I would have never thought I’d be where I am today. I rely on God, and I believe Cedar House is where it all started.

Joe came to Cedar House “hungry for change”. He was tired of living a life filled with drugs and alcohol. His life was consumed with fighting, breaking promises, and feeling miserable. 

It was really terrible. Every time I drank, I wanted to fight. I turned into a different person.

Several DUIs, broken relationships and severe injuries later, Joe was blessed with a family intervention. His sister and brother-in-law came to his house to encourage him to seek treatment for his addiction. Joe surrendered and decided it was time to change his life. Initially, though, Joe struggled with beginning rehab. His first attempt at entering treatment was foiled when he got drunk on the way and missed his appointment. Once he was admitted to Cedar House’s residential program, he found himself wanting to leave and resisting change. He said, “I had the mentality that no one could tell me anything.” But all that changed once he was able to see clearly, change his ways, and learn about his faith. 

What touched my heart and changed my life was when they brought people to share their stories. I thought, ‘I want to do that. I want to come back and tell my story.’

After one month and 34 days, Joe graduated from Cedar House and continued his spiritual journey. He began attending church regularly and getting involved in a recovery group ministry. His newfound faith and sobriety gave him a new lease on life and greatly impacted his family dynamic. He became “the light and the bridge” for his family with consistent prayer and support.

I love learning and reading the word of God.

He also enrolled at Valley College to pursue a career as a drug counselor and graduated from Leadership University at his church. In both, Joe is able to share his testimony with others suffering with addiction. He’s honored to fulfill that mission as part of his recovery and his faith.

I’m fully committed to God. I want God to use me fully to help more people.

– “We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found.” – Luke 15:32