Testimonials
Testimony Tuesday: Travis
"Before I came to Safe Harbor I was a meth addict. I was far from God and thought I could take this life on by myself. I was mad at the world. I lost everything because of my own doing. My daughter, my home, and everything else I owned to a drug.
I became very ill 6 years into my addiction with meth. I was so sick that I almost died. It was God calling me home to my mother. I went home and I detoxed myself. After 2 weeks of being sick and not able to keep anything down. I knew if I went back to the streets I would fail.
I prayed one night, I asked God to give me what I need and what God wants me to do with this life I've been handed. The next day my friend called me, she got out of jail I've not seen or heard from her in almost a year.
I was told I was in trouble with the courts and needed a way out of my lifestyle and addiction. She told me this guy named Troy. It was called Hustle recovery. I called the next day after Thanksgiving. I told Troy what was going on and he said he would surely help me. He even paid my ticket on the bus to make it out here in Bucksnort!
Now I'm nine hours away from home. I feel free from my chains. I've learned that God has never left me and I have a gift to help others. It's my purpose to help others in this world of pain and disparity. I have been renewed and healed through Christ Jesus. I must keep Jesus in my life always and apply God in everything. With out faith and grace and mercy I would be nothing for I am nothing only through Christ Jesus have I found my life. Life I've had always just fell off the wagon. Thank you God. ALL THE PRAISE TO YOU! GLORY BE TO THE FATHER THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT FOREVER AND EVER AMEN!"
"Before I came to Safe Harbor I was a meth addict. I was far from God and thought I could take this life on by myself. I was mad at the world. I lost everything because of my own doing. My daughter, my home, and everything else I owned to a drug.
I became very ill 6 years into my addiction with meth. I was so sick that I almost died. It was God calling me home to my mother. I went home and I detoxed myself. After 2 weeks of being sick and not able to keep anything down. I knew if I went back to the streets I would fail.
I prayed one night, I asked God to give me what I need and what God wants me to do with this life I've been handed. The next day my friend called me, she got out of jail I've not seen or heard from her in almost a year.
I was told I was in trouble with the courts and needed a way out of my lifestyle and addiction. She told me this guy named Troy. It was called Hustle recovery. I called the next day after Thanksgiving. I told Troy what was going on and he said he would surely help me. He even paid my ticket on the bus to make it out here in Bucksnort!
Now I'm nine hours away from home. I feel free from my chains. I've learned that God has never left me and I have a gift to help others. It's my purpose to help others in this world of pain and disparity. I have been renewed and healed through Christ Jesus. I must keep Jesus in my life always and apply God in everything. With out faith and grace and mercy I would be nothing for I am nothing only through Christ Jesus have I found my life. Life I've had always just fell off the wagon. Thank you God. ALL THE PRAISE TO YOU! GLORY BE TO THE FATHER THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT FOREVER AND EVER AMEN!"
Testimony Tuesday: Kyle Serritella
Intake pic - 11/13/2020
Current pic - 03/22/2021
"I grew up in a very frustrating household. I witnessed things that the average child wouldn't. The state took me away at a very young age. I've had a rough life since an adolescent. My decisions led me to using drugs and being in and out of jail. Before I was released from jail my mother passed away. I didn't know what to do anymore or how to cope with her passing. Using has done nothing but cause a catastrophe in my life. I've lost a lot of things I worked hard for due to my addiction. I decided that I couldn't do it on my own so I decided to seek help. I heard about Safe Harbor through a mutual friend that was in the program already. There was a bed available for me so I came. Being a Safe Harbor has taught me that my life is not over with and that it's never to late to accomplish things. The biggest thing Safe Harbor has taught me is that you don't have to be high to be happy."
Intake pic - 11/13/2020
Current pic - 03/22/2021
"I grew up in a very frustrating household. I witnessed things that the average child wouldn't. The state took me away at a very young age. I've had a rough life since an adolescent. My decisions led me to using drugs and being in and out of jail. Before I was released from jail my mother passed away. I didn't know what to do anymore or how to cope with her passing. Using has done nothing but cause a catastrophe in my life. I've lost a lot of things I worked hard for due to my addiction. I decided that I couldn't do it on my own so I decided to seek help. I heard about Safe Harbor through a mutual friend that was in the program already. There was a bed available for me so I came. Being a Safe Harbor has taught me that my life is not over with and that it's never to late to accomplish things. The biggest thing Safe Harbor has taught me is that you don't have to be high to be happy."
Testimony Tuesday: Payton Plunk
Intake pic - 02/03/2021
Current pic - 02/22/2021
“My life of addiction began at the age of 14. Growing up I had both parents but still I felt all alone and empty on the inside. I didn't know how to cope with all the stress and anxiety so I tried to mask it with substances. My nephew passing away didn't help a bit at all either. We were really close. I thought doing these things would take the problems away but all it did was make things spiral more out of control. I went from one substance to another. My addiction has done nothing for me but lead me to jail and rehabilitation programs. I'm thankful that my probation officer referred me to Safe Harbor. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me how to have patience. It has also taught me to communicate. While being here I've learned so much. The list could go on and on. Most importantly while being here I have learned to seek God more and to reach out to him.”
