“It (Gaston House) has improved our relationship with our son. His participation there has given him his life back. The changes are amazing. His attitude is very positive now. He’s happy again and he has willingness to open up and talk to us. The honesty and trust in our relationship has returned.”

True Life Change

“Our son is more respectful, polite, and considerate of others. He listens to people’s opinions and takes them in to consideration rather than just objecting or stating his opinion without regard to anyone else.

To name a few of the changes we’ve noticed…
•    He is more talkative about his life and activities
•    He doesn’t explode at situations
•    He’s willing to listen to advice
•    His attitude has improved
•    He thinks more before making decisions
•    He has a positive outlook on life
•    He looks healthy again – bright eyes, clearer skin, etc.
•    He’s thinking about his future – just enrolled at the University”

Staff

“The staff members at Gaston House take the time to work with our son on issues/problems/concerns he may have through one-on-one and group counseling. They demonstrate positive attitudes and are able to show him how they have changed their lives through sobriety.”

“There is always someone available to talk and/or listen to him; they devote the time necessary to work on his issues, which makes a huge difference. I know our son trusts the counselors at the house and that he’s very comfortable interacting with them.”

“In addition to counseling they enjoy outside activities – fishing, wakeboarding, ropes & climbing courses, etc.”

Life Skills

“He (our son) learned a variety of things….different daily living activities such as doing chores, basic banking skills, how to use public transportation, how to look for employment, apply for jobs, and create a resume.”

Community

“Gaston House’s group sessions allow the young men at the house a chance to open up/talk about their life in a secure and safe environment. The house gives them the opportunity to learn how to live/interact with each other and work as a team.”

The Bottom Line

“As our son’s sobriety has strengthened, we’ve seen such a change in him—both mentally and physically, he is much stronger. He is now focused on staying healthy, he jogs and works out, and thinks about his future. When he checked in nine months ago he was very thin/malnourished from the past two years of choosing drugs over sobriety. He wasn’t eating, he was working to support his drug habit and all his decisions revolved around his addiction.”

“We feel fortunate that our son asked us for help and Gaston House welcomed him. Living at the house has allowed him see all levels of addiction and also to learn from each of the young men’s stories/experiences. He originally planned on just completing the minimum three month stay but as he became stronger his desire to stay sober helped him to make the decision to complete six months – which then turned in to gaining a full year of sobriety before returning home.”

“Seeing men check in at their various stages of addiction, the affects of relapsing and the efforts each person goes through to reach sobriety and better their lives has given our son the opportunity to better understand addiction and the effects it has not only on him, but on society as a whole. It has helped him see that positive changes do happen when you choose to live a life of sobriety.”

“With the skills and practices that Gaston House either reinforces or teaches, my son has gained maturity and has become a responsible adult.  He appreciates what people have done for him and values all of his relationships.  He remembers to give and not take for granted what has been given him.”

Positive Life Change

“My son is leading a sober, happy, and very independent life.  I see that he takes joy in being WHO HE IS.”

The Staff

“My son was very much in need of male mentors; with Gaston House he got a home full.  He had 24-hour guidance, but had the freedom to make decisions independently.”

Independent Living Skills

My son learned to stretch his limits and live outside his comfort zone.  He was taught to seek independence and not revert, literally and figuratively, to a ‘harmful, comfortable’ place.

“The Difference”

“I cannot say enough great things about the counselors at the house.  My son has been living independently for many months now, but he always has a place to go for ‘shelter’ if he needs it.   My son and Gaston House have a very positive and ongoing relationship and I am allowed to be a part of that.  I would not hesitate to pick up the phone and call Gaston House for any concerns I have about my son.”