From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BESSEMER – James is one of the 70+ homeless veterans who come to The Foundry each year seeking care, guidance and tools to overcome addictions, manage mental health issues, and gain marketable job and life skills to rebuild productive and fulfilling lives.
James was in basic training with the Army National Guard on the tragic day of September 11, 2001. Upon his return from the Iraq War, he fell victim to drug and alcohol abuse. In an attempt to distance himself from his addictive environment, James enlisted in the Coast Guard and was stationed in New Orleans. Life was going well until Hurricane Katrina devastated the area and James lost everything.
James fell into a deep depression and his alcohol abuse spiraled out of control. During this time, he suffered a car accident that left him with three shattered vertebrae, four broken ribs and a ruptured spleen. He turned to methamphetamines to cope with the pain.
In and out of jail as a result of his addictive lifestyle, James was tired of his destructive path and was ready to change his life. He is currently a participant of The Foundry’s 12-month Recovery Program at The Foundry Farm where he is receiving the time and encouragement he needs to mend the broken pieces of his life and finding the emotional and spiritual healing he desires.
“The Foundry has done more than save my life,” he said. “They saved my soul. And I don’t even know how to thank them for that.”