Letter to the Editor: Support is appreciated
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Many of you either know me or recognize me as "The Guitar Guy" who performs the marketing for a local pizza company on Division Street on the southside of Parkersburg. At this juncture in my life, I am experiencing two milestones near simultaneously. This month marks 15 years on the job at the pizza company that I work for. Last month, I had my 10-year anniversary of sobriety from alcohol!
First I would like to thank God, for without him none of this would be possible. Along with that I would like to thank Downtown Bethel Church for all that they have done for me throughout the many years.
Secondly, I would like to thank my boss (Hatch) for providing this opportunity to me 15 years ago. He last month celebrated 35 years of employment with our company. Next, I would like to thank Westbrook Health Services for all they have done for me in my journey toward sobriety. I would like to thank Kelli Ross, my case manager, as well as the three Tims who all have different job titles, but all have been a great support.
I started this journey toward sobriety while in Westbrook housing and transitioned to peer support and then back to community living. To those in this community that are homeless as I have been throughout my journey -- being homeless five years in six different cities, and seven facilities including homeless shelters and other facilities throughout the state of WV -- I want to let those in similar situations that are living in transitional housing as well as the shelter or the mission to know it is truly possible to transition back to community housing.
Lastly, I would like to thank the people of Parkersburg and the Mid-Ohio Valley for all their kindness and support. Throughout the years at my job on Division Street, I really appreciate all the honks, beeps, waves, smiles, thumbs ups as well as bringing me hot drinks in the wintertime and cold drinks in the summer! All your support has not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for everything.
God bless you all!
P.S. Special thanks to my girl Leecee and my dog Buddy.
Mark Powers
Parkersburg