Stanley’s Story
Stanley first came to Mel Trotter Ministries while dealing with a deteriorating living situation and substance abuse. “I was on a downward spiral of losing my place,” Stanley said. When he first arrived at the Mission, he was in despair and overwhelmed by his struggles. “I think I was still pretty much numb from the fact that I’ve allowed myself to deteriorate to this point, to need this level of help and just feeling kind of hopeless,” he said.
After being in and out of emergency shelter for years, Stanley said yes to joining the recovery program, despite this initial reluctance, saying, “I wanted a tooth fairy to come down, tap me on the head with a wand, and poof, I have a new life. But it takes a lot of work.” During the program, Stanley confronted the issues that had held him back for so long, and it was here that he began to see improvements and rediscover his purpose.
Stanley also joined the Momentum program, which is a four-week training in essential life skills needed to acquire and sustain employment. “They make it easy. They give you a schedule. Typically, we got up, did chores, and started class with a devotion from a staff member,” Stanley said.
During his time at Mel Trotter, Stanley also received comprehensive health services through the clinic, including managing his high blood pressure which was important for him to pass the physical for his new job. “I started getting my health together, which I had been neglecting. I had high blood pressure, and I got medication through the nurses while I was here,” he said. “Every morning, they are going to feed you. Every afternoon they are going to feed you. Being in the program, we got lunch too. The food was great—it was nourishment every day,” Stanley said.
He also benefitted from financial literacy, personal development, and time management classes through Momentum. “My credit score was like 420. That affects everything and some jobs won’t hire you if you have poor credit, much less a place to stay. I never thought about any of that until I went to the financial class and took some suggestions that were given to me. Now I have a credit score of about 715 and it has been less than a year,” Stanley said.
Thanks to faithful partners like you, Stanley successfully completed the recovery program, secured a livable wage job and has a place he can call home! Now he is focused on giving back to the community that supported him during his time of great need. He volunteers regularly at Mel Trotter, offering his time and experiences to help others who are walking a similar path.
Reflecting on his time at the Mission, Stanley said, “They gave me opportunities. And that’s what this whole place is—it’s an opportunity. You have to take advantage of it.” When asked what the most important thing he learned was, he said, “Just the gift of hope. It gave me hope…I just needed to get my foundation right and my support system around me.”
He is taking that hope with him as he looks to the future. Stanley’s journey is far from over and he knows that the road ahead may still have its challenges. But with the strength and skills he has gained and the community he has found, Stanley is ready to face whatever comes next. He said, “The key to success is when preparation meets opportunity. And I’m just preparing myself for when that opportunity comes whatever it is.”
