14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS RECOVERY JULY 25, 2025 From hustle to healing: Leroy Pickett’s journey to long-term recovery JOHNATHAN GLASS Home of New Vision Recovery Coach Leroy Pickett was raised by his grandmother, whom he lovingly called "Mama." Born in 1919, Mama became the family’s anchor after Leroy’s mother passed away at the age of 21 from a rare blood clot. Leroy was only six. Though the loss was profound, his grandmother instilled in him a deep sense of resilience and faith. "She taught me how to keep going," Leroy shared. He recalls a pivotal moment on Mother’s Day years later, when grief finally caught up to him. Mama, finding him crying in her room, gently reminded him, "God loaned her to us, and in His wisdom, He took her back." That moment, Leroy says, gave him clarity: "In less than five minutes, Mama made sense of the human experience." As a young teen, Leroy fell into the company of older peers who introduced him to marijuana. Though Mama warned him, he continued down that path, drawn to the excitement and perceived freedom of the lifestyle. By the early 1980s, that path led him to crack cocaine and eventually into dealing. Leroy shared that it wasn’t about getting high at first — it was about fitting in, feeling wanted, and later, supporting a lifestyle that increasingly revolved around substance use. The hustle was constant. "There was never enough cash," he said. "I was always hustling." Eventually, that lifestyle led to legal consequences. He received his first arrest after borrowing a car in exchange for drugs—but when he returned it late, the owner reported it stolen. Leroy served six months in jail and was placed on probation, but did not comply. During a later court appearance, Leroy met a judge who saw more than his charges. The judge acknowledged Leroy’s academic history, the loss of his family, and the grief that had derailed him. "He asked what my grandmother would think of my choices," Leroy recalled. "That hit me hard." While Leroy wasn’t ready for change just yet, the judge planted a seed of accountability that would grow in time. Incarceration and the spark of change From 1995 to 2013, Leroy served time in prison. But it was behind bars where he began reclaiming his life. He started reading, tutoring other incarcerated individuals, and working as a library clerk. "I read the entire Harry Potter series," he said proudly. Near the end of his sentence, Leroy reached out to 12 colleges in search of a fresh start. Washtenaw Community College (WCC) responded with encouragement and even contacted the parole board to support his reentry. That affirmation made all the difference. He was released on August 6, 2013. Leroy earned a certified welding credential from WCC but soon returned to Detroit. Old environments and relationships pulled him back into old habits. Between 2015 and 2016, he found himself once again entangled in substance use. "I knew the path only led to three places: death, prison, or a mental institution." After four days without sleep and no insulin for his diabetes, Leroy entered Spera/Dawn Farm treatment in Washtenaw County. In his first group meeting, a counselor around his age asked him to look around and notice the absence of peers his age. "He said people with substance use disorder rarely make it to 50. That woke me up." Eight years strong and giving back Today, Leroy celebrates over eight years in long-term recovery. He works with Home of New Vision as a peer recovery coach through Project ASSERT, stationed at the University of Michigan Psychiatric Emergency Services. There, he supports individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. His favorite part of the work? "Seeing the light come on in someone else’s eyes. That’s when I know it’s working." He continues his education, working Thank you Groundcover News readers. The answer to "The Ocean Find" published May 30, 2025 was FALSE. The answer to "Sisterly Love" published July 11, 2025 was TRUE. Felicia Wilbert, Truth Or Lies Mystery Lane. "If there was hope for me, there's hope for anyone. People just need to know they're worth the work it takes to heal." — Leroy Pickett toward his CADC certification and MDHHS Peer Recovery Coach credential. His long-term goal is to become a licensed therapist specializing in addiction recovery. Leroy credits his faith as a guiding force. "I’m not trying to preach, but having a relationship with the Lord has been the greatest gift of all." Leroy is active in his recovery community, sponsors others, and plays a loving role in the lives of his daughter and grandchildren. Though he sometimes reflects on the years he lost, he embraces the wisdom and compassion that have emerged from his experience. "If there was hope for me, there’s hope for anyone. People just need to know they’re worth the work it takes to heal." Need Help? Recovery begins with one brave step. If you or someone you love is struggling: Home of New Vision: 3115 Professional Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | 734-975-1602 Dawn Farm/Spera: 502 W Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | 734-669-8265 Recovery is possible. Help is available. And your story isn’t over yet. HARM REDUCTION VOLUNTEERS Are you compassionate, nonjudgmental, and committed to fostering safer environments and services for vulnerable populations? Volunteer Today! Volunteers will learn more about Harm Reduction and recovery services, the impact of substance use disorders on our communities and more. SIGN UP TODAY AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES : Outreach and Distribution Outreach Kit Preparation Community Clean Up Community Engagement INDIVIDUALS SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE INTERACTING WITH THOSE EXPERIENCING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS. bit.ly/harmreductionvolunteer
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