Roland Ramirez
is co-coordinator of the newly formed Alumni Association which allows former clients of Charlie's
Place to continue their involvement, to share
with others and to give back.
A reformed addict himself, Roland
understands as well as anyone what it's like to deal with addiction.
Following is his recovery story:
"I entered Charlie's Place in February of 1998 at the absolute bottom
of my life. I spent 8 1/2 months regaining my self. I have had three
surgeries since leaving nearly 10 years ago and the tools that I
learned at Charlie's Place pulled me through each time. I have been
a volunteer on and off and find that there is no greater
satisfaction than giving back what was so freely given to me. I look
forward to meeting the many people out there that found a new way of
life through Charlie’s Place."
Linda Bragg came to Charlie’s
Place in November 1999 without hope, without a future. Now, she is
co-coordinator
of
Charlie's Place Alumni Association. Following is her recovery story:
"When I came to Charlie's Place, I learned that indeed I was an
alcoholic, but I also learned that I had no idea how to live. Through
the staff and counselors at Charlie’s Place, I learned that I didn’t
have to be better, prettier, smarter or richer to be happy. All I
had to do was trust God, learn and follow the 12 Steps and my life
would take care of itself. I now have a wonderful life partner, loving
and caring friends, a job I love and enjoy, and a great relationship
with my parents. I am content with my life. Charlie’s taught me to
enjoy the good times, learn from the bad times and realize that
neither lasts forever. Every alumni is a miracle and a living
testament that there is life after addiction and it all started at
Charlie’s Place. I am proud to be a Charlie’s angel."