I had just started working at a fast-food place when I met a young lady who had HIV but I didn’t know. She appeared on my doorstep strung out. I tried to help her, but it ended up pulling me down. After about a year, she got very sick. . . I ended up taking her to the hospital, and the next morning she died in my arms.

About a month later, I got sick with diarrhea and night sweats. I went to the Health Clinic, and the doctor informed me that I had the virus. . . From that point on for about five years, I plunged head-way into drugs.

During this time, Betty R. told me to come in and talk. I found a home at Channels of Love. I knew I belonged there. As I kept going there, I decided I needed to change my life.

But after a time, I went back on drugs. I stopped going to Channels. Then, Meg began visiting me in a non-pushy way. I made up my mind that I needed to get myself together for my daughter because I was the only one there for her.

I went to AA, got a sponsor, got clean, and have been clean for ten years now. I am back involved with Channels. I love this place and these people. Every time I come to Channels, I leave with a feeling of happiness and security. I can always talk to someone there like a burden has been lifted off of me.

* for privacy, client names are changed