Congratulations to our Beneficiary of the Month for July: BJ Sagryn (pictured right). BJ shows great work ethic and takes his recovery seriously; he has been a blessing to us and we are proud to name him July's Beneficiary of the Month. Mr. BJ Sagryn entered the program on February 13th, 2018 and graduated on August 22nd, 2018.
When asked about his life before coming to The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), BJ said that he was busy most of the time, worked a lot and had some drinks on the weekends. Even though he was often very busy before coming to the ARC, BJ still took time to help others:
"My boss liked me so much we were working 10 hours on 3rd shift and also 6 hours on 1st shift for 3 days a week . . . I like to help friends out."
BJ explained to us that his decision to come to The Salvation Army program was not entirely up to him because it was part of his sentence from the court and his probation officer sent him here. Although BJ describes his life before coming to the ARC as busy and without struggles, he has told us that his time here has really made him think about not drinking at all.
"Well it made me think I really needed help and I never thought of asking God for help . . . I did [think about] how much I lost from drinking. I don't want to have that no more; I want to begin a new life without drinking."
There are a variety of work therapy assignments at The ARC, one of which is a truck helper. As with most things in life, there are pros and cons and the truck helper spot is no exception. Though this assignment is physically demanding, it gives beneficiaries an opportunity to spend time outside the building and interact with people outside the program. BJ has spent the majority of his time at the ARC as a truck helper, and his work ethic and positive attitude have been appreciated. He expressed that he got along well with all the drivers and that he enjoyed being able to spend time with them.
At The Salvation Army ARC, we realize that our 6-month program is just a start to living a life of recovery. Completing the program is something to be celebrated and leaving the program after graduation is a huge step in the recovery process. It's an opportunity for graduates to continue living sober and utilize the tools that they discovered while they were beneficiaries of the program. BJ has set goals for himself that he would like to achieve once he graduates the program to continue his journey in sobriety.
"Well I have a car but [I want] to keep working hard getting my license back, finding my own place again, being a better person to my family, my kids, my new friends and yes, maybe even my ex-wife."
We want to extend one more, huge congratulations to BJ Sagryn and Johnl Davis for earning Beneficiary of the Month and an even bigger congratulations to you both for the progress you've made in your recovery! May God bless your journey!
