March 7, 2012

Cycling through Life 

By J.P Smith
For the most part i spent my growing up years in Virginia. I graduated from ODU in 1982 with a BS in Psychology and by that time I knew I was an alcoholic. Immediately after college I began drinking 24 hours a day. 

I recognized my addiction to alcohol and attempted to practice sobriety many times. As with many other alcoholics I tended to relocate often in order to “start over” with a clean slate and new friends, etc. Before coming to Earl’s Place I lived in many places including Virginia; the Outer Banks of North Carolina; Florida; New York City; Princeton; New Jersey; Los Angeles, California; Puerto Rico; Mexico City, Mexico; Lexington, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; and Hawaii. I loved traveling and all of the adventures, but in the end I always brought my worst problem along - me. I was admitted to hospitals and detoxes in every city and state I lived in; most of the time for alcohol overdose and chronic alcoholism.

 

I knew that in order for me to get any long-term sobriety I would have to live in a structured environment. I seriously doubt that I would have been capable of maintaining my sobriety and progressing in such a positive way without the stability, care and guidance that Earl’s Place has provided me up to this point. I hope someday to be able to give back some of what I have been given so freely. Updates forthcoming. 

 

Click here to read more of John Paul’s story 

February 14, 2012

Happy (you choose the name) Day!



February 14 is Valentine’s Day, a day we typically remember our sweethearts with chocolates and jewelry. Last year Sasha Dichter proposed an alternative to Valentine’s Day;Generosity Day.

Sasha said, “Give to people on the street. Tip outrageously. Help a stranger. Write a note telling someone how much you appreciate them. Smile. Donate (more) to a cause that means a lot to you. Take clothes to Goodwill. Share your toys (grown ups and kids). Be patient with yourself and with others. Replace the toilet paper in the bathroom. All generous acts count!”

We invite you to celebrate Generosity Day – let us know what acts of generosity you choose or were the recipient of.

If you would like to make a donation to Earl’s Place in honor or memory of a loved one you may do so here. $18 = one day of hope and housing for a man. Sending you warm thoughts and virtual hugs – every day of the year!

January 30, 2012

Isn't it time for you to take that plunge? 

I will never forget my first session with a man named Kevin. He had never used a computer before. As I showed Kevin a tiny slice of what was available on the Internet, he had a question about whether there would be information on-line about one of the largest flowers in the world, Titan Arum, about which he had recently seen a television show. He had a doubting friend, and wanted to show him that the plant was real. It did not take long to find a web site with the flower, and Kevin wanted me to print some of the information, which I did. We found another site and he wanted me to print more. And again. As the printed pages began to add up, I could see Kevin realize that he had just tapped into a huge well of knowledge about the world. It was a thrill to be there with him as he discovered the Internet. By the time he graduated from Earl's Place he had his own laptop and was continuing with his avid interests.

Those are the kinds of encounters that hooked me: being able to assist with useful skills and being present as the world suddenly expanded for another person. What keeps me coming back, working on the Board, donating, is the feeling of hope and success at Earl's Place. The men are working hard at rebuilding their lives, and they are for the greatest part succeeding with the help of a small but thoroughly dedicated staff. The men believe in themselves, and they are making enormous and positive changes in their lives. The energy inside this small community of men is powerful, and being involved with it is fulfilling and rejuvenating. Isn’t it time for you to take that plunge?

Click here to read the full story of David's experience as a board member.

Interested in becoming a board member of United Ministries? Please Contact Sheila at unitedministries@verizon.net or call us at 410.522.0225

September 12, 2011

Sammy had nowhere to live since the late 80's, so he stayed wherever
he could to survive. He left Earl's Place with a state job, an apartment of
his own -- and a heart that can feel again. Read Sammy's transformation,
in his own words. 

August 10, 2011

Young people and from The Power Project at St. Francis Neighborhood Center spent a few hours with us helping with outside clean up and planting, baking cookies, and making PB&J sandwiches for bag lunches
for the Supper Club soup kitchen.

July 1, 2011

We wish you a safe and happy July 4th! While celebrating the independence of our nation, our residents will be celebrating their independence from drugs and alcohol. Andre, a Marine Corps veteran, shares his story on getting free from addiction.

June 9, 2011

"I wanted to be in an environment where I could work on me." That's what Emerson told Dan Rodricks when he and two former Earl's Place residents were featured on Midday on WYPR yesterday. Missed the show? You can still hear Emerson, Gabriel and Luke talk about their struggles with addiction and the support they found at Earl's Place which enabled them to buy a home and graduate from college.