As time passed, Jackie began to notice how much his world was changing. He began to see that when he was in prison, most people forgot about him. When he got out, there was always a party full of people pledging their help and loyalty. A few days later, those same people were never available to give the help they so eagerly promised. During this low period in his life, his mother passed away, followed by his grandmother, then his sister. In his biogra- phy, he writes “I felt so lonely. I hid my pain behind alcohol and drugs.“ Those years would become some of the toughest he’s ever endured . His support system was com- pletely gone. He felt hopeless and his self sabotaging actions would land him in prison for seven more years, for shoplifting at a convenience store. It was during this time of incarceration, that Jackie decid- ed he needed to make a change. Prison had one benefit; He was able to get sober. When Jackie was released, being off drugs allowed him to think clearly. He’d always known he need- ed to change, but this was the first time he actual- ly wanted to change. He cut ties with people that didn’t have his best interest in mind. He got off drugs, took AODA classes, and he remained sober. He also obtained his HSED, and has vowed to be a positive example for others that may be struggling with addiction or with simply navigating life. His message is that no one is ever too far gone, and that it is never too late to be a better version of yourself. Today, Jackie is employed at UW hospital and supports the community by attending and shar- ing information about local events. You’ll also find him volunteering his time passing out food pantry items at Fountain of Life Church twice a month. Wherever you see him, he is sure to stand out from the rest. Written By: Lacee Blair
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