After continually witnessing individuals afflicted with the diseases of substance abuse, chemical dependence, and compulsive pathological gambling relapse for the lack of adequate long-term supportive services, I founded Hope for Tomorrow, Inc. to serve as a beacon of hope to recovering individuals and their families.  Since its inception, in October 1999, Hope for Tomorrow has assisted over 145 men and women develop a life that centers around their recovery and return to society as sober, responsible, productive, accountable, law-abiding, taxpaying citizens.  These men and women, once hopelessly addicted to alcohol; cocaine; heroin; gambling; and prescription medications, reported that their top fifteen relapse triggers were, in ranking order: boredom, loneliness, quit doing the maintenance portion for recovery, low self-esteem, isolation, anger, financial/money, lack of support network, guilt, relationships, inability to ask for help, depression, resentments, stress, and insufficient spiritual connection.

     The combination of structure and supportive services, offered through Hope for Tomorrow, helps the newly recovering individual develop a comprehensive sobriety plan in all fifteen areas of relapse prevention.  Seventy-two percent of HFT clients enter our residential programs unemployed.  Within seven days, residents secure and maintain full-time  employment, and begin the process of self-sufficiency.  Employment has a multitude of benefits.  First, it fosters accountability and responsibility.  Next, employment develops self-worth; promotes an overall feeling of well-being; improves time management skills; provides direction and purpose in life; reduces depressive symptoms; develops relationships; alleviates boredom, and reduces guilt through productivity.  ity. 

     So, as you can see, helping the newly recovering individual  secure and maintain full-time (legitimate) employment is a key in relapse prevention.  But, employment alone is not enough.  What about impulse control; delaying immediate  toxic shame; resentments; insufficient or misconceived spirituality; egotistical thinking; stress management; selfless—rather than selfish  thinking; complacency; identifying and implementing life’s priorities; building recovery-based relationships; establishing a balanced lifestyle, addressing biomedical, physiological, legal, and emotional complications; and repairing      shattered family relationships?  HFT addresses these relapse issues through weekly education groups, and ongoing counseling sessions with clients.  The results, although over 95% (140) of HFT clients enter our residential program homeless, only 3.10% (4) leave homeless; 74.42% (96) secure independent living, and 17.83% (23) secure dependent living (e.g., move back home with family or other relatives).  And, of the 72.60% (106) that enter HFT unemployed, 85.27% (110) secure full-time employment, and another 3.88% (5) secure part-time employment.  All clients receive comprehensive, ongoing weekly education that addresses the fifteen areas of relapse prevention, and, at this time, our average increase in longest period of uninterrupted sobriety is 631%.  31%.  31%. 

     While these statistics are staggering, there is an important aspect of recovery that deserves to be discussed. Upon admission, the vast majority of our clients have an estranged relationship with a God of their understanding.  One    hundred and forty-four (99%) of HFT clients report a childhood spiritual belief in Jesus Christ, but one hundred and twenty-two (83%) state that their addiction has drawn them away from God—leaving them tormented with fears. I am committed to the belief that without a deep meaningful relationship with God, life is empty.  Therefore, in an effort to assist clients develop and nurture their spirituality, we are collaborating with local ministries (e.g., Ginger Creek    Community Church, Christ Community Church, Community Christian Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and others).  These ministries will offer mentors and small groups to HFT clients to assist them rebuild their faith and live in a Christ-like manner.  Psalm 16: 7-11, provides us with peace of mind and guides us from falling into sin: “I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety.  For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your godly one to rot in the grave.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever”.   May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you and your family—today and in the days to come. s to come.

   Jeff Gilbert

Founder & Executive Director