Mackenzie Brister
My name is Mackenzie Brister and I became a client of Transitions Housing on March 20, 2009.
I entered Transitions after completing Bradford Inpatient Rehab in Madison, Alabama. During my stay
at Bradford I lost a very close friend to drug addiction, so when I left Bradford I wanted to go somewhere
that would further help me recover from my substance abuse problem. I was broken down and I hated myself,
my life, and everyone around me. I just wanted a new life, a better one. Transitions gave me that choice for
a better life.
Transitions gave me the structure and guidance I needed to build a foundation in my recovery. I always
had access to 12 step meetings and I always had someone to turn to when I was struggling. Transitions
even enrolled me in Intensive Out Patient at Skyline Madison Campus, which taught me so much about
addiction and how to cope with some of my issues. I never felt alone living in Transitions; I always
felt love and support. For the first time in my life, I actually felt like I was able to make something of
myself, like I was worth something. I was treated as an adult and not just another screw up. In return, I
started acting like an adult. Today I actually want to be a member of society and I want to take on responsibility
for my life. Without Transitions, I do not think that would have ever been possible.
I graduated Transitions on June 20, 2009. I am starting college as a freshman at Nashville State Community
College this fall and I will have six months clean next month. I am currently still residing at Transitions; I
plan to move sometime within the next month. I am a House Manager and through Transitions I have gotten involved
in service work. I help out with new clients and do as much as I possibly can to give back to Transitions what
they have given me. Truly, I could never give back to Transitions the opportunity and hope they have given me.
I wouldn't have grown into the person I am or valued life the way I do if I hadn't had this experience.
Jeff Martin
My name
is Jeff Martin, and I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. Because of the care and help of
the staff at Transitions House alcohol and drug program, I am well on my way to a bright and promising future.
In November of 2009, I was released from prison to Transitions. I came with only my prison belongings and the
hope that my new start at life would be as easy as possible for me. I was welcomed with opened arms, and was
given bus passes, food stamps and some clothes. I was well on my way! These things were some of the worries
I had in my preparing to leave prison, and I was grateful that they helped me with these things.
It was difficult at first to find a job. But I was given great job leads by the staff, and even rides to
some of my appointments. And low and behold I was hired driving a forklift for a local warehouse. Things
were looking up for ole Jeffro. I now had some money coming in and my self worth was on the rise also.
I was getting very involved with Alcoholics Anonymous, had a great sponsor, and was progressing in working
the 12 steps of this fellowship. Life was great!
As I progressed in the program at Transitions, they gave me an opportunity to be the house manager at one
of their houses. I was unsure of myself and not sure I was up to the task at hand. I was reassured by the
staff and began some of the greatest spiritual and personal growth I have ever experienced. Through some of
the decisions that I made in my new position, I have been able to acquire the tools to manage a house
successfully, and help others work through personal problems at times. These things are key to a life
filled with helping others I believe, and being able to be a productive member of society.
I am now on my way to The International Center for Missions in Lindale, Texas, to begin my training in
foreign missions communications. From prison bondage, to missions college! WOW!!
I want to thank Ann and Dana with all my heart for the patience and love they have shown me in my stay
at Transitions House. Through their program I have gained self confidence, responsibility,
financial stability and some life long friends. I thank God for placing me there and will never
forget the love and growth I experienced there.
