RED’S STORY

I am a night staff worker and member of the Granada House. I have 27 years of sobriety “One Day at a Time”. I am surrounded by other members who have just as much sober time or more.

I started out as a teenager who was academically doing great—in a year’s time, from age 15 to 16, I got into all kinds of trouble. I joined the army at age 16 to avoid jail (I went in under a different name.). I completed my army tour and was honorably discharged. I returned to school, graduated from Brighton High School, went to work, got married, started a family, and went back to school (Wentworth) to get a degree in engineering. My alcoholism went with me. I needed more money, so I took a job bartending in a night club. I put school on hold, and never went back to Wentworth. My earning ability was better than average, but my family had to settle for less. My denial really short-changed my family. My company folded, and the property was taken by eminent domain. I started collecting and bartending—an alcoholic’s heaven. I ended up working for the City of Boston. A drinker’s heaven—or a trip on the “Titanic.”

I was a full-blown alcoholic. I was 38 years old. And I accepted this life style. I was sick—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I entered SECAP (St. Elizabeth’s Program). Shortly after detox, I joined the Granada House recovery team and eventually became part of the night staff. I was also working with the City of Boston “E.A.P.” (Employees Assistance Program). Between the two programs, I had the ability to facilitate the recovery of residents of the Granada House and others in recovery programs. I was responsible for helping other members to become useful members of society.

We at the Granada House help the homeless regain a positive lifestyle, families to re-unite, residents in money management, others to get their GED’s, many people go back to school and get college degrees or union apprenticeships, people with disabilities, and every one of our residents to learn and be accountable.

I am surrounded by other caring staff members—a priceless asset to my own life style and continuous recovery.