Meet Kevin.
Just six months ago, his life looked very different than it does today. At 17, Kevin was like many teenagers—he loved spending time with family, playing basketball, and going to the movies. But he was also facing a struggle far too common for teens today: addiction.
Addiction consumed Kevin’s thoughts. Every day centered on the drug—how to get it, how to use it, and little else. “I didn’t have anything to lose,” he admitted. “The day I came here, I was using.” Surrounded by peers and family members also caught in addiction, Kevin knew deep down something had to change. What came next was a pivotal moment in Kevin’s story; he came to Josiah White’s.
Leaving home and making the three-hour move to our Wabash campus, Kevin’s first impression was one of pleasant surprise. The campus was bigger and more beautiful than he imagined. Structure was still present—like what he had experienced in the Department of Corrections—but this time, it felt different. There was independence and freedom here too.
His first real connection came through his Case Manager, “Miss Hanna.” Over time, she earned his trust, consistently advocating for him, listening, and reminding him what he was capable of, even when he couldn’t see it himself. She introduced him to his program, Teaching Recovery Empowering Change (TREC).
Kevin’s time here wasn’t without setbacks. But when mistakes happened, instead of condemnation, he found correction, accountability, and support. He learned that one step backward didn’t erase his progress. That truth changed everything. The people here cared about him, and his mistakes were never enough to make them give up on him.
Through therapy, Kevin put in the hard work of recovery. Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOT) helped him face addiction head-on. Horticulture and art intervention taught him healthy outlets and reminded him his life was better without drugs. But there was hard work to be done outside of his therapy sessions too. He worked two jobs on campus—cafeteria service and groundskeeping—where he discovered the joy of working with his hands and the confidence that comes from a structured schedule.
As part of Growing Teens for Life, Kevin leaves here with practical tools: a resume, interview skills, and, most importantly, a newfound sense of self-worth. Asked what he has learned about himself, Kevin said: “I have the capability of doing good;” he learned he could be successful.
Today, Kevin is six months sober. He has more than treatment tools—he has a community that reminds him he is loved and worthy of care. He’s also had new experiences he once thought impossible: visiting the zoo for the first time, trying Chick-fil-A, touching a fish, and learning to swim. He even got a surprise party and his very own cake for his birthday. For once he could see life and the future with support and without drugs – it was worth it.
At the center of Kevin’s journey is the power of one person who believed in him. For Kevin, that was Miss Hanna. She walked with him through the highs and the lows with grace, courage, and sometimes hard truth.
Now, Kevin is preparing for the next chapter. He’ll transition into after-care with weekly check-ins for up to six months. He’s also stepping into a brand-new role—fatherhood—as he goes home to care for his newborn baby. Kevin credits God with pulling him out of his old environment and giving him this chance for change.
His future is brighter. His mindset is renewed. Today, he has a second chance—and a lifetime of new possibilities ahead.
