Family Stories : Marc

I was arrested on November 6, 2011, the day before my birthday. I had hit my rock bottom and needed a change in my life. I was interviewed and accepted into Drug Court and was released from Deschutes County Adult Jail in early 2012. My clean date is my birthday, November 7, 2011. I cherish that date because I really was born again that day.
While participating in the program, I was taught life skills, communication skills, accountability, structure, parenting skills, had a firm agenda the whole way through and learned the entire way. I learned to be responsible for myself and my actions. I learned how to reach out when I needed help instead of telling myself I could “handle it.” The Drug Court Team was a huge part of my success. They provided me with resources and outlets that I would have never known about or used had they not revealed them to me. I was in the program for about 15 months and graduated on March 18, 2013. Upon graduating, I was also released from parole after 19 years.
Since graduating the program, I gained trust between me and my significant other, whom now is my wife, and my children now know that I will be coming back home to them when I leave. My parents have both told me they are proud of me and my accomplishments. My side and my wife’s side of the family are proud. I’m proud of who I am today. I have a healthy home and it’s a safe home. I spend quality time with my children and family. Through resources affiliated with Drug Court I’ve managed to get my driver’s license. I am a couple classes away from my Associate’s Degree in Exercise Science. I’m a productive member of society. I am now employed by Best Care Treatment services as a Certified Recovery Mentor and I am giving back what was given to me. Hope and Help.