"I owe much thanks to this program as it afforded me a solid, safe foundation for myself and others like me living with HIV who have also suffered with drug and alcohol dependency. Many like myself had begun living a life of crime to support their habits, which in turn led to living in prison, where I first learned of my having HIV.

"Ironically, though, for me, learning of my being infected with HIV became the catalyst for my recovery. In other words, it gave me a reason to want to change my life as I feel it is very precious and should be lived to its fullest. Shooting drugs, living from crime, and prison is not what I want. Today, the life I lead is what I want. Everything I hoped for has happened for me: my work, family, children and my impending marriage and I am enjoying it all without the use of drugs in my life.

"You all have helped me in many ways — with counseling, services, a safe place to live. Even when I went through a relapse you were there for me and patiently guided me back on track. Now, I am ready to move on and make room for another client who needs these services.

Thank you all for everything."