For this month’s alumni spotlight, we spoke with the Life Rebuilders’ Food Service and Hospitality Supervisor, Brian W. Brian came to Life Rebuilders as a resident in 2013. He made the choice to go through transitional housing experience after coming out of an addiction treatment center. “I wanted to continue with the way things were going… I just wanted to continue on with the way things were going and the position I was in. I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to keep my progress. I wanted a safe place. I didn’t feel like I was quite ready to go back out yet. Everything worked out and Life Rebuilders has helped me tremendously”.
After graduating from the Redemption House program, Brian was hired on as a staff member to cook for the residents of Life Rebuilders’ Minneapolis houses. He continues to live at the Life Rebuilder’s self-pay Isaiah House. Isaiah House is an independent living property, and is often a resident’s the final step in the Life Rebuilders’ program before a resident moves on to their own apartment or home. For now, Brian is eager to stay and help, “I never dreamed I was going to work here and here I am, working here! I couldn’t ask for better people to work with. They’ve helped me get my life back on track, and I’m just really grateful for the way things have turned out. It’s been six years now. It’s just… God works in great ways , I never would have expected it to work out like this, but it did. And I’m glad it did! I’m here to stay until he needs me somewhere else.”
Brian says the best, and the most difficult part of his job, is now seeing new residents come into the program, like he did six years ago. “It can be tough with new guys that come in. You’re dealing with different kinds of personalities, characters, all the time- and it never stays the same. But the rewarding part is actually seeing the guys that do make it. When they come back, they visit, they still hold a job, they come back to say hi- it’s rewarding just to see them come back and see that they’re doing good”.
These days, Brian has a lot to look forward to. He’s excited to have a job he looks forward to coming to each day, and he’s hoping to get his driver’s license soon. However, the biggest change in his daily life is simple- a feeling of peace. “You know, everyone still has their chaotic days, but mine was constant… mine was everyday. There was no hope, because I didn’t know where I was going. You know I was getting older and seeing people my age, they knew what they were going to do. They had their jobs, their homes, their families, and all that… and here I was. Now I have peace and something to live for. I’ve never had that, so at least I know I’m on the right path.”
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