NSPIRE Stories - Terrence Pierce

Jae experienced a childhood filled with trauma and generational alcoholism which led to some limiting beliefs and destructive behaviors as an adult. She reached a tipping point and fled an abusive relation to a domestic violence shelter. After some much needed rest and clarity, she interviewed for the NSPIRE program… …then everything changed.

Nakia Harper grew up with an alcoholic father and was permitted to drink at the age of 10. It’s no surprise that she followed the same troubled path but also followed his positive example into sobriety. Still homeless, she came to NSPIRE to continue her recovery and to redefine her life…it has worked! With over 2 years of recovery now, she has her own place to live, a car, is in technical college, and has found the stability she longed for.

Growing up in the streets of Philadelphia, Shafic’s earlier path was one of self-destruction: depression, drugs, and crime. After 8 years in prison, his life reached an inflection point when his father died 5 days after his release. Another year of darkness followed, which led to a hospitalization. It was at this pivotal moment that he connected with the NSPIRE program… …and every changed.

Domestic Violence experienced an uptick during the pandemic. Natalie Ibanez was victim to that phenomenon and the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse she endured, landed her in the hospital. After 7 weeks of hospitalization she found NSPIRE…everything changed, she found her power.

Keon Adderly was shot point blank in the head on the streets of Atlanta in 2023. He lost his right eye and suffered a traumatic brain injury. In the ambulance, on his way to Grady Hospital, he flatlined once, then two more times during surgery. After months of hospitalization, he returned to the street life and drugs. Life became unmanageable, he hit rock bottom and was ready for help.  He made a decision to go to a crisis unit where he found the NSPIRE program. One year later…Keon has been reborn.

Most individuals who abuse substances have a mental health diagnosis that is not being treated; they self-medicate with the substance that often turns into an addiction. Until the person addresses the underlying mental illness they cannot successfully overcome the substance use. Such was the case of Corey Stevenson…a lifetime of using, getting sober only to return to active using. Then he found NSPIRE and everything changed.

Kerrie was stuck in a dead-end life, a limited environment, and these conditions led to heroine addiction which added to her personal darkness.  She attempted to end the misery, but 911 was called, she was hospitalized, then stabilized. Her next stop…NSPIRE…that’s where she discovered herself and realized that the sky was the limit, going to school to become an airplane mechanic and future pilot.

Antoine is a black, gay, man. He was not accepted for who he was in the strict Christian environment of his childhood and young adult years. The shame and lack of acceptance drove him to a substance use disorder and he struggled with addiction for 20 years. He eventually completely lost himself and became homeless. Then he came to NSPIRE…everything changed.

Terrence Pierce is one of the therapists for the NSPIRE program. He is an important contributor to the overall success of our clients.  His story and perspective is unique. 

On average, 15% of NSPIRE clients are military veterans, highlighting the connection between PTSD, that often accompanies military service, and homelessness.  This is part of the story of Garry Dubose who was in a very dark place with mental health, addiction, and hopelessness.  He came to NSPIRE…and everything changed.