Society of Saint Vincent de Paul North Idaho
Given the Chance to Change
By Rodrick Haller
I used drugs since I was about 10 years old; meth, LSD, pot, whatever was around. I was an IV drug user for 25 years and also did over 10 years behind bars.
I was in several treatment centers for my drug abuse yet I continued to put dope before my wife and kids. I would go to any means to obtain them. I hated people and myself.
I was raised with God in my life and going to church. Yet, it seemed the only time I wanted Him was in my hour of need when I was in trouble.
I missed out on my kids growing up because I was either high or in jail. In 2001 I was on my way back to jail again. I just wanted all this crap to end. I did everything in prison to change my criminal thinking and past ways.
I took an intense, 9-month treatment in prison to better myself. After completing that successfully, I was told that if I had a place to go to they would release me. Because of my past none of my family wanted me around. Not my parents or my brothers even. However, St. Vincent de Paul allowed me to parole out to their men’s shelter. Part of the rules of the shelter is to volunteer two hours a day for your room and board if you’re not working a regular job. I worked hard and the people were very supportive at St. Vincent’s.
I went from volunteering to a part-time job and then finally to a full-time job, which I have had for almost three years. Never in my life have I had a job this long!
I was able to go into St. Vincent’s Transitional Housing Program. There I met a special lady named Nancy who has two boys, William and Charlie. I had prayed for a family and God gave me one.
Nancy and I now have our own place and I am living a healthy and happy family life. Since being serious about my sobriety, I’ve made amends with my family. They are proud of my success. And I am especially proud of the bond I now have with my father.
I love my job and life now. I would not trade it for anything. I like working with people. Helping others gives me a joy I can’t explain. I owe a special thanks to St. Vincent staff: Lynn, Margaret, Earl, Rick, and Harold, as well as other co-workers. Those I work with have made life for me and my family the grandest I ever felt.
Recently, I applied for a home from Habitat for Humanity. Even though there were over two hundred on the list before me, I ended up being selected. I am now going to be a homeowner! People say you can’t change, but you can if you really want to; I’m living proof. I would not be here where I am today without God and St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you all for showing me how to really and truly live.
Always remember that God will never put you through anything you can’t handle. Don’t ever give up! If you who are reading this ever feel that I can help you in any way, come by the Coeur d’Alene store and ask for me, Rodrick Haller.