Tag Archive: addiction

Sketches from the Bottom: Finding Home

The conclusion of a series. I found home with the homeless and addicted. My summer at the rescue mission was the first one I’d spent away from my family. They were six hours away… Continue reading

Sketches from the Bottom: It’s Not Over Yet

Part 5 of a series. Healing is a fight. Susan* has over 10 years of sobriety. Through the recovery program at the mission, where I worked as a summer intern, she broke free from… Continue reading

Sketches from the Bottom: Quietly Drowning

Part 4 in a series. Have you ever watched someone self-destruct? When I met Leonard* as a summer intern at a homeless rescue mission, I thought he was a staff member. The front desk… Continue reading

Sketches from the Bottom: A Serving of Dignity

Part III of a series Men lined up on the side of the building in anticipation of breakfast, bellies growling after a long night. Many had scuffed duffel bags with them, while others… Continue reading

Sketches from the Bottom: Do I Have to Be Nice?

Part 2 of a series. Read the first story here. As soon as Randy* began talking, I wanted to avoid him for the rest of the summer. I met Randy when I started… Continue reading

Sketches from the Bottom: Foreign Territory

Nothing exemplifies failure and redemption like a homeless rescue mission. During my internship at a rescue mission, I watched people climb into sobriety, crash into renewed addiction, and comb through their past. I… Continue reading

Where All Stories Begin

Defining moments can happen anywhere. Even a dorm bathroom.  During an evening study break, I was chatting with a hallmate about life goals. (Grove City College students like to ponder the larger questions… Continue reading