Grant Stories
I thank you for helping me rehabilitate my life. I was incarcerated when I read a letter about Positive Directions. I wanted to know more about the program so I went to a workshop and it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. Prior to being released from prison, I decided to go into transitional housing, and Positive Directions helped me get into the best transitional house in Baltimore City. They also made sure I had all my credentials so I could get a job, and they provided me transportation to look for one. I now know what is on my credit report thanks to Positive Directions’ assistance in helping me get it. They sent me to the Mayor’s Office on Employment Development who helped me get a job. Without the help I’ve gotten from Positive Directions I would have been back on the mean streets of Baltimore, and eventually back in prison.

— Stanley Macklin
My name is Cecelia. I am 50 years old. I suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia and PTSD. I was a victim of many years of domestic violence. When I was incarcerated these conditions went untreated, I also developed severe dental infections. I was in constant pain, and nearly died. I wrote day and night begging for help. Finally Mary Joel Davis and Michelle at Alternative Directions listened to me, and I was paroled to the TAP program. Now I have the correct medication, and the pain is under control. I have a wonderful relationship with my granddaughter. I graduated from the Power Excel program and earned a certificate. I am also involved in the Out For Justice project, and hope we can make a difference for others. I cannot begin to thank Mary Joel, Michelle, and the staff at Alternative Directions for saving my life.

— Cecelia Somers- Battaglia
Most of my life has been a cycle of drugs and arrests. I first used drugs when I was only 13. I’ve been shot and stabbed. When I was facing another charge my Public Defender contacted Alternative Directions to see if they could help me. They placed me at Tuerk House for their 28 day program, then at Weisman Kaplan House. They worked for hours to get me a prescription when my medication ran out. They referred me to Health Care for the Homeless for counseling, and helped me in many other ways. I’m now ready to begin a job search. I feel for the first time in my life that I have a real chance. I’m sure I can break the drug cycle, and become the type of man I want to be.

— Robert Lehr
My name is Sharon, I’m 41 years old. I was released from the Division of Correction in Jessup. It was my third incarceration. But this time I was blessed. For the first time in 15 years of using drugs I wanted to surrender. I was paroled to the TAP program which put me in a 28 day treatment program at the Tuerk House. From there they put me in a transitional house. I’m still on parole until 2009. I am working my twelve steps workbook, as of now I am on the third step. It feels good to be drug free for the first time in 15 years, and I have the TAP program to thank for giving me the help I needed.

— Sharon Webster