Recovering addict gives back

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Lafayette man is working to give back to the non-profit organization that he says saved his life.

Beau Chapman said he's struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction for nearly three decades, but it wasn't until he came to Home With Hope he felt he really changed his life. Now, he wants to do the same for others, and he's leading the way in the effort to revitalize the Hope Apartments with new paint, carpet, and even new shrubbery.

"I was at the lowest point in my life, and I really didn't have a place to go," Chapman said. "People were tired of my antics, and the ability to do my job couldn't get me by any longer."

That's when Chapman turned to Home With Hope. He still remembers the day he called Executive Director Amy Mitchell and asked for help, back on April 16. He said the kindness he received here has helped him in his efforts to stay off alcohol and drugs since then.

"With me, it's a change that people see," he said. "My dog loves me now. My dog used to not love me."

"I don't think there's anyone in this community who has as much energy, who has as much know-how, and enough gumption just to go out there and say, 'Hey, I'm in recovery. I lived in this house who really needs your help,'" Mitchell said.

She said it's thanks to Chapman's energy and gumption the recovery center has received thousands of dollars in donations from countless businesses and individuals throughout the community.

The Hope Apartments are all getting new paint and carpets, and Chapman's employer donated a van to transport Home With Hope clients to jobs and Twelve Step meetings. Even the new mulch and shrubbery were donated.

"Anybody we've really asked has been giving us donations, and they've just been pouring in," Chapman said.

And Mitchell said for the non-profit, every little bit helps, and the morale boost from living in a nice home helps Home With Hope's clients stick to their recovery plans.

"I don't think people realize how hard it is to come into a place after years of using alcohol or drugs, to come into a place, stop using, and try to find a new way to live," Mitchell said. "And for our community to say, 'Hey, we appreciate you, and we notice it,' that says a lot."

"There's plenty of recovery places out there, but they want $30,000 just to let you enter it. And sometimes you hit bottom so bad that you don't have that money," Chapman said. "Home With Hope changed my life, really. And I've been to the $30,000 places."

Home With Hope Executive Director Amy Mitchell will be on NewsChannel 18 Tuesday morning on to talk a little bit more about Home With Hope's 40th anniversary celebration.

If you'd like to donate money or supplies to Home With Hope, go to http://www.homewithhope.org/donate/