You gave Jason a new lease on life

Jason credits his varied connections with The Salvation Army for the positive, vibrant life he is living—a world away from the turmoil of his rock-bottom days.

I’ve always been aware of The Salvation Army, especially at Christmas. So, when I moved to New Zealand from America 20 years ago, the first thing I did was volunteer at the local Family Store. It was a life-affirming experience for someone brand new to the community.

One of the reasons I emigrated was to leave my struggles with drug addiction behind, but those challenges came with me and morphed into alcoholism. I have had a long career in hospitality but with its late nights, parties and events, it’s counterintuitive for someone trying to stay clean and sober.

When I got a drink-driving charge and ended up doing community service at the Sallies, the very place I had volunteered, it was humiliating but also humbling and ultimately my saving grace. When my addiction challenges continued and escalated, I was referred to the Sallie’s Bridge programme. Like many addicts, my journey to recovery was long, and I returned to the programme a few years later and did another intensive programme through a local agency.

Completely saved by the interventions, I studied to become a mental health and addiction support worker. Part of that was a placement at The Salvation Army and I’ve never left! Now, I volunteer once a week at the Salvation Army foodbank and put what I’ve learned into action when someone presents who is struggling with these issues.

That was me once. Needing food assistance because I was so unwell and not being able to see a way out for myself. And now, I am on the same team as the people who once helped me. That’s where the miracle happened. 

The support, guidance and sense of community I have discovered at The Salvation Army has been central to my transformation. One of the most impactful things I have done is the Positive Lifestyle Programme (PLP). If not for this course, I don’t think I’d have put myself through rehab a second time. I was stubborn, but PLP forces you to see things you might not want to see. It is not for the faint of heart, but if you throw yourself into it, really acknowledge what you learn about yourself and make steps to change, you can turn your life around.

My current lifestyle supports a healthier approach to making the most of life. I finally had the courage to take myself out of the hospitality industry and now work in sales and marketing for a large farm. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally. I am a celebrant, which I take very seriously, and, with guidance,
I have embraced my faith.

If you’d told me, even two years ago, that I wouldn’t be in hospitality anymore, that I’d be working on a farm, be an upstanding member of a church congregation and be officiating weddings and funerals, I wouldn’t have believed you. I have gone from the depths of despair, trapped in a cycle of self-destruction to a place of calm and positivity.

Photo: Jason (right) with Hine, PLP facilitator.