Ryan’s Story: “I Didn’t Know This Was Possible”
– July 6, 2017 –
Ryan* started drinking and using drugs when he was 11. He picked it up from his family and friends. Though he tried to get sober several times, “It had never really stuck.” But when he called the Coffee Oasis this March, Ryan was on the brink of change, even though he didn’t know it.
When Ryan called to do community service, he connected with Kerrey, an Oasis case manager. Ryan was respectful, sad, and overwhelmed. He was 24, newly sober, with a lot of court issues, bills and child support to pay, and a tumultuous relationship with his mom. More than his community service hours, he needed support.
Ryan began meeting with Kerrey for case management. Five days later, his mother kicked him out of the house. “That first night he was homeless, I tried to do everything I could to find him a place,” said Kerrey. “But I couldn’t. He slept outside.” The next morning, he and Kerrey met to talk about possibilities.
“That first night he was homeless, I tried to do everything I could to find him a place,” said Kerrey. “But I couldn’t. He slept outside.”
Ryan didn’t want to leave his recovery support network in Poulsbo. He was afraid of going to a different city where he could be tempted back into addiction. So he stayed in Poulsbo, working with Kerrey. After three weeks, Ryan got into an Oxford house. Then, through the Coffee Oasis, he connected with someone needing yard work done. Ryan got a good reputation for his work ethic and soon became employed by others. Slowly, things began to change for him.
Now, four months later, Ryan has got his driver’s license back, has housing, has remained sober, and is paying off court fees and loans. He recently texted Kerrey, “Thank you for helping me so much. I didn’t know this was possible.”
“Thank you for helping me so much. I didn’t know this was possible.”
At The Coffee Oasis, Ryan discovered not just programs and resources, but a supportive network of people. That support has given him the confidence to push forward. Ryan now has hope of a new life. As Kerrey said, “He’s on a path, and we are walking with him.”
*name changed to respect youth’s identity
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