Intake pic - 02/03/2021
Current pic - 02/22/2021
“My life of addiction began at the age of 14. Growing up I had both parents but still I felt all alone and empty on the inside. I didn't know how to cope with all the stress and anxiety so I tried to mask it with substances. My nephew passing away didn't help a bit at all either. We were really close. I thought doing these things would take the problems away but all it did was make things spiral more out of control. I went from one substance to another. My addiction has done nothing for me but lead me to jail and rehabilitation programs. I'm thankful that my probation officer referred me to Safe Harbor. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me how to have patience. It has also taught me to communicate. While being here I've learned so much. The list could go on and on. Most importantly while being here I have learned to seek God more and to reach out to him.”
Testimony Tuesday: Jeffrey Nicholson
Intake pic - 01/09/2021
Current pic - 02/15/2021
"Before I came to Safe Harbor I felt really lost. My drug use had become unmanageable. I began to lose everything including myself. What lead me to Safe Harbor is I got tired of living the way I was living. I feared for my life and that I would die in the mist of being high. Before coming to Safe Harbor I thought that my life would be over. Since I've come to Safe Harbor I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. Since I've been here God has been blessing me tremendously. Being here has taught me to trust God and I have also learned patience. Learning to trust God has been a big accomplishment for me. I feel a lot better about life today. I now have a job and something to look forward to. I also have friends in sobriety now."
Intake pic - 01/09/2021
Current pic - 02/15/2021
"Before I came to Safe Harbor I felt really lost. My drug use had become unmanageable. I began to lose everything including myself. What lead me to Safe Harbor is I got tired of living the way I was living. I feared for my life and that I would die in the mist of being high. Before coming to Safe Harbor I thought that my life would be over. Since I've come to Safe Harbor I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. Since I've been here God has been blessing me tremendously. Being here has taught me to trust God and I have also learned patience. Learning to trust God has been a big accomplishment for me. I feel a lot better about life today. I now have a job and something to look forward to. I also have friends in sobriety now."
Testimony Tuesday: Justin Goodwin
Intake pic - 11/13/2020
Current pic - 02/08/2021
"Greetings, My name is Justin and I'm forty two years old. I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. I have one fourteen year old daughter. Growing up for me was a bit rough. I hung in the wrong crowds quite often which lead me to making bad decisions. I didn't have much of a positive role model growing up. My journey of addiction began when I was sixteen years old. Every since then my life has went down hill. My life had spiraled out of control in which I could no longer do or make decisions on my own. I decided it was time to get help. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me to be true to myself, patience and the importance of God. Safe Harbor has been good to me. I feel that the staff is awesome here and I have found a brotherhood here also."
Intake pic - 11/13/2020
Current pic - 02/08/2021
"Greetings, My name is Justin and I'm forty two years old. I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. I have one fourteen year old daughter. Growing up for me was a bit rough. I hung in the wrong crowds quite often which lead me to making bad decisions. I didn't have much of a positive role model growing up. My journey of addiction began when I was sixteen years old. Every since then my life has went down hill. My life had spiraled out of control in which I could no longer do or make decisions on my own. I decided it was time to get help. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me to be true to myself, patience and the importance of God. Safe Harbor has been good to me. I feel that the staff is awesome here and I have found a brotherhood here also."
Testimony Tuesday: Daniel Kemp
Intake pic - 10/14/2020
Current pic - 01/18/2020
"Growing up I was adopted at the age of eleven in New York. My dad was in the military so we traveled frequently. At the age of fifteen I was in a car accident and broke several bones. I was on a bunch of pain killers. I never knew I would be addicted to prescribed medication. My medication was taken away and I began to use other things. I had no way to support my habits which led me to being incarcerated. I was sentenced to six years in prison. I had already completed the Safe Harbor program in Clarksville. I was familiar with the program. I came from prison to the Safe Harbor of Bucksnort location. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me coping mechanisms for my anger , what my triggers are for getting high and money management."
Intake pic - 10/14/2020
Current pic - 01/18/2020
"Growing up I was adopted at the age of eleven in New York. My dad was in the military so we traveled frequently. At the age of fifteen I was in a car accident and broke several bones. I was on a bunch of pain killers. I never knew I would be addicted to prescribed medication. My medication was taken away and I began to use other things. I had no way to support my habits which led me to being incarcerated. I was sentenced to six years in prison. I had already completed the Safe Harbor program in Clarksville. I was familiar with the program. I came from prison to the Safe Harbor of Bucksnort location. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me coping mechanisms for my anger , what my triggers are for getting high and money management."
Testimony Tuesday: Juwaine Smith
Intake pic - 12/30/2020
Current pic 01/11/2021
“Growing up in Cookeville, Tennessee was very hard for me. My mother and father were both in active addiction. My grandparents had to raise me. Although this went on I still managed to perform well in school. While being young I enjoyed playing sports. I was a great football player. Back then I wasn't able to decide for myself. I was a people pleaser which led me to making bad decisions. Because of my poor choices I had to move with my dad. My addiction began here. I started using methamphetamines. I never realized I had a problem because I could always manage. One day I realized that I actually did need help. I called New Leaf Recovery Center to see if they had a bed available. I completed a 28 day program. I knew that 28 days wasn't a long enough program for me. I heard of Safe Harbor through my counselor at New Leaf. I was able to come here where I am able to continue my journey of success and sobriety. I never gave God a chance to shine his light through me. Today I am able to say that I now go to church and seek god thoroughly. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Intake pic - 12/30/2020
Current pic 01/11/2021
“Growing up in Cookeville, Tennessee was very hard for me. My mother and father were both in active addiction. My grandparents had to raise me. Although this went on I still managed to perform well in school. While being young I enjoyed playing sports. I was a great football player. Back then I wasn't able to decide for myself. I was a people pleaser which led me to making bad decisions. Because of my poor choices I had to move with my dad. My addiction began here. I started using methamphetamines. I never realized I had a problem because I could always manage. One day I realized that I actually did need help. I called New Leaf Recovery Center to see if they had a bed available. I completed a 28 day program. I knew that 28 days wasn't a long enough program for me. I heard of Safe Harbor through my counselor at New Leaf. I was able to come here where I am able to continue my journey of success and sobriety. I never gave God a chance to shine his light through me. Today I am able to say that I now go to church and seek god thoroughly. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Testimony Tuesday: Joseph Johnson
Intake pic - 11/18/2020
Current pic - 01/04/2021
"Hello, My name is Joseph Johnson. I'm 37 years old. I was born and raised in Madison, Tennessee. I just want to talk briefly about how God has changed my life. Five months ago I never cared if I lived or died. I had been battling a heroin addiction for six years. I had been searching for God my whole life but I had been looking for him on my terms and only wanted him to be convenient to me when necessary.
