From Shelter to Stability
CARITAS Works Latest Graduates -
Becoming A Peacock in a Sea of Pigeons
May 19, 2011
Eleven men from college age to almost retirement age, dressed in shirt and tie, sat at the front of the crowded room smiling and chatting with each other, waiting for the program to begin. They had been students in the CARITAS Works program for five weeks and today they were being recognized and celebrated. It was a proud moment because not only had they been given tools, training and personal development skills, they had become transformed. “He came in with a huge wall around him and by the end of the program he let the wall down and started smiling,” said Ron Stilwell, CARITAS Works Director, of one the students.
Throughout the hour long program, Stilwell would cheerfully offer a brief statement about each student and provide an applicable song. For example, Stilwell, said, “He sought to speak on behalf of the group and the song chosen was “Soul Man” by Sam and Dave. More songs and more laughter followed.
However, at the end it was really all about the students and what they had accomplished. Each had entered the program with their own set of circumstances relating to alcohol and substance abuse and had successfully come through CARITAS Works with a new sense of purpose. They learned to depend and trust each other and work as a team.
They had shed things of the past and now could reveal who they are now. Most took the opportunity to share what the program had meant to them. “It was really important to know myself and know we will be competing with everybody. CARITAS Works will make you into a peacock in a sea of penguins,” said one student. “The program replaced my arrogance with confidence,” said another. After each testimony, graduates congratulated each other with a pat on the back, a handshake or a high five, as if to say well done brother. “I don’t like to call this a graduation, but a commencement – a new beginning” said Tom Bannard, Transitional Coordinator, of The Healing Place.