“MJ’s” life started full of promise. By age 17 he was a Golden Gloves Champion, his future and dreams within reach.  Then, a car accident changed everything. MJ survived the crash but suffered a traumatic brain injury affecting his short term memory.  Now, instead of jumping in and out of the ring, MJ – who had begun to drink uncontrollably – was landing in and out of jail as a result of altercations he encountered while under the influence.  Throughout his adulthood this pattern continued and eventually MJ was unable to keep a roof over his own head.  Having earned a reputation in the community as a troublemaker, almost everyone in MJ’s life expected he would simply self-destruct. 

That’s when one of the few people MJ still considered a friend inspired him to get back in the fight.  His friend let him know what he feared might happen if MJ continued to live a life of drinking and going to jail.  Instead he suggested MJ enter Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s Residential Program Center, a place where he knew MJ would find the hope he needed to become self-reliant.  Now a middle-aged man, committed to changing his life, Volunteers of America Chesapeake was able to help MJ.  Staff at the shelter connected him with resources and services for his substance abuse and brain injury.  With his health stabilized, MJ was able to land a job.  On November 19, 2009 MJ left Volunteers of America Chesapeake – not for jail and not for the streets – he left for his own apartment.  This time, he left for home.

By Courtney Dunn