I went to jail and lost everything I own. When I went to jail I was very scared of going through withdrawals. It was the first time I had prayed in seven or eight years. Praying to the Lord about my frustrations lead me to have no withdrawals at all. I had been in jail for about a month. Everyone I knew from the outside had given up on me. They would no longer accept my phone calls. I prayed to God and was sincere about turning my life over to him. I wanted him to lead me in the right direction.
Slowly things had started to change for me. I didn't have any money for commissary. The next day I checked to see if I had anything and there it was $80.00. After not having any withdrawals and the money being put on my books I knew it had to be none other than God. A couple weeks later I got in contact with a friend and told him I was really ready to change my life and thoroughly seek God. We talked briefly, later he bonded me out. When I got out I called Buffalo Valley. I had a date to be admitted. Twenty four hours before I was suppose to be there I was told that my grant was given away. I knew I couldn't just give up because I really wanted to change my life. I prayed and called my aunt. She gave me the number to Safe Harbor.
I called and was told that there was a bed available but I had to find a ride. I could not find anyone to take me. I was told that there was a bus that traveled to the Walmart in Dickson, Tn. When I got to the bus station I didn't have enough money to catch the bus. I was later then picked up and brought to Safe Harbor. I came to Safe Harbor with nothing. Usually when I come to a new environment I get anxiety but when I came to Safe Harbor I felt at ease. I knew that God was leading me and all I had to do was follow.
The following Sunday I went to church. I was supposed to be baptized but I didn't bring the extra clothes to change. Luckily someone else that was getting baptized had a pair. This is how great God works. When I went up to get baptized the preacher said a prayer over me. I had the most powerful unexplainable feeling that went from my head to my toes. I already knew God was with me but at that moment I was a hundred percent positive. It was a feeling that not even drugs could give me.
Even though I came to Safe Harbor lost and broken I still remain positive. Safe Harbor has given me the tools that I need to change my life and be able stay clean."
Intake pic - 11/18/2020
Current pic - 01/04/2021
"Hello, My name is Joseph Johnson. I'm 37 years old. I was born and raised in Madison, Tennessee. I just want to talk briefly about how God has changed my life. Five months ago I never cared if I lived or died. I had been battling a heroin addiction for six years. I had been searching for God my whole life but I had been looking for him on my terms and only wanted him to be convenient to me when necessary.
I went to jail and lost everything I own. When I went to jail I was very scared of going through withdrawals. It was the first time I had prayed in seven or eight years. Praying to the Lord about my frustrations lead me to have no withdrawals at all. I had been in jail for about a month. Everyone I knew from the outside had given up on me. They would no longer accept my phone calls. I prayed to God and was sincere about turning my life over to him. I wanted him to lead me in the right direction.
Slowly things had started to change for me. I didn't have any money for commissary. The next day I checked to see if I had anything and there it was $80.00. After not having any withdrawals and the money being put on my books I knew it had to be none other than God. A couple weeks later I got in contact with a friend and told him I was really ready to change my life and thoroughly seek God. We talked briefly, later he bonded me out. When I got out I called Buffalo Valley. I had a date to be admitted. Twenty four hours before I was suppose to be there I was told that my grant was given away. I knew I couldn't just give up because I really wanted to change my life. I prayed and called my aunt. She gave me the number to Safe Harbor.
I called and was told that there was a bed available but I had to find a ride. I could not find anyone to take me. I was told that there was a bus that traveled to the Walmart in Dickson, Tn. When I got to the bus station I didn't have enough money to catch the bus. I was later then picked up and brought to Safe Harbor. I came to Safe Harbor with nothing. Usually when I come to a new environment I get anxiety but when I came to Safe Harbor I felt at ease. I knew that God was leading me and all I had to do was follow.
The following Sunday I went to church. I was supposed to be baptized but I didn't bring the extra clothes to change. Luckily someone else that was getting baptized had a pair. This is how great God works. When I went up to get baptized the preacher said a prayer over me. I had the most powerful unexplainable feeling that went from my head to my toes. I already knew God was with me but at that moment I was a hundred percent positive. It was a feeling that not even drugs could give me.
Even though I came to Safe Harbor lost and broken I still remain positive. Safe Harbor has given me the tools that I need to change my life and be able stay clean."
"Hi, my name is Brett Peel. I was born in Waco TX. I lost my dad at age 9. I have four brothers and one sister. By the age of 21 my baby brother had been shot and killed. I have been a drug addict for 24 years. Due to those life choices I faced multiple incarcerations and had failed to get my life properly started on the right track.
