myself.  Twenty months ago when my husband and I dropped off our son Jacob at The Next Step Center, I automatically reached for my checkbook “You have paid for Jacob’s addiction for the last time," said Bob, the house manager.  "From now on Jacob will pay his way.”  I will never forget those words.  For some reason they gave me hope.  “Where there is breath, there is hope” had been my motto for years and that day I had hope that maybe we would not be attending Jacob's funeral within the next few years, as that seemed where he was headed. Over the next 15 months while  he lived at The Next Step he grew, not only spiritually, but also as a man; into a man that I am so proud.  Oh, there was turmoil in the house … conflicts big and small… LIFE… and for the first time Jacob was learning how to deal with it without self-medication in all of its forms. More   importantly,  his relationship with Christ grew to such depth that there are no words to describe it.  Every day of recovery is a miracle, but the icing on the cake was witnessing Jacob exchange vows with Tammy June 3^rd.  He said the first time he saw her, he saw Christ and described her as the woman God had designed to be his helpmate.  And he was right.  The day of the wedding I tried to thank Ron and The Next Step for being there when there was nowhere else to turn, but I was so overcome with emotion I could barely speak.  Now that I have the words, I wanted to let Tina and Ron, plus Bob, Bill, AA, Tommy, Celebrate Recovery, Matt, Rick, and every other person who prayed and counseled our son know how much we appreciate all of their support, care, concern, and love .  We are forever grateful.  It was the icing on the cake, as I said.  Jacob and Tammy's wedding cake.  

Susan W - Mother         July 06

My name is Tim. I grew up in Stuart in a loving and close middle class family. Since 1982 I’ve bartended to pay my bills. In the 80s and 90s I didn’t drink daily, but when I did drink it seems I always drank way to much. Over the course of 25 yrs of this, the problems started mounting up. I collected three DUIs that came with lost license, jail time, money problems, family issues, and relationship failures.  In 2001 all these problems came to a head when I lost a girlfriend. I started drinking every night, lost both my jobs, and had to move in with my parents who enabled me to continue to drink without working. This went on until May 27, 2005 when my mother passed away.  I started working at Cracker Barrel but continued to drink. In the beginning of Oct. I had an argument with my father and I went to jail. In Nov. I was released but I had no place to live and no money. So I started living I the woods. I got my job back at Cracker Barrel but immediately started to drink again. Friends paid for a hotel room for a week but after that I knew I would be homeless once more. During the course of that week I made so many phone calls tying to find help without any luck of all, nothing. I was desperate. I had shown up at Cracker Barrel still drunk from the night before and I knew I needed help. Nearing the end of my week the last phone number I tried was AA. Someone at the number said they would have somebody call me back. For the first time in a very long time I felt a peace in me. When somebody from AA called back and asked if I would meet him for coffee, I jumped at the opportunity. We talked for a while and I ended up asking him to sponsor me as I had decided to give up fighting. With my sponsors help, I found the Next Step Center and was accepted. The first day when I arrived I met Ron and Tina Cook and with there help I asked Jesus Christ into my life (the best thing I ever did). I feel Gods presence in my life every day now and with His help and the Fellowship of The Next Step Center I have had 4 months of sobriety.   

 Tim L.          May 06

Hi my name is Jacob.  I am 28 years old and have been a resident at The Next Step Center for fourteen months. In my past life of addiction I caused myself great pain and wound up in places I wouldn’t want anyone to be. Today I have found myself at a wonderful place in life I never imagined possible. Early in my sobriety I discovered and came to terms with the truth that life was sometimes difficult. Realizing that it is that way, I began to accept the fact that there will be hurts. However, how I go through these difficult times has changed. No longer do I need to use alcohol or drugs. Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Only through Him have I found the fulfillment in life which I’ve always looked for. In reviewing my past I see where He’s been with me and protected me all along. He identifies with my pains and understands my needs. The Next Step is just what I needed.            

