John Smith's Remarks at Better People's MRT graduation ceremony of September 30, 1999:
Good evening, my name is John Smith. Hope was fading fast when I first got involved with Better People. I was lost, confused and extremely frustrated.
I remember my first day listening to others present their assignments. They talked about where they were at and I thought, "This is the same old stuff!" But Step 1 got my attention because it dealt with facing the truth about one's (my) inability to deal with life on life's terms. Afterwards I turned a few pages in the workbook and there was Step 3 that deals with accepting the fact that all the problems I've had, I had tried to blame others for those problems. But I, and I alone, really was in fact responsible.
By the time the class ended, I had made a decision to give this program one heck of a chance to help me help myself.
Prior to Better People I was involved in many, many programs. Many were held in a prison setting. After prison I worked my tail off at several jobs that paid little above minimum wage. I was so tired and frustrated! I didn't feel like I was making any progress. Then I got involved at Better People, had a couple great people in my corner that pushed me a little, (Better People staff) Dave & Berry, and today I am a better person.
I make $13.25 per hour, am more responsible, and I'm accepting of life on life's terms. I still get tired, but all in all, I'm happy and have joyous self-confidence. You're looking at success! To those of you who are yet to graduate, I say "hang in there -- don't quit," because if you hang in there, I guarantee that you too will develop a fulfilling desire to change your life and become proof that Better People delivers better people.