I cannot really pinpoint where my addiction really started but I can tell you where it stopped. That would have to be August 7th when I entered into the Safe Harbor of Bucksnort program. Now is my time to start living I have two beautiful daughters, ages 19 and 17, and it is time to be the dad that God intended me to be. Thanks to Safe Harbor for being there for me when I decided to start living Gods will and not mine own."
I cannot really pinpoint where my addiction really started but I can tell you where it stopped. That would have to be August 7th when I entered into the Safe Harbor of Bucksnort program. Now is my time to start living I have two beautiful daughters, ages 19 and 17, and it is time to be the dad that God intended me to be. Thanks to Safe Harbor for being there for me when I decided to start living Gods will and not mine own."
Testimony Tuesday: Nicholas Gilson
Intake pic - 12/14/2020
Current pic - 12/28/2020
"Greetings, My name is Nicholas Gilson. I was born in Florida but I grew up in New Orleans. Growing up I was fatherless. My mother was a single parent in active addiction. At the age of five I was removed from her care into a foster home. I spent nine months there. My mother became clean and got custody of me again at the age of seven. From seven to eleven years old I began to have troubles. I started making bad decisions. I was constantly getting into trouble. I started smoking cigarettes at that age. I was later then placed on probation. My mother had gotten back into active addiction. I had no discipline back then. I was in and out of juvenile. I did four months in juvenile. I was sent to a treatment facility called Hope Haven center where I remained there for a year and a half.
My mother never met the requirements for me to get released back into her care so they recommended that I go to a group home. I continued to run away. It was a never ending cycle. At the age of fourteen I was put back in custody because I had no where else to go. I was later adopted by a family I knew. They were a very Christian like family in which I was well disciplined. My grades had gotten better. I had met a friend that I truly fell in love with. Things didn't work out and I felt heart broken. I started to act out in emotion and began to convert back to my old ways. I was again sent off and had to go live with my mother as a senior in high school. Everything was okay.
At that age I was introduced to marijuana. My mother again got back into addiction and started to sell everything in the house in which I was forced to quit school. My step father sent me to live with my grandparents in Florida to finish school. I enrolled in adult ED and met some friends. I started to use other drugs not knowing I would be in active addiction. Cocaine lead to ecstasy and ecstasy to crack cocaine. At the age of 22 I was fully addicted to crack cocaine. For the next ten years I became a alcoholic and would continue to use whatever I could get my hands on. I would always have a job but my addiction kept me to constantly to lose employment.
I started to use methamphetamines. I used it in every way I could. I traveled the world as a lineman. It was a great job. But because of my addiction I lost the job. At this point I realized I needed help. I was then referred to the Hope Center. I enrolled a week later. I came there broken , depressed and confused. I wanted to die. I felt the world would be a better place without me. My shame became over bearing. For the first time in a very long time I felt love. The feeling was different. It was the love of Jesus Christ! They helped me to understand Jesus and what love is. Transformation had began.
I started to believe the things God said. I no longer felt like the things I did in life would hold me back. I stayed at the Hope Center for three months. I did so good there that I was sent to North Carolina to help open another facility. I traveled back to Virginia for a month waiting on a bed to come back to Tennessee. I stayed in Camden, Tennessee for a month. I then decided to transfer to Safe Harbor of Bucksnort.
My journey is far from over but there is no doubt that I am a changed individual. The love I have for others and the desire I have to do for other people instead of myself is overwhelming. I have identified myself through Christ. My mother now smiles at me and my girlfriend is happy with me. My mother is now sober and the change she sees in me helps her want to remain clean. People ask me all the time how do you change the things and people around you? The answer is the light of God must shine through you and if shines bright enough the ones around you will be affected. My journey is certainly not over but praise God my new journey through Christ has finally started."
Intake pic - 12/14/2020
Current pic - 12/28/2020
"Greetings, My name is Nicholas Gilson. I was born in Florida but I grew up in New Orleans. Growing up I was fatherless. My mother was a single parent in active addiction. At the age of five I was removed from her care into a foster home. I spent nine months there. My mother became clean and got custody of me again at the age of seven. From seven to eleven years old I began to have troubles. I started making bad decisions. I was constantly getting into trouble. I started smoking cigarettes at that age. I was later then placed on probation. My mother had gotten back into active addiction. I had no discipline back then. I was in and out of juvenile. I did four months in juvenile. I was sent to a treatment facility called Hope Haven center where I remained there for a year and a half.
My mother never met the requirements for me to get released back into her care so they recommended that I go to a group home. I continued to run away. It was a never ending cycle. At the age of fourteen I was put back in custody because I had no where else to go. I was later adopted by a family I knew. They were a very Christian like family in which I was well disciplined. My grades had gotten better. I had met a friend that I truly fell in love with. Things didn't work out and I felt heart broken. I started to act out in emotion and began to convert back to my old ways. I was again sent off and had to go live with my mother as a senior in high school. Everything was okay.
At that age I was introduced to marijuana. My mother again got back into addiction and started to sell everything in the house in which I was forced to quit school. My step father sent me to live with my grandparents in Florida to finish school. I enrolled in adult ED and met some friends. I started to use other drugs not knowing I would be in active addiction. Cocaine lead to ecstasy and ecstasy to crack cocaine. At the age of 22 I was fully addicted to crack cocaine. For the next ten years I became a alcoholic and would continue to use whatever I could get my hands on. I would always have a job but my addiction kept me to constantly to lose employment.