Love always,

Jacob      Feb. 06

I’m 44 years old and have used drugs most of my life. Because of my addiction I have lost businesses, been in trouble with the law and was divorced after a 16 year marriage. From that marriage I have 2 wonderful children who love me and support my recovery. I have always believed in Jesus Christ but struggled with my spirituality and couldn’t stay sober. On January 14, 2005 I was incarcerated. That date has special meaning. It is my clean date and also the date my older brother took a fatal overdose years ago. While in jail facing serious time I came to know Jesus and made Him the Lord of my life. Thanks to Him my sentence was reduced to 1 year in jail and was able to come to The Next Step after serving 9 months. I have been blessed to be here. It has changed my life in such a positive way. It’s helping me to stay focused on the Lord and keeps me walking in the light. I honestly believe The Next Step is the right place for anyone serious in their faith and wants help and recovery. People see His light in me.  

Mike C.       Jan 06

My name is Russell. I arrived at The Next Step 6 months ago. At the time I was facing a 5 to 6 year prison sentence for my 8th alcohol related arrest during my 35 year drinking career. Alcohol took everything from me in life that had meaning including the woman I loved. While in jail waiting for court I asked God to either destroy me or change me once and for all. Miraculously at the last minute the Judge offered to sentence me to The Next Step Center in lieu of prison.  This came unexpectedly and indeed turned out to be the hand of God. Since that time I have changed dramatically. I have grown in my understanding of God’s love and forgiveness and am finally at peace with myself. I know now how he wants me to live my life. I am grateful to be here and I know God brought me here not only for my own benefit but also for those whom I can share His message of love and hope with today and in the future.                                                                          

Russell L.         Dec 05

     Last year at this time, I found that the spiritual program I had relied on for strength and hope was just about gone. Over a period of time I had started running my life as I thought it should be run in order to survive. One job had ended and I quickly found another and the company offered great hope and had benefits for my health and I was told how great those benefits were quite frequently. I was certain this was my future.  

     After being hospitalized for a serious medical problem, that insurance I valued so much and had been without for years, was never in effect.  I suddenly found myself feeling hopeless, alone and depressed. After a period of weeks I recalled one dark evening that I had a conversation with God that early morning in December when I thought I was going to die. I recalled I made a commitment to myself and to God that if I survived, I was to do whatever His will was for me.

      The next morning, I stopped struggling and gave up the fight to run my life on my own and asked for help. I walked away from my old life with help I sought from professionals. I heard about The Next Step Center and spoke with them. I was accepted into the program the following day and knew at that point that God was doing for me what I could not do for myself. Feelings of forgiveness, love and hope returned. In my previous years of recovery, I had felt a strong spiritual strength inside but those feelings had diminished. 

     Since January of this past year I committed to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through The Next Step Center and their love and care for me, I feel God’s presence in my life daily like I had never known before. With gratitude, I try to serve Him daily and be an example of His work in my daily living.

I would like to start by thanking God, without him I would not be here or where I am at today.  I spent about seventeen years stuck inside of my head creating my own make believe world.  Thinking I knew what everyone thought and expected of me.  This created great emotional fear and dishonesty which lead to a very unspiritual way of living.  Also, with no help from drugs or alcohol, this became a way of life for me the only way of life that I knew at that time.  As I watched my life crumble before my very eyes I felt trapped and had no way out of this lifestyle, heading straight for doom.  Certain that this was going to happen, I used what little energy I had and reached out for God’s hand.  I went to a twenty eight day treatment center and upon completion they referred me to The Next Step Center.  I was kind of leery at first but I spoke with the Director and he made me feel very welcome.  I now reside here at The Next Step and have been a client for over five months now.  In those five months I have gained a new life.  I truly believe that I have found myself and a wonderful relationship with God.  I am knee deep in Alcoholics Anonymous and its twelve spiritual principles.  I no longer live in fear and I am becoming more spiritually fit with each passing day.  I would not trade anything for the life I have today and for everything this program has given me, I am grateful.  

