I was fortunate enough to be referred to LifeNet for services to help me back in October of 2001.  I was suffering from Schizophrenia, Bipolar, addiction to Crack Cocaine and Alcohol and I was homeless.  My older brother was a Dallas Police Officer who died in the line of duty in the year 2000.  This helped push me over the edge.  I was in need of real help.

After the intake process, I was placed in LifeNet's Intensive Out Patient/Supportive Out Patient programs for my drug and alcohol addiction and placed with Dr. Elsaie, my psychiatrist.  I also signed up to be placed in LifeNet's supportive housing program.  Even though I was not able to be placed immediately in LifeNet housing, I immediately began the Intensive Out Patient Program for my drug addiction and started in group and individual therapy for my mental illness.  Little did I know this was the start of my recovery from drug addiction and the start of a new life.

There were many days when I was depressed and yet restless.  I felt I had no place to go or nothing to do.  I felt I was worthless and wasting away.  Somehow I would always end up at LifeNet.  Going to LifeNet to hang out was one of the best ways for me to stay out of trouble.  I knew I was safe there and if I did need extra help, like from a friend or a counselor, it was right there waiting for me.  After the IOP and SOP groups, I attended LifeNet's Coping Skills Group and Self-Esteem Group.

I am now the Executive Assistant in the Development Department.  I have been an employee of LifeNet for three years now.  Years ago I would have never dreamt that I would be raising funds and writing grants for LifeNet. 

It really has been a L-I-F-E-N-E-T!  

Chelsia Williams 

Few people are as bubbly, outgoing, and lively as Chelsia Williams. She is the hospitality queen for LifeNet, acting as greeter, people person, refreshment coordinator, and enthusiasm generator among clients and employees.
 

But for 22 years, alcohol addiction and bipolar disorder ruled her day-to-day existence.
 

In 2003, after time at Nexus Recovery Center in Dallas, she found a new life at LifeNet as a client. From anger management classes to budgeting lessons and meetings with doctors, Williams totally committed herself to getting better. “I was so fresh—I would do anything they told me to do if it would help my recovery,” she said. “I learned that it was a disease and that opened my eyes. I learned not to fight people, to live and let live.” After 4 years with LifeNet and great positive progress, she became an employee, enthusiastically sharing her experience and zeal with all those around.
 

What would she say to people who have a hard time believing that a former addict and bipolar patient can lead a new life with purpose, dedication, meaning, and faith? “I could tell them that it is possible with proper care and proper knowledge of oneself,” she said. “When I make my appointment to see my caseworker, I am taking care of myself; when I come here, I take care of myself.” But Williams is not one to toot her own horn—she takes each day as it comes to her and remains grounded in her faith. “I keep myself humble and I get up every morning by His grace and His wisdom,” she said. Her time working at LifeNet continues to aid her recovery.
 
“I look back on those times and it boggles my mind that I did those things. People come here and have my same issues as me and I love talking recovery with them,” she said. “That is the best part of my job!”