Relocating to the Land of 10,000 Lakes may have saved Kyle Jackson’s life. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jackson thrived academically and gained acceptance into Emerson College in Boston. Regrettably, rather than flourishing after obtaining a degree from a prestigious school, Jackson spiraled into a decade-long pattern of drug and alcohol addiction. Eventually, Jackson agreed to receive substance abuse treatment at the Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation in Center City, Minnesota. It was here that he got sober, and positioned himself to become gainfully employed and find happiness. “I struggled with multiple relapses and treatments during my active addiction,” Jackson said. “My psychologist suggested that I try Hazelden, which at the time was the premier treatment center in the United States. It worked for me and my counselors suggested that I stay in Minnesota. So, I ended up working for a division of Minnesota Public Radio when I graduated from treatment and I stayed there for 13 years. I then worked for the Target Corporation and, finally, I established a small consultancy firm. I’ve been sober for 34 years.” Roughly five years ago, following a long-lasting, successful career, Jackson went into semi-retirement. Somewhat ironically, it was around this time when he found his professional calling. Jackson met a man named Farris Glover, who in 1995 founded My Home Inc., a treatment facility designed to help WORKING AT MY HOME INC. Kyle Jackson is at home
African-Americans make a successful transition to mainstream society. Jackson and Glover discussed My Home Inc. and he expressed interest in helping out at the treatment facility.
-Kyle Jackson “...I want to help alleviate the suffering of our community...”
“The agency’s mission is to help minority residents of the seven-county metro area, particularly the residents of the historically African-American neighborhoods of Frogtown, Rondo, and Saint Anthony Village. Overall, African-Americans comprise nine percent of Ramsey County’s population,” Jackson said. “We serve an economically challenged community and are located right in the heart of the black community in Saint Paul. So, an overwhelming percentage of our client census are poor, under- educated, and lacking in resources. As an African-American man, I want to help alleviate the suffering of our community and this agency provides me with an opportunity to help folks directly.”
Ample Room for Improvement
“I’m semi-retired and was looking for something to do when I met Farris about five years ago,” Jackson said. “I eventually started working with his clients to help them transition from active addiction and criminal behavior (mostly possession, small-time dealing, and DUI infractions) to a more sustainable lifestyle with an emphasis on lifestyle changes that facilitate growth.” Jackson elaborated on My Home’s mission and explained why he’s so determined to assist its cause.
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