Tommy H.       12/04

     My life had led me to this. It was December a week from Christmas. I was in intensive care again. I knew this before my eyes opened. The brain is a wondrous thing. It connected the rhythmical hiss-click of the respirator to the swell and ebb of air filling my lungs.” You know this," it said. "This is not new," it concluded. I was angry. Self directed hate and disgust. The sum total of my life was this: 59-year-old male admitted with acute pneumonia due to continuous inhalation of heroin. Patient has 46-year history of drug and alcohol abuse with subsequent chronic hepatitis and recent diagnosis of chronic myeologenous leukemia. My anger turned to despair. My mind sought for self -justification, some rational explanation, something to blame for the wreckage of my life. It found emptiness, a cold void without spirit. I started crying then sobbing silently, the breathing tube preventing the sound from emitting. Like a mute I cried out "help me God oh God please help me".  Five days later, I transferred to a detox facility. I was weak, shaking all the time. I had no idea, no plan, and no agenda. I needed help... 

     You must understand I was not a religious person. I was a skeptical agnostic. When they told me at the detox I needed long term treatment I gave no argument. I was beaten, powerless, grasping for a straw like the drowning man. Wither by happenstance or design I came across the number of The Next Step Center, that emphasized spiritual recovery and I called the number and spoke to the director. At the end of our conversation, he asked me to pray with him. I cannot remember the exact words he spoke. I was not embarrassed or uncomfortable. He asked God to enter my heart and fill it with his love so I might know peace and he asked God to give me strength to aid me in my recovery. Afterwards, without really thinking about it, a sense of inner peace overtook me. It is very difficult to describe this experience in words. There was no white flash or blinding light. It was more like an awareness of possibility, a pathway leading out of despair. I had no idea where the path would take me but I knew I had to follow it.                                             

     I cut my ties to my existing life, packed my meager belongings and boarded a plane for a twelve hundred mile flight. I had no clue what to expect when I arrived. I was full of fear and apprehension, distrust and suspicion. After a few weeks of settling in to the busy routine of meetings, discussion and chores, I felt more at ease, more open-minded, willing to change. One of the requirements was to attend a non-denominational church service every Sunday. To my own amazement, I enjoyed going. I felt safe there, more of that “at peace” feeling. One Sunday, by design or happenstance, I came to the service wondering about God’s love. What did I ever do in my life to be worthy of anyone’s love? Towards the end of the service, the pastor asked for those who would like to receive the grace of God to come forward. I came forward. I had my eyes closed as I listened. He spoke of Jesus as the savior and God as the father. It was at this point that I became aware of a presence, a comforting force. It was like being in two places simultaneously; my feet were on the ground and I could hear what was being said yet I was in a space of total detachment with no earthly bonds. I cried but this time they were tears of joyous freedom. The chains of my guilt ridden past were removed and I could clearly see a path to follow.   

     My life became incredibly easier at once. I started praying each day. In the morning, I would give thanks to God for all the good in my life and ask for his guidance. In the evening I would review my day and take responsibility for the wrong then ask for the strength to carry out His will. If in the course of the day, I became confused about choice or decision I asked for His help.I gained strength both physically and spiritually. I wanted to serve God. No one told me this. My heart swelled with so much gratitude for the peace and serenity I was experiencing and I did not want it to stop. You must understand that my entire life had been about self-conflict and abuse. I began by volunteering at the local hospital running errands for the staff and escorting patients. A few weeks later, the church asked for volunteers with a medical background to go on a mission to Haiti. I had been a medic in Vietnam so I secured permission from The Next Step and signed on for a 7-day stay. I did not know how I was going to pay my plane fare but I was sure that if it were God’s will then a way would appear. It did and I went to Haiti with a team that ministered to the medical needs of a small mountain village. We did not change things in Haiti.We just brought this simple message" God loves you and there is hope by accepting Jesus Christ". I give this testimony in hoping that someone in despair may find a path to follow.

