HopeStories.ca – Verissimo’s Story
HopeStories.ca – Verissimo’s Story – To the outsider he appeared to function normally. But behind the scenes, Verissimo was a full-blown cocaine addict. Once a successful businessman earning six figures, he never dreamed he would be homeless at age 42. Verissimo, known to his peers as trucker, grew up in a drug-infested community in the heart of Toronto. He smoked his first joint at age nine on a dare. What followed was 26 years of drug abuse and criminal behaviour. When I owned my trucking company my cocaine use escalated, says Verissimo. The drug kept me hyper and awake for four to five days at a time so I could make quicker deliveries. I eventually met a girl, had a son and stayed clean for five years. Then we separated. My son went with his mother. I was devastated. I couldnt cope and fell back into my crack cocaine abuse. The drug made me feel like superman—like I could handle anything. I started to hang out with shady people. Before long, I was involved in criminal activity. This led to a conviction and I was sent to Torontos Don Jail. For four and a half years I lived in a three-foot-wide cell. When I was released I was homeless. I had nothing and no one to turn to. My family had abandoned me years ago. While in prison, I was told of The Salvation Armys Turning Point, an addiction and rehabilitation program for men. I was familiar with the address. It was a shelter for the homeless in my old neighbourhood. I called my sister for help, something I had never done before. I was crying uncontrollably …
TWO LIVES TURNED AROUND
Filed under: salvation army drug treatment program
He was in and out of rehabilitation programs, but his addiction continued. What began as a fun high turned into a means of trying to feel "normal." Tate says he would typically need three rocks and … They have become regulars at Shoreline Church, and …
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YOUR PLACE TO CALL HOME: Realtors support work of Salvation Army
Filed under: salvation army drug treatment program
The St. Charles corps facility at 2140 N. Fourth St. in St. Charles offers a variety of services, including emergency financial assistance, emergency shelter assistance, food and nutrition programs, community recreation programs, and alcohol and drug …
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