Show Notes
Tragedy struck Jim Willfred on June 20, 2023, when his son Austin was fatally poisoned by fentanyl. This heart-wrenching loss became the catalyst for Jim's renewed mission to save other families from the devastation of addiction.
For 20 grueling years, Jim battled his own substance use disorder before finally breaking free in 2004. His journey from the depths of addiction to recovery is nothing short of remarkable. Recognized for his resilience, Jim received the Individual Achievement Award from Governor Bond, acknowledging his ability to rebuild his life with the help of government agencies.
Jim's powerful story of transformation led him to speak before 500 government workers, emphasizing the critical importance of their work in changing lives. His impact didn't stop there. HeadStart tapped into Jim's wisdom, inviting him to run a mentoring program teaching fathers the art of effective parenting.
Driven by an unquenchable desire to help others, Jim opened his own home to those struggling with substance use disorders for 16 years. This personal mission evolved into "A Second Chance at Life" in 2018, but the path was far from smooth. Jim faced financial ruin and the heartbreaking loss of five immediate family members within a single year.
Yet, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, Jim's resolve only grew stronger. The loss of his son Austin ignited a fierce determination to prevent other families from experiencing similar pain. Jim has now reinvented "A Second Chance at Life" with a broader, more urgent vision. The organization now fights on multiple fronts: advocating for legislative change, providing crucial drug prevention education, and building coalitions to combat the addiction crisis.
Jim's message is clear and powerful: It may be too late to save his own child, but there's still time to save yours. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of turning personal tragedy into a force for good.
Tune in to hear Jim's inspiring journey and learn how you can join the fight against addiction. Whether you're a family touched by substance use, a recovering addict, or someone who wants to make a difference, this episode is a must-listen. Together, we can give more people a second chance at life.
Visit https://asecondchanceatlife.org/ to learn more and get involved.
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Intro and Outro music by:
Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