I started to use methamphetamines. I used it in every way I could. I traveled the world as a lineman. It was a great job. But because of my addiction I lost the job. At this point I realized I needed help. I was then referred to the Hope Center. I enrolled a week later. I came there broken , depressed and confused. I wanted to die. I felt the world would be a better place without me. My shame became over bearing. For the first time in a very long time I felt love. The feeling was different. It was the love of Jesus Christ! They helped me to understand Jesus and what love is. Transformation had began.
I started to believe the things God said. I no longer felt like the things I did in life would hold me back. I stayed at the Hope Center for three months. I did so good there that I was sent to North Carolina to help open another facility. I traveled back to Virginia for a month waiting on a bed to come back to Tennessee. I stayed in Camden, Tennessee for a month. I then decided to transfer to Safe Harbor of Bucksnort.
My journey is far from over but there is no doubt that I am a changed individual. The love I have for others and the desire I have to do for other people instead of myself is overwhelming. I have identified myself through Christ. My mother now smiles at me and my girlfriend is happy with me. My mother is now sober and the change she sees in me helps her want to remain clean. People ask me all the time how do you change the things and people around you? The answer is the light of God must shine through you and if shines bright enough the ones around you will be affected. My journey is certainly not over but praise God my new journey through Christ has finally started."
Testimony Tuesday: Trever Reese
Intake pic - 10/02/2020
Current pic - 12/21/2020
"Greeting, My name is Trever Reese. I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Clarksville, TN. I grew up in church and had a great upbringing. Neither of my parents indulged in addiction. I made good grades in school until I entered high school. In high I always tried to make people smile and laugh which lead me to surround myself with the wrong crowd of people. At the age of sixteen I experimented with cocaine. This is where my life of addiction began. From this point on everything went down hill for me. My addiction only got stronger and unmanageable. It landed me at Safe Harbor. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me that I don't need to use drugs to live a happy life. Being here has given me a lot to smile for and a brighter future to look forward to."
Intake pic - 10/02/2020
Current pic - 12/21/2020
"Greeting, My name is Trever Reese. I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Clarksville, TN. I grew up in church and had a great upbringing. Neither of my parents indulged in addiction. I made good grades in school until I entered high school. In high I always tried to make people smile and laugh which lead me to surround myself with the wrong crowd of people. At the age of sixteen I experimented with cocaine. This is where my life of addiction began. From this point on everything went down hill for me. My addiction only got stronger and unmanageable. It landed me at Safe Harbor. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me that I don't need to use drugs to live a happy life. Being here has given me a lot to smile for and a brighter future to look forward to."
Testimony Tuesday: Bert Nanney
Intake pic - 08/10/2020
Current pic - 10/14/2020
"Hello, My name is Lucian Nanney. I'm from Manchester, Tennessee. Growing up I was raised into a strong Christian background. I grew up farming cotton. Addiction has never been apart of my family so therefore I never struggled in my younger years. My family lived a drug free life. On or about last year I was laid off from General Motors because of a strike. I started getting unemployment in October of 2019. Additionally in the spring when Covid hit I got a substantial amount of 900.00 dollars per week. This is where my life of alcohol addiction began. I started to sit around the house and drink frequently. I started with a fifth of Jack Daniel's and beer every other day. Drinking lead me to depression. It had gotten so bad that I had to stay in the hospital for a week. The hospital I was at recommended me to Safe Harbor. When I first got to Safe Harbor things were difficult for me. I was still going through detox. My family thought it would be best for me to stay 30 to 60 days because we had to hire someone to come and take care of the farm. I didn't think that time frame would be long enough for me. I needed to get alcohol off my brain and consciousness completely. Others motivated me that I needed to get my life in order and live a healthy sober life. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me a lot of patience. It has also shown me affection and comfort that only another addict knows. It's not something you can get out of a book. I am very grateful for Safe Harbor giving me a chance to be around people just like me and have the desire to change. Real change is hard but it's all something we can do."
Intake pic - 08/10/2020
Current pic - 10/14/2020
"Hello, My name is Lucian Nanney. I'm from Manchester, Tennessee. Growing up I was raised into a strong Christian background. I grew up farming cotton. Addiction has never been apart of my family so therefore I never struggled in my younger years. My family lived a drug free life. On or about last year I was laid off from General Motors because of a strike. I started getting unemployment in October of 2019. Additionally in the spring when Covid hit I got a substantial amount of 900.00 dollars per week. This is where my life of alcohol addiction began. I started to sit around the house and drink frequently. I started with a fifth of Jack Daniel's and beer every other day. Drinking lead me to depression. It had gotten so bad that I had to stay in the hospital for a week. The hospital I was at recommended me to Safe Harbor. When I first got to Safe Harbor things were difficult for me. I was still going through detox. My family thought it would be best for me to stay 30 to 60 days because we had to hire someone to come and take care of the farm. I didn't think that time frame would be long enough for me. I needed to get alcohol off my brain and consciousness completely. Others motivated me that I needed to get my life in order and live a healthy sober life. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me a lot of patience. It has also shown me affection and comfort that only another addict knows. It's not something you can get out of a book. I am very grateful for Safe Harbor giving me a chance to be around people just like me and have the desire to change. Real change is hard but it's all something we can do."
