Dustin Watson

“I’m 29 years old I’ve spent most of my life in prison since I was 18, I came into the Phoenix House January 17th 2023. When I came into this program, I knew I wanted something different but had no idea what that looked like or how to get it. I see so many opportunities for myself in the program I know I was where I needed to be. The only thing that was in the way of me and those opportunities was myself. The internal damage and trauma that had built up inside me that I had never worked through and fixed, being in this program slowed me down long enough to actually work on myself. It was not easy at first; I tried to push staff away and sabotage my programming but the love and support that I received from them kept me moving forward. It would puzzle me at times until I realized they really do care and began to trust them and the process. I am now a full-time construction worker; I love my job I stay chasing my dreams with boxing and elevating in my career. I’m so proud to be a part of this recovery community this is truly my family! I hope that I can inspire others to take a step in the right direction."