At the end of 2008 we come to the end of several years of committed giving of £500pa to CALEB. In 2007, four of us attended an open day at the Bradford based centre. In addition to hearing an interesting talk on the programmes offered we met some of the clients. Over a cup of tea we heard at first hand some of the personal battles with addiction. The following short extracts are taken from a recent newsletter and convey what a vital lifeline Caleb offers to drug and alcohol dependents in Bradford.

K's Story

?Before I started on the Caleb day programme my life was total chaos. I either didn't know where I was going to sleep from one day to the next, or I was in and out of the prison system.

My drug addiction took me to some very dark places and I felt that I had no future. There was one certainty if I carried on and that was prison or even DEATH. I then heard about Caleb so eventually I reached out for help. I just knew that my whole life and myself was a problem and I couldn't sort it out myself. I joined the programme and stopped my drug of choice, although I still struggle. I am also learning about myself which is good because it's all about growing physically, spiritually and mentally.

I have now a lot of hope and my relationship with my family is getting a lot better, but without the support I receive from Caleb and Narcotics Anonymous I could never have got to the place I am at now.?

M's Story

?I came to Caleb after a very chaotic lifestyle out there in addiction. Most of this time I wasn't aware that there were recovery programmes. After my 24th time being sat in prison and reading through my Bible, my spirit grew stronger and I became more determined.

Circumstances led me to Caleb and the longest time out of any institution. Every day is getting better and cleaner, and my future is now one day at a time! Today I'm clean from illegal drugs. This, I pray, will continue!?

S's Story

?I've learnt so much about myself and my addiction that I've not used drugs since coming here and I'm learning more every day. I'm back at college and am doing my final year and I'll be a qualified electrician in June. I'm really thankful for Caleb - it has saved my life.?

R's Story

?When I came to Bradford, I wasn't a nice person. I had no morals and I resented myself more than other people. Since coming to Caleb, I'm in the process of turning that all around, and not using drugs and alcohol to stop me from feeling the real world.

I am happy for the first time in my life. I am building bridges with people from my past and my family and I am starting to love myself and believe in myself, because I believe God has a vision for me. I have hope.?

J's Story

?Since I've joined Caleb my life has got so much better. I came in thinking I knew everything, and no-one could tell me different. I've started to be happier in my life, knowing that this programme works if you're prepared to put the hard work in.

All the staff have been and are very helpful. I've started for the first time in my life to eat well and dress well and brush my teeth.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to this programme I am clean, just for today. And it works.?

We wish CALEB and its clients every success in the future.

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