Testimony Tuesday: Charles Walker
Intake pic - 11/19/2020
Current pic - 12/07/2020
"Greetings, My name is Charles Walker. I was born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee. I am a father of four. I also have five grandchildren and another on that will be born in April. Most of my childhood I grew up on a farm raising animals. A house fire occurred which caused me to move into town. Transitioning into town things were a lot different. Everything was more fast paced. That's where I met a lot of new friends. We would all play sports together and hang out. We occasionally went to the skating rink on the weekends. This is where my life of addiction began. I started experiencing with marijuana at the age of thirteen. At that age I thought it was okay to do. Little did I know that things would get worse. Using marijuana would only cause me to experience with other drugs and alcohol leading to a road of destruction. Addiction has caused me nothing but trouble. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me to put God first and humble myself. Many times I didn't deserve a second chance but by the grace of God I've been given many. I don't have things under control yet but I'm taking inventory as the days go by. If I continue to seek and put God first everything will fall in place."
Intake pic - 11/19/2020
Current pic - 12/07/2020
"Greetings, My name is Charles Walker. I was born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee. I am a father of four. I also have five grandchildren and another on that will be born in April. Most of my childhood I grew up on a farm raising animals. A house fire occurred which caused me to move into town. Transitioning into town things were a lot different. Everything was more fast paced. That's where I met a lot of new friends. We would all play sports together and hang out. We occasionally went to the skating rink on the weekends. This is where my life of addiction began. I started experiencing with marijuana at the age of thirteen. At that age I thought it was okay to do. Little did I know that things would get worse. Using marijuana would only cause me to experience with other drugs and alcohol leading to a road of destruction. Addiction has caused me nothing but trouble. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me to put God first and humble myself. Many times I didn't deserve a second chance but by the grace of God I've been given many. I don't have things under control yet but I'm taking inventory as the days go by. If I continue to seek and put God first everything will fall in place."
Testimony Tuesday: Zachary English
Intake pic - 11/09/2020
Current pic - 11/30/2020
“Greetings, This is a little about myself and my journey through recovery. My name is Zachary English. I'm from Mckenzie, Tennessee. I am 29 years old. Before coming to Safe Harbor my life was like the movie Ground Hog Day. Everyday of my life continued to get worse because of my use. During that period of time I felt like feeling this way and having nothing was okay at the moment. One day I started to realize that my closest friends did not want me around. That made me want to change my life around. Every where I went I would sit down and use. I had no regard of nobodies feelings but my own. Using made me a very selfish and angry person inside. I learned that misery loves company. I was not much motivation to myself or others. Now that I am clean I try to bring joy and happiness to everybody around. I spread the message of God to others of how and what he has done in my life and can do to them also. The happiness I have in my life now brings me joy. I now enjoy helping others who have daily struggles the same as me. Me giving back allows me not to be selfish. I would like thank Safe Harbor for allowing me to find God again and to never look back again unless I forget where I'm going.”
Intake pic - 11/09/2020
Current pic - 11/30/2020
“Greetings, This is a little about myself and my journey through recovery. My name is Zachary English. I'm from Mckenzie, Tennessee. I am 29 years old. Before coming to Safe Harbor my life was like the movie Ground Hog Day. Everyday of my life continued to get worse because of my use. During that period of time I felt like feeling this way and having nothing was okay at the moment. One day I started to realize that my closest friends did not want me around. That made me want to change my life around. Every where I went I would sit down and use. I had no regard of nobodies feelings but my own. Using made me a very selfish and angry person inside. I learned that misery loves company. I was not much motivation to myself or others. Now that I am clean I try to bring joy and happiness to everybody around. I spread the message of God to others of how and what he has done in my life and can do to them also. The happiness I have in my life now brings me joy. I now enjoy helping others who have daily struggles the same as me. Me giving back allows me not to be selfish. I would like thank Safe Harbor for allowing me to find God again and to never look back again unless I forget where I'm going.”
Testimony Tuesday: James Alford
Intake pic - 06/23/2020
Current pic - 11/23/2020
"Hello, My name is James Alford. I was born and raised in Daytona, Florida. Growing up I enjoyed doing things like surfing and bike riding. Being born in Florida was fun and adventurous. There was always something to do. I played football for my high school. After graduating high school I lost interest in football. I attended a college by the name of Daytona Beach Community College to major in education. I met one of my children's mother there in which caused me to relocate to Jackson, TN. I was introduced to methamphetamines at a party. It all went down hill from there. Being addicted to methamphetamines has costed me sanity, freedom, family and a lot of lost time. I heard of Safe Harbor while I was incarcerated. I would to thank Safe Harbor for accepting me first and foremost. They have taught me patience and has built me a reestablished connection with my family. I now have a foundation that I can stand on. I would also like to thank god for not taking his hands off me. Without god I am nothing."
Intake pic - 06/23/2020
Current pic - 11/23/2020
"Hello, My name is James Alford. I was born and raised in Daytona, Florida. Growing up I enjoyed doing things like surfing and bike riding. Being born in Florida was fun and adventurous. There was always something to do. I played football for my high school. After graduating high school I lost interest in football. I attended a college by the name of Daytona Beach Community College to major in education. I met one of my children's mother there in which caused me to relocate to Jackson, TN. I was introduced to methamphetamines at a party. It all went down hill from there. Being addicted to methamphetamines has costed me sanity, freedom, family and a lot of lost time. I heard of Safe Harbor while I was incarcerated. I would to thank Safe Harbor for accepting me first and foremost. They have taught me patience and has built me a reestablished connection with my family. I now have a foundation that I can stand on. I would also like to thank god for not taking his hands off me. Without god I am nothing."
