When Matthew Epps came to The Shelter, he said he felt lost, scared and hopeless. Then, Alyese Patterson, Manager of Care Coordination, asked if he was interested in recovery. And, he said, “Yes. Please.”
Alyese said, “I actually spoke with his sister before I spoke with him. So, I knew Matthew had a strong support system. Then, as I got to know Matthew, I could see the quality and motivation that was deep within him.” In a short while, she was able to get him into The Mission’s Behavioral Health Program, where Matthew thrived.
“She saved my life,” Matthew said about Alyese.
Matthew came to The Shelter, through a program called Open Access, where The Mission, in partnership with other like-minded community partners, has created a confidential and empathetic environment staffed with professionals who assist individuals with obtaining free medication to help with withdrawal and counseling to begin their recovery journey.
Fifty years ago, Matthew was, as he described, “born into a family where alcohol and drugs, along with mental, physical and emotional abuse were part of my everyday life. My Grandma explained to me and my siblings why my parents (God rest their souls) were falling down, nodding off, and treating us like they did.”
The trauma of growing up in that household became too much for Matthew to bear.
By the time he was twelve, he recalled, “I was on my own, rebellious, living on the streets, a full-blown addict and alcoholic, doing whatever I had to do to get high. I was obsessed with the fast life. The streets were right up my alley. I sold and I used. Then I was in and out of prison and programs. And nobody could tell me what to do.”
It took decades for fate to bring Matthew to The Mission where he met Alyese. “When she told me that she believed I could succeed in The Mission’s recovery program, I wanted to cry,” he said. “Her unconditional love was so powerful,” he added. “It was like she was a big sister who cared for me. She’d say, ‘You can do it,’ and I felt like I needed to let her know that I also believed I could do it. Because she believed in me, I felt a sense of loyalty to her.”
He repeated, “She believed in me.” Matthew, who is 6’5” tall, smiled at Alyese, then added, “I never had that as a kid.”
In The Mission’s Behavioral Health Program, Matthew met Bilal Simms, one of the counselors, who helped Matthew come to terms with his anger. “That was hard,” Matthew said, “because I realized I was very angry. But I realized the person I was really angry at was myself. That’s when I had to accept that I was an addict. And I had no none but myself to blame. Bilal helped me open up to many other feelings. Now, at night, when I reflect on my life, I sometimes cry. And during the day, I also smile – for no reason. It’s like I know that I now have a heart.”
Now, at night, when I reflect on my life,” Matthew said, “I sometimes cry. And during the day, I also smile – for no reason.
In light of his positive attitude and accelerated progress, Matthew was selected to participate in The New Direction Program, a transformative, nine-week experience that was introduced at The Mission to provide individuals in recovery with the opportunity to learn what drives them, connect with others who have overcome similar challenges, and develop their own clear career path.
Matthew is now employed at Lowe’s, and ready to leave The Mission to live in a Sober Living House in Trenton, where he intends to make a fresh start. He is also contemplating coming back to The Mission – this time as a Peer Recovery Specialist to help others who are early on their journey to recovery.
Your Recovery Can Start Here
If you are struggling with addiction, we can provide you with free medication, which will prevent withdrawal, reduce your cravings, and give you the
opportunity to recover.
We are here for you.
Any morning from 6 am until 7 pm, just walk up the ramp at 89 Ewing Street, knock on our Shelter’s door, and we will bring you to see a professional
from one of our partners, who can get you the appropriate medication.
Or call 609.695.1436 ext. 142 and Alyese will be more than glad to help you.
Our dedicated team will work with you through every step of your recovery journey.
This innovative new program is funded by the New Jersey State Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction
Services.
At The Mission, you can also receive warm meals, and a safe place to sleep, as well as access to health care, behavioral health counseling, vocational development and the opportunity to obtain permanent supportive housing.
We invite you to take this first step of your recovery.
