Salvation Army Freedom Center Helping Addicts Recover
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Donations to the Salvation Army help in a lot of ways.
WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser paid a visit to a live-in drug and alcohol rehab program that houses 400 men on the West Side.
Tim had been drunk, more or less, for 30 years. At 54, after he was jumped and took a hammer blow to the head, his daughter insisted he go to the Salvation Army Freedom Center in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood.
"This world is so messed up now. The kids have no respect for human life," he said.
Tim said he has been sober for more than five months, and he believes the Salvation Army saved his life.
"They not only nourish your body, but they nourish your mind," he said.
Tim said sobriety is incredible after so much time lost to alcohol.
"I love to be called grandpa," he said.
Tim said everything has changed, including relationships with his family. He said his grandchildren cling to him like he's a tree.
"It hurts me sometimes that they can't stay with me, but they know that I'm working on myself," he said.
Tim is ringing a bell for the Salvation Army for the holidays as he looks forward to finding work and getting on with his life.
Friday is the WBBM Good Neighbor Radiothon to benefit the Salvation Army. To make a contribution, please call 844-361-8400, 844-361-8400, or click here.