Testimony Tuesday: Jeremiah Brewer
Intake pic - 09/30/2020
Current pic - 11/09/2020
“Greetings, My name is Jeremiah Brewer. I am 21 years old. Born and raised in Davidson County. Nashville, TN. I have several brothers and sisters. I'm more of a middle child out of all of us. I enjoy playing sports a lot. I'm very good at football and baseball. I played sports all through grade school. At the around the age of 14 I moved to Polk County , Florida. I wanted to surround myself in a better environment. Being there really didn't help because all I did was carry my troubles with me. At the age of sixteen my family decided to move back to Tennessee. My family seperated and that caused me to venture out and experience things on my own. I started taking opiods. It caused my life to spiral out of control. I was making bad decisions. Decisions that would cause me to be where I am today. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me to have a structured lifestyle. I am thankful for being given a second opportunity to get my life together. I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11”
Intake pic - 09/30/2020
Current pic - 11/09/2020
“Greetings, My name is Jeremiah Brewer. I am 21 years old. Born and raised in Davidson County. Nashville, TN. I have several brothers and sisters. I'm more of a middle child out of all of us. I enjoy playing sports a lot. I'm very good at football and baseball. I played sports all through grade school. At the around the age of 14 I moved to Polk County , Florida. I wanted to surround myself in a better environment. Being there really didn't help because all I did was carry my troubles with me. At the age of sixteen my family decided to move back to Tennessee. My family seperated and that caused me to venture out and experience things on my own. I started taking opiods. It caused my life to spiral out of control. I was making bad decisions. Decisions that would cause me to be where I am today. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me to have a structured lifestyle. I am thankful for being given a second opportunity to get my life together. I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11”
Testimony Tuesday: Billy Jackson
Intake pic - 05/29/2020
Current pic - 11/2/2020
"Greetings, My name is Billy Jackson. I was born in 1995 in Clarksville, TN. I have a younger brother and sister. Growing up I was well disciplined. My role model was my dad. I enjoy wake boarding, surfing, and riding dirt bikes. I was also pretty good at cross country, football, and trap. In school I kept my grades in high standard. I was on my way to running my dad's company called Jackson Roofing and Remodeling. At the beginning of my junior year my grades began to slip. I started partying a lot. I met a female and we began to use together. I'm not blaming anyone for my addiction but it played a major part. In addiction I have lost several things which include trust, self respect, and my wife. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me to accept the things I can not change and a lot of patience. Once I leave Safe Harbor I plan on going to college for for business and sales. I would like to thank Safe Harbor for teaching me patience and financial stability."
Intake pic - 05/29/2020
Current pic - 11/2/2020
"Greetings, My name is Billy Jackson. I was born in 1995 in Clarksville, TN. I have a younger brother and sister. Growing up I was well disciplined. My role model was my dad. I enjoy wake boarding, surfing, and riding dirt bikes. I was also pretty good at cross country, football, and trap. In school I kept my grades in high standard. I was on my way to running my dad's company called Jackson Roofing and Remodeling. At the beginning of my junior year my grades began to slip. I started partying a lot. I met a female and we began to use together. I'm not blaming anyone for my addiction but it played a major part. In addiction I have lost several things which include trust, self respect, and my wife. Being at Safe Harbor has taught me to accept the things I can not change and a lot of patience. Once I leave Safe Harbor I plan on going to college for for business and sales. I would like to thank Safe Harbor for teaching me patience and financial stability."
Testimony Tuesday: Michael Bryant
Intake pic - 07/23/2020
Current pic - 10/26/2020
"My name is Michael Bryant. I was born and raised in Frankford, Kentucky. I'm a father of 7 children. Seven boy's and one girl. I enjoy doing mechanic work, reading the bible and also fishing. Growing up as a child I was well disciplined but on down the path I began to separate from wisdom. My life of addiction began when I was eleven with my father. I always wanted to be like him so whatever he did I indulged in also. I did not know that this would lead me to self destruction. Addiction once costed me my life. I've suffered from over dosing all the way to losing trust with myself and others. I always knew that I couldn't cope using drugs but I found an excuse to use anyway. When I figured my life had become unmanageable I decided to join Safe Harbor to learn everything I once neglected as a child. Being at Safe Harbor I've learned to live with life on life terms and to accept the things I can not change. I would like to thank Safe Harbor for giving me a second chance and teaching me the mechanisms to live a sober life."
Intake pic - 07/23/2020
Current pic - 10/26/2020
"My name is Michael Bryant. I was born and raised in Frankford, Kentucky. I'm a father of 7 children. Seven boy's and one girl. I enjoy doing mechanic work, reading the bible and also fishing. Growing up as a child I was well disciplined but on down the path I began to separate from wisdom. My life of addiction began when I was eleven with my father. I always wanted to be like him so whatever he did I indulged in also. I did not know that this would lead me to self destruction. Addiction once costed me my life. I've suffered from over dosing all the way to losing trust with myself and others. I always knew that I couldn't cope using drugs but I found an excuse to use anyway. When I figured my life had become unmanageable I decided to join Safe Harbor to learn everything I once neglected as a child. Being at Safe Harbor I've learned to live with life on life terms and to accept the things I can not change. I would like to thank Safe Harbor for giving me a second chance and teaching me the mechanisms to live a sober life."
