Friday
The foundation, which stands for "Unlimited Potential," helps people struggling with mental health and substance use disorders...
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — ABC13 is partnering with local nonprofits to try and help meet a need in our community through our "Community Counts" initiative, and in September, the UP Foundation is our partner.
The foundation, which stands for "Unlimited Potential," helps people struggling with mental health and substance use disorders through counseling, education and support. The organization has been a lifeline for many people in our community.
"Five years ago, I had made up in my mind that I was gonna die on the streets," said Demetrius Kelsaw.
The simple decision to walk through the doors of the UP Foundation can change a life.
"Everything in life that I have lost, the UP Foundation helped me get it back," Demetrius said.
Demetrius said he struggled with addiction for 40-plus years. He came to UP for his recovery and said it was nothing short of a miracle.
"The drugs and the alcohol were gonna get me, but God said no," Demetrius said through tears.
Through counseling, support and unconditional love, Demetrius overcame his addiction and graduated from the program three years ago.
"God has showed me where I was at and where I'm at now. There's not a day that goes by that I don't appreciate the life that I'm living now," said an emotional Demetrius.
It's a similar experience for other UP participants like Patrick Fitzgerald.
"I was at the verge of wanting to die and tried to. Every time I used, I tried to die," Patrick said.
Patrick struggled with addiction for the majority of his life. Then, he went to the UP Foundation.
"Through this foundation, I have learned that I am worth it, and that we do recover, and we do grow, and we do get better and there is a life after addiction," Patrick said with a smile.
Patrick said he will thank God for that life every day.
"I have a life that I am looking forward to each morning. The sun rise... It's possible to recover," Patrick said, choked up.
He said the UP foundation played an immeasurable role in his journey to recovery. He graduated from the program two years ago.
"In one word, without breaking down, gratitude... true gratitude. I never would've dreamed the opportunity," a tearful Patrick said.
Demetrius and Patrick agree, the UP Foundation is an absolute blessing.
"All it takes, it even says it in the Word, is a mustard seed, just a tiny bit of desire. If you plant it in these people's gardens, it's gonna grow. It's gonna be something you never dreamed possible," Patrick said.
"Just because you're an addict doesn't mean your life is over. There is help, and it's right here. This place has showed me something that I lost years ago, and that's my life. It helped me get my life back," Demetrius said, crying.
