Due to some serious drug issues, Mark had to serve some hard prison time. When he got out of prison, he had no money and just the clothes on his back. His mother did not trust him to live with her, so she suggested that he come to the Haven. 

​"That's what I did, and they took me right in." he stated.

Mark started in the Men's Dorm and had the attitude that he was not going to repeat his mistakes. He was dedicated to improving himself and his situation, and quickly gained the trust of the staff. He became the Haven's maintenance man, and he laughs as he says "I did whatever was asked of me; a lot of painting!"

​Mark moved to the Haven's Lighthouse transitional housing program and continued to work on his recovery and proving himself responsible. After 18 months at the Haven, he left to go to work for a manufacturing company. Mark is now driving a dedicated truck route across Tennessee and has become a family man. 

When asked about his life now, Mark relates, "Having a son has really changed me for the better. I want to teach him to be a good man and not make the mistakes I made." 

When asked about his time at the Haven, he said, "I would recommend anyone in my situation to go there. Work the program and they will take care of you. The Haven was the best thing that ever happened to me because it prepared me for the life I'm living now. I'm in church every Sunday with my family and my mom is proud of me. The Haven made that difference for me."