JOHN ADAMS - Discovering Goodness
And Giving Back

The high school years are often described as uncomfortable, but that is not a strong enough word to describe John Adams' high school experience.

"High school was painful because I was shy. Furthermore, the teachers passed me every year even though I didn't know how toread," explained John.

To compensate for his shyness, John turned to alcohol. "I started drinking when I was 17," said John. "The alcohol seemed to give me confidence so that I felt more comfortable around people. I dropped out of school with just one year to go."

Addictions to drugs and alcohol plagued John ever since dropping out of school. He explained, "I got hit by a car a few years ago when I was drunk. Someone just took my body out of the road and put it up on the sidewalk."

John occassionally tried to clean up his act. He moved in with his brother in Phoenix, Arizona for a while, but he fell back into his old habits and got thrown out. "You can't change for other people. It has to be your time, your decision," he said.

HOPE Street seemed to give John the right place and the right time to accept the changes he had to make. "HOPE Street has changed my life," he said. "There is goodness here. It's not an evil place. People aren't violent and cussing up a storm." John added, "The prayer group opened up my eyes. I feel good about myself now, and I owe it all to God. There ain't nothing He can't cure."

John is enrolled in a treatment program and attends reading class. He enjoys drawing and is interested in the art field. Once his reading skills improve, he would like to return to school.

Great job, John!