Jake Nuyttens

 

In 2012, I met a man who came to the treatment center I was in to speak about a place to stay and live after I completed my 62 days there. I had no knowledge outside of interactions with my therapist and the treatment community on what sobriety, recovery and moreover, a successful life without drugs or alcohol looked like. My family and friends had exhausted their resources and energy with me and I figured, "Well, I guess I'll give this halfway house thing a try." 

With nothing to my name besides some clothes, I went to Pompano late on a Thursday night and met some of the guys that I would be rooming with. The manager of the halfway house sat me down on the back porch that would come to be one of the places to turn my life around and said "Well, all we ask is for you to be honest and to give this thing a shot. Make your bed. Work steps. Get a job. And be on this porch every Friday night at 5:30 PM." So, my journey began. I think about the life I live today and I look back on the 2 1/2 years I spent at Trinity. I give full credit to the lessons I learned, the people I met and the foundation it gave me to the man that I am writing this. 
I walked into Trinity a 25 year old boy and those that lived there helped me become a man. Sure, they impressed upon me the 12 steps and the AA way of life. But moreover, they taught me how to be a responsible man, answer for my actions and decisions and be a part of the surrounding community. I used to take and use everything and everyone to my advantage. The men and ideals that Trinity instilled upon me helped me see the fault in that way of life and how to be a contribution to life rather than a taker. 

A simple testimony can only say so much. This place changed my life. This placed saved my life. I do not think I would be alive today if it wasn't for Trinity. There are a ton of halfway houses throughout the South Florida recovery community. I cannot speak towards the validity of those places as I only went to one. That was all I needed because I was ready to make the change. And Trinity helped show me the way to do that. The men of Trinity do not care about your background, what you have or have not done. They care about one thing and that is becoming a responsible and good man. 
What I was taught is invaluable to me this day and I am confident it will continue for the rest of my adult life. Today I am a son, a brother, a friend and a good person. I'm getting married in six weeks and hopefully starting a family soon. I never thought that was something I could attain but due to the lessons and people I have met, it's happening. 

I owe a debt of gratitude to Trinity that I don't think can ever be paid back. This place was my home and will always hold a special place in my heart. I know myself and countless others can say that they would send any man that needed help and guidance to Trinity. Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you are struggling, there is help out there. It's people like Jason that guide the way and show those how to change and live successful, happy and meaningful lives. 

Thanks,Jake N