As he was serving a prison term related to substance use disorder, Lance J. made a decision.
“I don’t want to live this life anymore,” he said.
“When I got out, I was doing anything and everything to keep me from going back to active addiction or prison again.”
He was released on Dec. 27, 2023, and was connected to Allies for Health + Wellbeing for assistance in managing his HIV.
“Things have been great at Allies for me,” he said. “They’ve helped me tremendously, especially with my medication. They’ve helped me with food. It’s been a lot of things they’ve helped me with. You guys are always welcoming, so I appreciate that part.”
Now, Lance is well on his way to helping others. He is a certified recovery specialist, and he’s attending CCAC studying social work.
“I work with people who are like I was,” he said. “That’s what I do for work now.”
Eventually, he would like to earn his doctorate and open a clinic where he can help young people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have substance use disorder.
He encourages those who are struggling to seek the help they need – including from organizations like Allies.
“Don’t be scared to ask for help. Reach out, because you don’t have to go through this alone, and you can recover.”
