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 …
No juvenile drug court
Filed under: salvation army drug treatment program
The adult courts are still in place, but the state government has seen fit to disband a juvenile version of the main program – a change questioned by the NSW Law Society, the Salvation Army and others in the juvenile justice system. It was late last …
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Salvation Army's Back to School Shopping Spree
Filed under: salvation army drug treatment program
The children were filling there baskets with new pants, shirts and shoes…and there was plenty of excitement for everyone that was part of the treat. However, The Salvation Army is still in need of donations for school supplies. If you'd like to help …
Read more on KZTV Action 10 News
Drug Clinic To Ansonia: Pay Us Or We'll Sue
Filed under: salvation army drug treatment program
A company that tried to open a drug treatment program on Main Street is threatening to file a lawsuit against Ansonia unless the city coughs up about $ 532,000. The Recovery Network of Programs tried to open a clinic at 158 Main St. in 2010, downstairs …
Read more on Valley Independent Sentinel