My name is Thomas and I am a proud graduate and member of the STRIVE DC Family. I come from a broken home in which there was drinking and drugs. I started at an early age. When I was seven I was drinking. By the time I was eleven, I was smoking pot on the street corners with the fellows, stealing, breaking into houses and robbing the trains at night. By the time I was 18, I was locked up. I had jobs here and there but I could not keep a job for various reasons (my drinking and drugs).

           I first came to STRIVE from a shelter. I had no suits, ties or proper dress shoes. They took care of all of that and took away any excuses for me not to come to the program. Since coming to STRIVE, I have found out a lot things about myself. Things like my inability to accept constructive criticism and my anger towards authority figures. I am glad that they were able to recognize these things that I could not see at the time and I just want to say thank you.

           While going through the program, I was able to learn how to type my resume, cover letter and thank you letters. I learned how to use the fax machine as well as the computer. (All skills that I did not have before entering STRIVE and necessary to get a job.)

           Since graduating from STRIVE, I obtained a job. Then due to family issues* I had to resign from my position. STRIVE stood beside me and helped me get another job. I worked really hard to get the second job and was successful in my efforts. I am currently working at the Morrison House Hotel and I have just completed a five-week computer-training course.

           Finally, I have been clean of drugs and/or alcohol for nineteen months. I give credit to my higher power.

Thomas Harris

*Note from STRIVE DC: Thomas' first job was an entry level job at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. He was doing well until his mother died and, almost simultaneously, the mother of his infant child left the infant with Thomas at the shelter where he lives, and disappeared. Overwhelmed, Thomas stopped coming to work. STRIVE DC was in touch with both Thomas ( almost daily) and the employer during this time. Thomas lost his job. STRIVE DC referred Thomas to crisis and grief therapy, and helped him find assistance for his baby with other family members. Thomas stayed in counseling for almost three months. Now things are better for Thomas. He moved to another, more supportive shelter, and STRIVE DC, Inc. placed him in a job at another hotel. Yet Thomas' future remains uncertain. His infant child is still not placed in a stable environment, he does not have a home, and he continues to come to STRIVE DC, Inc. for much needed support.