“God understands our stubborn hearts, and sometimes it takes us a long time to truly let Him in,” Sean says. He knows this firsthand—after years of searching without realizing it, he finally surrendered to Christ after just 10 days at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge (PAATC).
Born and raised in Camden County, New Jersey, Sean grew up in what seemed like a loving home. His father, a firefighter, was his hero. He provided for the family, was present at Sean’s games and always around. But behind closed doors, his father battled alcoholism, something Sean didn’t fully grasp as a child. It was never talked about, never questioned.
At 11 years old, Sean stole his first cigarette from his father. By 13, he had his first drink. At 14, he smoked marijuana, and by 17, he was introduced to cocaine. It was everywhere in his neighborhood, and without realizing it, Sean was walking down the same path as his father.
When Sean was 19, his father suddenly passed away. It shattered him. Grief-stricken and lost, he turned to alcohol even more, trying to numb the pain. Hoping to honor his father, he became a firefighter, but it didn’t fill the void. He left the job and turned to construction work, which led to more drinking and, eventually, crack cocaine. His addiction took over. His work suffered, his bills piled up, and his family pleaded with him to get help… but he wasn’t ready to listen.
Eventually Sean began using heroin and his addiction consumed him. He lost his job, his home, and eventually, his children. His mother, desperate to save him, called the state. The children were placed into foster care and later adopted by a Christian family. It was the ultimate wake-up call, but even then, addiction had its grip on Sean and he became homeless, spending seven years trying to survive on the streets of Kensington.
During that period, Sean made a friend who encouraged him to turn to Teen Challenge for the help he needed. It took time, but eventually she convinced him to come here to PAATC. It was a decision that did more that transform Sean’s life — it started his relationship with God. After just 10 days in detox, Sean found himself in the shower talking aloud, pouring out everything he had been holding in. He felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over him—he knew it was God meeting him there.
When Sean realized he needed more than 30 days, he committed to our 95-day program where he embraced a new purpose. He led Bible studies, helped in chapel services, and encouraged others. After ten months, Sean graduated early and was asked to stay as staff. Now, he serves as the Men’s Long-Term Program Intern, walking alongside men who are where he once was.
His relationship with his family is healing. He writes to his children every holiday, determined to be a steady presence in their lives. His mother gave him a key to her Poconos home, a gesture that speaks volumes to her renewed trust in him.
Sean often reflects on the story of Lazarus in John 11. “We were all dead spiritually at one point, dead to drugs,” Sean says. “When Jesus entered our lives, we were in our grave on our way to death. But He calls us out. ‘Take off those grave clothes—all things pass away, all things become new.’”
“Today, I have a different purpose than I could imagine. I give back every day – restoring hope to the hopeless.”
Testimonies like Sean’s remind us why we do what we do. They also remind us that the need is greater than ever. Thousands of individuals across Pennsylvania are battling addiction, many on the brink of losing everything. These men and women are sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers—each one deeply loved by God.
And it all starts with your faithful support.
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By donating to our scholarship fund, you help individuals access the recovery support they need but may not be able to afford. Together, we can offer hope, healing, and a chance for a brighter future. Every contribution makes a difference—thank you for being part of their recovery story.
