Introducing our Kitchen Manager Rick D…

Here at Soul’s Harbor, we have men in various stages of the recovery journey. Some men have just a few days of sobriety, and some men have many years of experience living a sober life guided by spiritual principles. Pictured above is our kitchen manager, Rick. And he definitely falls into the experienced category. Men like Rick are a guiding light for the newer men who are just starting out. Rick shows them that living a sober life is possible. We had a conversation about how he got to Soul’s Harbor and how he managed to change his life.

How long have you been sober?

I was sober for eighteen years last week on July 24.

Congratulations! That’s quite a long time. Has your long-term sobriety helped your relationship with your family?

Oh yes! It’s definitely helped with my daughter. And my grandkids. They regularly come up to see me and they interact with the community here. That’s good for the guys to see.

How did you come to live at Soul’s Harbor?

I was drinking heavily. I lost my career at Whole Foods. I lost my condominium in East Dallas. So, I went to a place called the Welcome House on Gaston, and one of the residents told me that he had been at Soul’s Harbor. I asked him to take me out there. It sounded like a great place. To be out in the country and away from alcohol. He also told me they had a kitchen I could work in. And with my experience in the food industry that sounded great to me. That I could be useful.

And what is your favorite part of working in the kitchen?

I like making the menu. And I like ordering our food. I get to help us save money while also making sure we’re fed properly.

How does the community of Soul’s Harbor help you stay sober?

I consider my relationship with God the most important aspect of my ability to stay clean. But living in the community, it helps me stay accountable living with other men who are also trying to stay sober.

Is there a specific brother from Soul’s Harbor who has helped you in your sobriety, someone you admire and hope to model yourself after?

I had to be self-reliant. But I also had to put my faith in Jesus. I was tired of living like a drunk. I realized I couldn’t be a social drinker. But I surrendered to the fact that I am an alcoholic. For me one drink is too many, and a thousand is never enough. And I hope to be someone other men can model themselves after.

What do you find special about Soul’s Harbor?

I love that we have a work therapy program. Without the work therapy program, if I had gone to a different place, I might not have gotten sober. It keeps us active. I stayed busy with work which truly helped me get sober. And it still helps me maintain my sobriety.

Do you think you have any fears that still linger in your mind?

Only physical health fears. But I try not to have fears. Fear’s not good.

So how do you get past the fears when they do arise?

Through my faith, going to church, and bible study. And I know that God’s going to take care of me. I also practice gratitude. I am thankful for God, and my faith, and for Soul’s Harbor.

Proud Partners with Sharing Life Food Bank…

We are proud to announce that we have begun a new partnership with Sharing Life Food Bank. Sharing Life is a food distributor for the North Texas Food Bank. They help us keep our freezers and pantries stocked for our men. Organizations like Sharing Life are what keep our communities afloat during the tough times and the good. Soul’s Harbor made the switch from North Texas Food Bank to Sharing Life Food Bank about a month ago. Besides being located closer to Soul’s Harbor, Sharing Life stocks more food for us than the North Texas Food Bank. We are very grateful to the North Texas Food Bank for facilitating the transition.

FYI, one of the food items we cannot obtain is coffee. If you have coffee, please consider donating them to Soul’s Harbor.