by Kelly Carver
“In the beginning, I felt very ashamed and guilty for relapsing after being in recovery for five years. I felt like I let myself down, that I let God down,” said Steve Grube about his journey to the Indianapolis, Ind., Harbor Light Center more than a decade ago. “I made the choice to come to Harbor Light because I knew people who completed treatment there,” he explained. “I wanted to succeed with my recovery program, too.”
When he arrived, staff greeted him with open arms, encouragement that he was doing the right thing and he could overcome his addiction to alcohol and strengthen his relationship with God. For instance, a few days after starting inpatient treatment, he seemed depressed but a Harbor Light employee and friend, Ricky, noticed. “Ricky encouraged me and told me I was doing the right things. He told me that I should feel good about myself for making the choice to come to rehab for my alcohol addiction.”
At the Harbor Light Center, there are two sides to the recovery program. The first is medical treatment and emotional support to learn to live a life without drugs or alcohol, the second is spiritual healing.
“When you come into the treatment center, you walk in and go to the left side for medical treatment. To the right, you’ll find the chapel,” Steve explained. “Harbor Light offers support from a medical standpoint, but if you’re looking for a relationship with God and to find happiness and peace within yourself, they can help you with that, too.”
Once he completed the treatment program in 2015, Steve became an adherent of the Indianapolis, Ind., Harbor Light Corps, where he has worshipped and served faithfully wherever he’s needed. He participates in the Harbor Light’s Celebrate Recovery where he shares his story and how God is the source and power in his recovery.
“Steve is a great encourager, always remembering others’ special days and occasions,” said Envoy Charlotte Coffer, who leads the center. “He is faithful in pouring into others what God has poured into him.”
“Being part of The Salvation Army means a lot to me because I can love others the same way I was loved. We don’t judge here,” shared Steve. “Harbor Light is so much more than a recovery center for me. I don’t go to NA [Narcotics Anonymous] meetings anymore. I come here for spiritual food and my recovery continues because of my relationship with God, the church services and support found here.”
Shortly after concluding treatment, Steve also began working in the Harbor Light kitchen. Since then, he has held several positions and today works as a security guard for the center, but it’s not just a job to Steve. He wants to give back by showing others the same kindness he experienced. “I want people to know that they are welcome here and will have love and support while they are going through treatment. I want them to know they are not alone.”
