Tim Comes Full-Circle From Client to Employee
“We keep what we have by giving it away.” This is a saying that means sharing what you have with others can enrich your life. It also refers to the idea that giving back to others helps you maintain your sobriety.
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At Pioneer, we love sharing full-circle stories! Tim is a former client at Pioneer Center East (PCE) in Spokane, and today he is an amazing employee at PCE working as a residential treatment specialist. PCE provides semi-secure, intensive inpatient treatment for men who battle chronic substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
DECISIONS
Tim had a history of struggling with drug use and reached a point where he knew he had to make some difficult decisions because of his addiction. One of his hard decisions was to separate from his wife who was not ready to get clean and sober with him and was continuing to use.
There were a series of programs, starts and relapses, that Tim went through during his recovery process. After detox, he went through the former Pioneer Center North residential treatment program and was introduced to Pioneer’s programs. He was doing great in his recovery for several months until life’s hardships hit him. Tim was very affected by the sudden death of his sister and fell into a depression. A relapse followed as he dipped lower and lower with his mental health struggles.
CHOOSING TREATMENT
Eventually, Tim ended up in Pioneer’s Ituha Stabilization Center in Oak Harbor where he entered the detox program and was diagnosed with depression. The staff worked with him to refer him into a residential treatment program. Tim shared, “When I heard that there was a bed available at PCE I agreed to it because the program specialized in both substance use disorders and mental health issues. Also, the program was located in Spokane, removing me from my connections on the street that were a constant source of temptation.”
“I focused on my recovery while I was in PCE and learned coping skills and other tools that have helped me with my triggers. The mental health aspect being addressed was also very powerful to understand the ‘why’ of addiction,” Tim said. He added, “Every Sunday, the Family of Faith Community Church comes into PCE to speak with residents in treatment. Their ROAR clean and sober living program was introduced to me and after I finished the treatment program at PCE, I was accepted into ROAR and moved right in securing safe and drug-free housing.”
Tim’s decision to live in the faith-based ROAR housing program came with strict demands that have proven to be beneficial. Accountability for your actions, following the structure that is provided, and daily support from staff and fellow residents have been a recipe for success for Tim.
EMPLOYMENT
Years ago, Tim worked with people with disabilities. An employee at PCE had recognized Tim’s passion to help others and suggested he consider working with people in treatment that are going through what he had faced. Tim applied for a position as a residential treatment specialist at PCE and was hired and trained on the job.
Cont.
Tim commented, “I wanted to be able to help others. I believe in the quote, ‘We keep what we have by giving it away,’ he stated. Tim continued, “In my position as residential treatment specialist I keep track of the census on who is leaving and when, who needs medications, and who needs to get to their treatment programs on time. I also ensure that clients are eating their meals, taking showers, and I am always monitoring listless or erratic behavior.”
“I love to witness the clients who don’t want to be there- don’t want to participate – and then slowly start to engage in the program. Helping others overcome their resistance to treatment is so rewarding, it makes all the work worthwhile to witness the victories.” Tim stated.
Jodi Janssen, Residential Treatment Services manager, said,“Tim is truly dedicated to his recovery and being of service, championing the idea that recovery is possible for everyone. Tim role models recovery in a tangible way. His passion and drive, as well as his choice to utilize his lived-experience as a source of strength and hope, have made Tim a valuable addition to PCE. He is also a resource to the individuals we serve, helping them begin their own unique recovery journey.”
Recently, Tim shared that he is studying for his ‘peer support’ certification to expand his skills. He is taking the 12 modules that teach human relations, human-to-human care, thoughtfulness and many other tools for working with individuals in treatment.
Tim concluded, “I can now state I am a Christian and admit all of my faults. My work, studies and my housing program keep me motivated in my recovery. Also, I could not ask for a better team to work with at PCE. Jodi Janssen is the best boss anyone could ever ask for. Everyone is so supportive and we all watch out for each other. It is a healthy environment that allows you to grow and improve yourself. I love that I have the chance to help others in my work.”