Hello, my name is Justin Ellerhorst. I am an alcoholic and addict. I am currently a resident at Joe and Shirley's Place.

On June 4th, 2007, I graduated from New Day Treatment Center in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I had previous contact with Dave Beatty and was certain he was a great person with a huge heart. It wasn't until I was released that I began to see this first hand.

Dave had told me that he would come pick me up and attend my graduation. I was shocked and couldn't believe it, so much so that I had tried to make other arrangement just in case. The day came and, true to his word, he was there and I was relieved. This situation was only a glimpse of things to come.

I had decided against suggestions to move back into my residence. It wasn't but a week later that I was off and drinking again. After several weeks of blackouts, hopelessness, loneliness and just plain misery, my family contacted Dave to try to help me again.

He took me to ER detox and offered me to stay at J.S.P. all with no avail because of my actions. I had given up, I was hopeless drunk but Dave didn't see me that way - he didn't give up.

Looking back he must have seen something in me to not quit trying to help me. I had finally burned the bridge with my landlord and was on the verge of homelessness. It was then that I finally moved into J.S.P.

Upon arrival, I was a nervous wreck physically, mentally, and emotionally - and, why not - but a week earlier I was thought dead by my family.

The environment was great - everyone was friendly and helped me when I needed it. Since my arrival at J.S.P., Dave continues to be involved in my life, helping me with ride, phone calls, taking the time to write me letters and being there to talk whenever I call. It makes me wonder how he has time for himself. His phone doesn't stop ringing and he doesn't stop answering - always finding the means to help another person in the situation I was in.

The business of substance abuse can be absolutely heart-breaking yet Dave never quits trying to help people, always reaching out to people like me who felt utterly hopeless with no desire to live.

My life isn't that way anymore. I am grateful, happy person today. I am attending college full-time; I have relationships with my family' and I have gained some of the best friendships I've ever had.

I am truly a miracle. I have been given so many gifts from recovery and have found a new way of life and all that it has to offer. I wake up in the morning looking forward to the day ahead - no longer do I live my life in active addiction. Eight months ago I couldn't say that. I can't help but think that eight months ago Dave Beatty was driving somewhere to help someone in need, his phone rang, he answered and I asked him for help.