Bobby B.      2004

Frank D.      Aug 04

Unlike most of the clients of the Next Step Center, I came into the program with over 1 1/2 years of sobriety. Even though I had all this sober time under my belt, I was hanging on by a thread, to the little bit of sanity I managed to muster up. I was mentally, emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. I knew I needed help or relapse was inevitable. I then went on the internet and found The Next Step Center’s website. Immediately, I knew that this program was for me, even though it meant picking up my roots and moving 90 miles away. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with open arms and hearts. Immediately my journey began. Therapy, process groups, Bible study, Spiritual Journey workbook and meetings, meetings, meetings. I haven’t looked back since and have dedicated my life to Christ recently. My life has never been better or had more meaning. My sincerest blessings go out to Ron and Tina for making this program available to me and anyone else who is serious enough to take this leap of faith.With sincere blessings,          

Cory T.            Dec 03

In July of this year I made probably one of the best decisions of my life. I was spiraling downward and decided I needed help.  I decided to call the Next Step. I have been to several programs before but The Next Step incorporated Christian values as well as a twelve step program. I knew before going to The Next Step that I would receive useful tools before graduating. I realized after graduation, had I only got what I had hoped for I would have short changed myself tremendously. Recovery in my opinion is about changing behaviors, not just putting down the substance. I was given the opportunity to work on my behaviors in a therapeutic environment. I credit The Next Step with my new ability to live a well balanced life that includes God, my recovery and the ability to enjoy life without the use of any mind altering chemicals.

Mark J.       Dec 03

   "     "My name is Todd and I live at The Next Step Center. God is so good. He is forming in me a new creation and changing me in a way I thought impossible. Now I can be all I can be in Jesus. He is the power and the peace in my life. God, through me, has shown others that it is possible to live again. God is teaching me to examine my life and understand why I used to think and do the things I’ve done.  I’m gaining skills I need to live through Christ in this world.  I’m learning the framework for a new life as God’s son. Through this experience at The Next Step Center, my life is new, real and focused on Christ. "

 Todd      Sept 03

My name is Robert. I arrived at The Next Step Center on June 14, 2002. I had just spent 60 days in jail because of my incessant use and desire of alcohol and drugs. I knew there had to be a better way to achieve a life of joy and happiness. I accepted Jesus into my life in jail and nothing in my life has been the same since. Leaving jail, I was homeless, no money, no job and divorced. My wife barely wanted to speak to me let alone see me. Today I work for an electric company. I have been with them for three months and they are sending me to school to further my education. I see my wife  every weekend and my two beautiful loving sons. My wife and I have a very good working, loving relationship. My sons and I are developing a true love for each other. I have six months clean and sober, with a belief it will continue. All I did was what I was told. To be honest, open and willing. By the grace of God who led me to the Next Step Center I have hope for my future. I have been given a secure environment, leadership, love and direction. I’ve learned humility and gratitude for all that I have today. Today I’m the richest man in the world. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would not have made it this far without my Lord and God and the Next Step Center. I will always owe them a debt of gratitude. 

Robert B.         Sept 03

It is my firm belief that any program for successfully coping with addiction to alcohol or drugs must have three essential elements. One is the dedication to a twelve-step program, which enables us to work through our spiritual and emotional issues, clear away the wreckage of our past and promises us a bright future. Another is living in the fellowship of others who have similar experiences and are committed to a new live free from substance abuse. We have found that dealing with our disease requires us not only to rely on others for help when we need it, but to be there to provide it as well. The remaining and most important element is building a strong personal relationship with God. It is only through that relationship that we truly begin to know inner peace and find that we no longer need substances to fill the void within us. I have often heard this compared to a three-legged stool, which, without any one of the three, would be unable to stand. The Next Step Center has provided an environment where I could focus on and solidify these elements in my life.       

Wic B.        Sept 03

Wic died sober in 2007  ~  We will miss him

My name is Mike K. I am forty years old and came to The Next Step Center seven months ago in complete despair and with no hope for life. Today after being given a new lease on life, I have hope and meaning. I am very grateful to the Lord for opening my eyes to see again and to Ron and Tina for opening the door to The Next Step. They have helped instill structure in my life and have poured out their love and compassion upon me. I really feel loved and accepted here and I can’t say enough about The Next Step program and what the Lord has done in my heart.

