WAUSAU--There is one center that gives chemically dependent men and women a support system and home after treatment.
The Randlin Adult Family Care Home was started by Ralph Shlitz and his wife Linda in 2001.
This is one man's personal story:
In 2006 George Appleyard was arrested for his 5th O-W-I offense in 20 years.
He lost his job and spent nine months in jail. Now, a year and a half later, he has found hope at Randlin
"It gives me a sense of belonging. A sense of support. A group of family. People that will care about you and help you improve things in your life."
He was brought to Randlin through a community service program and started working as a volunteer.
But, Randlin Homes has been crucial in his
"There's always somebody there at Randlin homes whether it's just to communicate or a shoulder to cry on or just to get some help within the organization. 24/7," says Appleyard.
All of this is possible because of Ralph and his wife Linda...they have given substance abusers help and hope.
Ralph and his wife are recovering alcohol and drug addicts. They created this home because they felt there was a need for a safe and welcoming place for people after treatment.
"We saw there was a need in the community. There wasn't anywhere to turn to," says Ralph.
Part of George's recovery with Randlin Homes has been his ability to help others recover.
"He's been able to say you can change your life. You don't have to stay in the situation you are in. You can go on you can create a new life for yourself. You don't have to turn to alcohol. You don't have to turn to drugs. there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can turn your life around and George is living proof of that," says Ralph.
Now they have four houses throughout the Wausau area that currently house 20 residents.
Since then they have had a 90% success rate.
For more information on Randlin Homes you can go to their website at www.randlinhomes.org
