My name is Ron Fielder and my sobriety date is December 11, 1985. I worked in law enforcement for 35 years. In 1985 I went to treatment and was introduced to recovery. At that time I was convinced that this was the only way I was going to be able to stay sober. I have been blessed with a great sponsor who showed me the way in the literature. He also showed me that service work and sponsorship keeps you sober. Following my sponsor’s direction I have not had to experience relapse. I was volunteering at DP, and in 2004 Joe M. and Euel M. asked me to replace Euel, as he was retiring. I became Executive Director July 1, 2004. This place is about recovery through a spiritual awakening by applying the 12 steps. That is what brought me here and keeps me here.

My name is Andy James and my sobriety date is March 10, 2002. I began drinking and using in high school. Shortly thereafter I also began dealing drugs. When I got out of high school I became an electrician on the side. I continued dealing until I got arrested and court ordered to treatment in 1998. When I commenced treatment I didn’t get a sponsor or go to meetings. I quickly relapsed and almost died. I came to my senses and knew something had to change. I chose to come through Discovery Place and when I commenced I started to take total direction. I got a sponsor, went to meetings, and started getting involved in service work. I drove the guests at Discovery Place to meetings and that eventually led to a part time weekend manager position. I am now a full time CTM and am blessed to be involved in so many peoples recovery. Today I feel I live a happy and purposeful life.

My name is Brent Barber and my sobriety date is October 1, 2003. I began drinking in high school and was working in the family business until 1986 when my DUI’s caught up with me. I was court ordered to treatment and I was introduced to this life of recovery. I stayed sober for 5 years and became an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I then stopped taking direction and quit working the program. I began driving a liquor truck until 2003 when I finally decided I had put myself and my family through enough and decided to try this way of life again. I was hired at Discovery Place as a maintenance man and was told I was the worst ever. I was soon moved to a full time CTM position and my life took a turn. I feel today I am truly living in recovery for the first time. I am very happy and blessed to have a job where I can impact so many people’s lives.

My name is Keats Komisar. My sober date is January 27, 2007. I took my first drink at age eight. After high school, my drinking and drug use got progressively worse and in 1989 I was sentenced to six years in state prison and six months in the county workhouse. Before serving my time I was sent to treatment. It was a life changing event. For many years I put my life into recovery, but after being sober for twelve years I relapsed and stayed in relapse for four years. Through a series of events which was nothing short of Providence, I was given the gift of Discovery Place. Since coming through Discovery Place, I have rediscovered and learned so much more about myself and the people around me. I now have the opportunity to be both a loving and responsible parent to my four children as well as a caring husband. Not to mention I now have the ability to be a friend among friends. Working at Discovery Place has been a real blessing for me. Every time I come here, I am reminded that in recovery, all things are possible.

My name is David Stephens and my sobriety date is August 7, 2006. I am originally from Chattanooga, TN. I had my first drink at the age of 14, and shortly after began to drink and do drugs on a daily basis for the next five years. Due to my alcoholism I began to lose touch with myself, family, and reality. Then when I was 19 I was arrested in my parents backyard with a DUI and a list of charges. Out of fear and a desire to change I asked for help and because of another alcoholic in town I found out about Discovery Place. On arrival the love, honesty, and brotherhood overwhelmed me and I stayed sober for 7 months. I quit doing what I learned here and relapsed. I began to experience the progression and depression as never before and was fortunate enough to make it back. Applying the principles of the program brought me 2 years and 2 months of sobriety before drifting out of the honesty and basics of the program. After 9 months of depression and hopelessness I got back to what I learned here at Discovery Place. When Ron F. asked me to work the weekend shift I was humbled and honored. I am loving every minute of my life these days due to my relationship with God, following directions of my sponsor, and the fellowship and principles of the program. Thank God for Dicovery Place and getting introduced to this way of life. Glory!!!

My name is Billy Saunders and my sobriety March 12, 2004. For a little over the last 20 years I owned a historical renovation & remodeling company. There was a doctor that I was seeing who knew I was having trouble and wanted to know if I wanted help and was willing to go to treatment. The first treatment was in November of 2001. I managed for about 4 months until my relapse. My doctor had put me on an anti-depressant, but soon after I was back to self-medicating. This time it was alcohol and cocaine. I hit my bottom hard and fast. I was almost dead when I arrived at Discovery Place. Between Jack D. and a few others I was allowed to stay even being as sick as I was. If I would have left I would be dead. Before I was even halfway healthy I was allowed to stay and eventually start working. I've been here about a year and a half, and I will continue to do anything I can to help DP. They saved my life.

My name is Robbie Mills and my sobriety date is September 26, 1998. I began my drinking and using when I was thirteen years old. I worked in construction and in 1989 I picked up 2 DUI’s in a month. I was court ordered to treatment and was introduced to recovery. I stayed dry for about 45 days but I wasn’t finished adding to my story. I kept working construction and was drinking and using anything that would keep me from feeling like me. In 1998 I violated my probation due to my marijuana and drinking. My mom had saved a newspaper article about Discovery Place and I decided I would come out and take a look. I really liked the atmosphere and a week later I checked in. After commencing I began doing some maintenance and yard work. Today I am grateful to be alive and sober. I try to do anything at all that will help the place that saved my life look and feel peaceful and beautiful. It is truly amazing to watch men come here and have their lives change for the better.