Mike K.         Sept 03

When I was a little kid, my parents told me about God, but when I grew up, I did not believe in God. I began using drugs when I was 15 years old and all my life, I blamed myself for ruining my relationship with my father.  In this program, God showed me that the relationship never existed and that left a big hole in my heart.All my life I have been in and out of programs, and never because I wanted to. That changed in 2001. I went into a program for 30 days. They recommended I stay longer, but I didn’t and ultimately, I used again soon after.  That’s when I began searching for God by going to church everyday, and I found Him, but I eventually used again, and this time around, I really lost control of my life.  I felt powerless, so I asked my pastor for help and I ended up here at The Next Step. In this program, I got closer to God and was able to give Him my life 100%.  I was able to listen and do everything I was told, even if it was something I didn’t want to do or something I didn’t understand. Thanks to The Next Step, my faith in God grew, and today all I want is for God to guide my life, and for me to please Him.  I truly believe that God sent Jesus to die for me—to free me from the chains of sin. Thank you, God!  And bless Ron & Tina

Mauricio   May 03

My name is Kenny. I am 40 years old and  I have been struggling with full blown drug and alcohol addiction for 15 years. Looking back I see my life was in turmoil way before then. Failed marriage, fatherhood, friendship and career opportunities were just a few of my problems. I grew up in a Christian home but I chose a different road. It led me to jails. treatment centers, Psyc. Wards, homelessness and complete despair. Many times I prayed for Gods help and He was there for me but money, material possessions, job promotions, etc. became more important to me. (Sounds like Matthew 13:22,23 doesn’t it.) As a result I remained miserable and I continued to return to my addiction which turns me into a liar, thief and a low life. I believe today that God let me do what I had to in order to completely surrender to Him. Since then amazing things have been happening in my life. The desire to drink and drug has been removed. My number one priority today is building a personal relationship with God. I have come to find out that it’s not that difficult. Through prayer, working the 12 steps of AA, meetings and church I’m being changed. God is providing a solution to all my problems today. Anything is possible, all I do is ask Him and let Him.    

Kenny M.            Oct 02

Dear Rev. Cook, I would like to thank you for your time and support. I’m still in the Martin County Jail. I should be going to prison in a couple of weeks. The day you came to see me at the jail I was moved and relieved. The acceptance I had after that meeting was so totally unbelievable. I was so scared the day before. I was anxious about everything and at my wits end. The peace that I had in the courtroom that day is indescribable. I was cool, calm and collect. Until that point in time I had felt so alone and thought that I was totally untrustworthy. I knew and always felt that God was with me and that He had carried me through. I’m so thankful for this time He’s provided for me to try to make amends to those I’ve harmed. I’m looking forward to entering your program after my stay in north Florida. I know God has truly blessed me and shown me a brighter light to walk by. Again, thank you so very much for your time and effort. Here’s in hopes of seeing you soon. I wish you and your family the best of luck and health.  

God bless you, Anonymous

A very structured program, Bridge To Life has helped show me the way to a drug free life through the help of Christ. Living my life as an active alcoholic and drug addict left me homeless on the streets of south Florida. After trying to do things my way and failing, I decided to try something different. I left West Palm Beach with only a little more than thirty days with no drugs or alcohol. I headed to Delray Beach on a prayer that I may find some guidance in my life with the help of Jesus. Upon arriving here I met Ron and Tina who took me into Bridge to Life with no money. They told me about their Christian based 12 step program and how it worked. I made a six month commitment to stay here and work the program that they had outlined. I didn’t like everything they told me, but I was so afraid that I would return to my active addiction I did anything they asked of me including Bible studies and Church. I didn’t like the idea of going to church at first but once I went, I felt a feeling I had never felt before. I felt loved and cared for and the presence of the Holy Spirit was better than any drug that I had ever used.  The result of the program is a positive outlook on life. I’m more responsible, I’m employed and a productive member of this community. Most importantly I have found the love of God and Jesus. This way of life is beautiful. Thank you Lord, Ron, Tina, Bridge to Life and the Church.     

God bless you, Chad S. August 01