Kenny struggled on and off with addiction for 27 years before experiencing rock bottom, which came in the form of overdosing in a dumpster.
He relocated to Kentucky for treatment, but was without a home, job, vehicle or support system, his addiction having destroyed all of his relationships.
“I burned every relationship that I ever had. I stole from my family, did whatever I had to do to get my next drug,” he said.
Kenny sought treatment at Lake Cumberland Recovery Inc. in Somerset, Kentucky, where he also served as the house manager. Through this position, he moved out of sober living and into the staff house. In the near future, he hopes to obtain independent living.
Through Lake Cumberland Recovery, he was connected to Goodwill and our Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day (RISE) program, a two-week work-readiness program.
“The RISE program taught me about soft skills, helped me learn how to interact socially and present myself, and I also worked on resume building and interviewing skills.”
Currently, Kenny is working as a drug and alcohol counselor associate under clinical supervision while he pursues his bachelor’s degree.
On March 24 of this year, he was placed with a vehicle through Goodwill Cars to Work, a program designed to help people with transpiration barriers purchase their own vehicle and build their credit history.
Kenny also serves as a spokesperson for addiction and recovery, attending multiple events throughout the region to help inspire others that are experiencing situations similar to his.
“When you look back on addiction, it feels like all that time is wasted,” he explained. “But God turns that pain into purpose. I am now using my past to help others.”