A Second Chance: Bobby’s Journey from Recovery to Service
Stephanie Chastain | stephanie.chastain@uss.salvationarmy.org
Asheville, NC - Bobby, a staff member at The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Charlotte, NC, completed his own journey through the ARC program just four months ago. After graduating, he chose to stay on as staff, driven by a simple motivation: “I was just gonna stay to keep the lights on for the next guy.” Little did he know, this decision would lead him to a life-changing experience in service.
When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, The Salvation Army’s Disaster Services reached out to the ARC, seeking help in their response efforts. Bobby was asked to drive trucks for the disaster warehouse. “I didn’t want to go,” he recalls. But his reluctance faded on his first night serving dinner from the back of a canteen. That night, Bobby handed a hot meal to a small boy, and something shifted inside him. “All my life I’ve been a taker. I’ve sucked the life out of friends, family, everything! This was the first time I had a chance to give back.”
Bobby speaks candidly about his battle with alcoholism, describing it as “selfishness in a nutshell.” Yet through this experience, he discovered the power of serving others. For the first time, he found purpose, realizing that he wanted to dedicate his life to giving rather than taking. “My life is God’s. Not my life. Not my rules. I just want God to flow through me and work through me. I want to be a vessel.”
This opportunity solidified Bobby’s recovery. His newfound purpose, driven by faith and service, brought him joy and a reason to get out of bed every morning. Reflecting on his past, Bobby shares how he spent years trying to force things to go his way, but once he surrendered to God, doors began to open. Now, with a clear sense of purpose and the strength of his faith, Bobby knows he’s on the path he’s meant to walk.
Galatians 2:20 – "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
About The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.