Director's Messsage
“HEART helps alcoholics and addicts succeed with the progressive disease – addiction. Their recovery starts a progression of good – a silent, growing wave of recovery that reflects back to their families and communities.”
Frederick J. Schwartz
Executive Director H.E.A.R.T.
From the Snow Bank to the Drunk Tank to the Think Tank The story of a 90 in 90 graduate April 20, 2009
Jim C. was asked by the proprietor of a Lake Street establishment to leave his place of business around 1 AM on New Years Eve, 2008. On his way to a bus stop he tumbled into a snow bank, a passerby stopped to ask if he was all right? He said he needed some help.
When the police came he asked them if they were taking him to jail. They said no, we’re going to get you some help. He spent the night in Hennepin County Medical Center attempting to collect himself. Soon after he was released he was admitted to Fairview Riverside Medical Center.
After two weeks Jim was interviewed by HEART to assess his qualifications to be admitted into the 90 in 90 Into Action Program. On February 1st he was enrolled and was a resident of Progress Valley Sober Housing. For the next 2-½ months he attended his daily meetings, assumed responsibilities in the program, and began doing volunteer work.
The work included recounting his story and talking about how he has benefited from HEART’s program to the Mt. Olivet Church’s Men’s Breakfast Meetings the third week in April 2009. His presence and the telling of his story at these meetings were compelling and beneficial to Jim and those attending these meetings.
Jim C. “To go from the snow bank to speaking to you today at this breakfast meeting is a miracle I am still trying to comprehend”.
Jim is 55 years old an educated professional man with 25 years experience working for NSP. He graduates from the 90 in 90 program the end of April.