Testimony Tuesday: Billy Milan
Intake pic - 05/28/2020
Current pic - 10/19/2020
“Hello, My name is Billy Milam. I was born and raised in Halls, Tennessee. I'm a father of two sons and one daughter. Growing up I enjoyed building and working on cars. Anything thing that's broke I can fix pretty much. I also enjoy fishing. It gives me a piece of mind and also relieves a lot of stress and tension. But on down the road I began to use other substances to cope. My life of addiction began when I was fourteen years old in 1974. I wouldn't say that alcohol has been a constant addiction for me. I used it off and on. I always knew that it wasn't the right thing to do. I used it as a crutch. It did nothing for me but create more problems which lead me to Safe Harbor. While being at Safe Harbor I've learned that life is a lot better sober. I have also learned other techniques to use when dealing with situations I can't control. I must stay busy and not give my mind enough time to think or feed into negativity. I want to thank Safe Harbor and staff for being concerned about me and tending to my needs. I feel that this is a safe environment. I appreciate Safe Harbor also for giving me the opportunity to work and not allowing me to back track. May god bless you all!"
Intake pic - 05/28/2020
Current pic - 10/19/2020
“Hello, My name is Billy Milam. I was born and raised in Halls, Tennessee. I'm a father of two sons and one daughter. Growing up I enjoyed building and working on cars. Anything thing that's broke I can fix pretty much. I also enjoy fishing. It gives me a piece of mind and also relieves a lot of stress and tension. But on down the road I began to use other substances to cope. My life of addiction began when I was fourteen years old in 1974. I wouldn't say that alcohol has been a constant addiction for me. I used it off and on. I always knew that it wasn't the right thing to do. I used it as a crutch. It did nothing for me but create more problems which lead me to Safe Harbor. While being at Safe Harbor I've learned that life is a lot better sober. I have also learned other techniques to use when dealing with situations I can't control. I must stay busy and not give my mind enough time to think or feed into negativity. I want to thank Safe Harbor and staff for being concerned about me and tending to my needs. I feel that this is a safe environment. I appreciate Safe Harbor also for giving me the opportunity to work and not allowing me to back track. May god bless you all!"
Testimony Tuesday: James Massengill
Intake pic - 08/28/2020
Current pic - 10/12/2020
"Hello, My name is James Massengill. I was born in the city of Memphis in the year of 1987. I'm a father of two boys ages ten and seven. Their names are Aiden and James. They mean the world to me. My life began to take a down fall at the age of fourteen. When I was younger I had a curiosity to explore the world on behalf of my own. Although I knew right from wrong I needed my own experienced life lessons. I got involved in a brotherhood that was a bike club. I was addicted to the lifestyle of a member in a bike club. The only reason I involved my self in that lifestyle was to see what I was capable of. I learned a lot from it good and bad. I didn't get much out of the situation so I began to learn other trades like carpentry, metal working, and machinery. From a early age I had the idea of my own American dream. I decided to get married at the age of twenty. A few years later my dream turned into a nightmare. Once I was single again I went back to the only thing I knew how to do. It lasted for the next twelve years. I always managed to stay out of trouble and not get caught but it finally caught up with me. I was finally apprehended and became a convicted felon. By the grace of God I was given a second chance and was placed on probation. My addiction caused me to violate probation several times due to failing drug tests. I flattened a three year sentence and was released January 2020. While I was incarcerated I lost everything I accomplished over the past years. I called a friend and she referred me to Safe Harbor. She was able to find me a ride and a bed the same day. I came to Safe Harbor to have stability , to learn how to cope on my own with out any substances and to learn financial stability. The biggest thing I also came here for was to get closer to God. By being at Safe Harbor I have learned character traits that will help me be a better father. Everything about Safe Harbor is a lesson to be learned. I want to thank God as well as Safe Harbor for giving me another opportunity to learn again the things I once neglected.
Intake pic - 08/28/2020
Current pic - 10/12/2020
"Hello, My name is James Massengill. I was born in the city of Memphis in the year of 1987. I'm a father of two boys ages ten and seven. Their names are Aiden and James. They mean the world to me. My life began to take a down fall at the age of fourteen. When I was younger I had a curiosity to explore the world on behalf of my own. Although I knew right from wrong I needed my own experienced life lessons. I got involved in a brotherhood that was a bike club. I was addicted to the lifestyle of a member in a bike club. The only reason I involved my self in that lifestyle was to see what I was capable of. I learned a lot from it good and bad. I didn't get much out of the situation so I began to learn other trades like carpentry, metal working, and machinery. From a early age I had the idea of my own American dream. I decided to get married at the age of twenty. A few years later my dream turned into a nightmare. Once I was single again I went back to the only thing I knew how to do. It lasted for the next twelve years. I always managed to stay out of trouble and not get caught but it finally caught up with me. I was finally apprehended and became a convicted felon. By the grace of God I was given a second chance and was placed on probation. My addiction caused me to violate probation several times due to failing drug tests. I flattened a three year sentence and was released January 2020. While I was incarcerated I lost everything I accomplished over the past years. I called a friend and she referred me to Safe Harbor. She was able to find me a ride and a bed the same day. I came to Safe Harbor to have stability , to learn how to cope on my own with out any substances and to learn financial stability. The biggest thing I also came here for was to get closer to God. By being at Safe Harbor I have learned character traits that will help me be a better father. Everything about Safe Harbor is a lesson to be learned. I want to thank God as well as Safe Harbor for giving me another opportunity to learn again the things I once neglected.
