Striving to Become A Man of Integrity

We are proud to share a story on Isaac, a client who has journeyed through a few of our programs on his road to recovery. Isaac has been through the Skagit Community Detox Center in Burlington, working with Seth Peebles, the clinical manager, and the center’s staff; met continuously with and assisted by Shelly Miller, our FCS Supportive Housing supervisor- North Sound Region; and worked with Amber Morris, one of our Peer Bridgers.

Pictured from left: Amber Morris, Isaac, Shelly Miller

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Shelly Miller, FCS Supportive Housing supervisor shared the following story:

I have had the privilege of working with Isaac as his Supportive Housing specialist for the past four years. During our time together, I’ve witnessed Isaac navigate the complex challenges of addiction, mental health struggles, homelessness and involvement with the criminal justice system. There were moments when Isaac showed real progress, staying sober and housed in various programs, but unfortunately, old patterns would often resurface, leading him back to homelessness and despair.

Isaac’s addiction continued to progress until it reached such a low point that, at times, all I could do was just keep showing up and simply be there –offering support, connecting him with treatment resources, sharing information on overdose prevention and handing out boxes of Narcan – just in case.

It felt as though there wasn’t much more I could do to help him get back on track, yet I refused to give up. I knew, from all our years of working together, that Isaac had a deep desire for something more in life, and that kept me going. I continued to provide resources, support, and most importantly, hope – always praying he would eventually accept it.

Despite being entrenched in his addiction, Isaac remained committed to meeting with me. He expressed time and again his desire to change and turn his life around. As his addiction worsened, his legal troubles also mounted, culminating in his participation in the Skagit Community Court program. It was during this time that Isaac received a pivotal ‘Nudge from the Judge’ – a final push to either pursue treatment and recovery or face prison time for the growing legal charges against him.

Seth Peebles, clinical manager, Skagit Community Detox, shared, “I have seen Isaac at high moments and low moments where I was concerned for his safety and wellbeing. When Isaac is well he is engaging in services and building his peers up around him. However, I have also seen him extremely dysregulated and feeling isolated from family and friends.”

Seth continued, “Isaac has it in him to live a happy and healthy life; a life that includes engaging in the recovery community. It brings my great joy to know he is stable, happy, housed and in recovery. Thank you Shelly for continuing to advocate for him. I know every time I have seen him in detox, I was pleased to know he was alive and that Pioneer staff did not give up on him – or anyone – and continues to offer a chance for change.”

Isaac was determined to break free and made the decision to request a long-term treatment program that could address both his addiction and mental health issues, hoping this would give him a better chance at sustained recovery. He also enrolled in Pioneer’s Peer Bridger services, that provides clients with extensive support during their transition out of treatment and into the community.

Shelly shared, “I truly believe this was a turning point in Isaac’s journey.”

Isaac stated, “Since my relapse in 2020, I’ve struggled with my addiction and getting back on track. I lost all hope and gave up on my life. Since 2021, I’ve been working with Supportive Housing specialist, Shelly Miller; and the Peer Bridger, Amber Morris, since 2024; and between the two of them, they never gave up on me. Today, I am 10 months sober.”

As Isaac began his treatment, Shelly continued to visit him at the facility, helping him resolve issues with previous property managers while exploring options for a housing program that offered the higher level of support he recognized that he needed to stay sober. Each visit revealed a more clear and focused Isaac—someone who was no longer just fixated on “getting sober,” but was committed to building a lasting life of freedom and recovery from addiction.

Shelly said, “I will never forget the day Isaac said to me, ‘I’m done being a piece of trash. I want to be a ‘Man of Integrity.’ I want to do the next right thing and hold myself accountable to living a higher standard than I ever have before.”

This declaration marked a significant shift. Shortly after, Isaac found a 12-step sponsor to support him both during and after treatment, and he made the decision to move into the Rise Recovery Housing Program, which specializes in supporting individuals involved with the criminal justice system, including participants in Skagit County’s Drug Court and Community Court programs.

His Peer Bridger, Amber Morris, played a crucial role in ensuring Isaac stayed on track, attending his court hearings and engaging in recovery-related activities like Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and 12-step meetings.

Amber said, “I started working with Isaac when he came into our Skagit Community Detox Center. When I meant Isaac, he had just been released from jail and shared how hopeless and defeated he felt. I explained the Peer Bridger program and reminded Isaac that if he was interested in having a peer and was willing to participate, I could walk this journey with him. Isaac then started crying and we sat and talked about his recovery journey. I also shared some of my story and of how I felt the same way he did when I decided to change my life and began my own recovery in 2012.”

Amber continued, “Isaac shared that at one time he had been sober four years – then I saw a spark in his eyes. We began working together right away and Isaac made a plan to go to a 90 treatment program. I visited Isaac weekly in treatment and what a transformation! Each week Isaac had a new goal he reached and shared in meetings and he went back on to his mental health medication. Now our visits were full of hope and how Isaac was meeting each goal.”

“Isaac completed a 90-day inpatient treatment, moved into clean and sober housing at Rise Recovery, finished his Intensive Outpatient Program and secured a sponsor. We then went to all of his community court cases, and he finally graduated from community court. His growth has been amazing and he has been a joy to work with all this time. We have had many laughs and tears along the way. Isaac is now giving back and sponsoring others in the program. That ‘man of integrity’ and much more has been a true blessing to my recovery,” Amber concluded.

Now, approximately six months after completing treatment, Isaac remains stably housed at Rise Recovery House. He has secured a steady income and manages to pay his own rent each month.

“I have worked with Isaac for many years. There were many times we thought he would be just another statistic. To see him now is nothing short of a miracle! The change in his life is wonderful to see,” said Randal Simmons, manager at RISE Recovery Housing.

Isaac has regained his driver’s license, purchased a car and obtained insurance. He has successfully completed the Community Court Program and resolved all of his legal cases, even those in other states. Isaac is now very excited about being in the process of getting enrolled in services at the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for additional support and resources in reaching his career goals of becoming a diesel mechanic. Most importantly, Isaac is now a beacon of hope in the community, sharing his story and offering encouragement to others who are still struggling.

Isaac shared, “I am sponsoring other men and carrying a message of recovery. Every day, I’m working towards becoming and staying a ‘Man of Integrity.’ The services provided by the Supportive Housing program and the Peer Bridger program played a vital part in my journey to recovery. I’m super blessed to have these amazing women in my life and I’m grateful to the work they do with individuals out in the community at large.”

Shelly concluded, “Isaac is an incredible role model, and his transformation is a true testament to his growth and dedication. He has truly earned the title of a Man of Integrity.”