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Participant shares his story to encourage others
For the Daily Gate City
Kevin Williams of Keokuk credits the Victorious Living Program for helping him stay clean and sober, have a renewed mind and spirit and live productively.
He wants to share his story to encourage others to hear about the program.
Williams was born in Keokuk in 1960, the oldest of four boys.
His mother was a single parent.
“Life was a struggle,” he said.
“We were a tight-knit family. I was expected to be a role model for my younger brothers. My responsibilities were overwhelming as a youngster.”
He yearned to be successful enough to help his family out of poverty.
When he was 10 years old, the family moved to Des Moines.
Williams was an honor roll student at school and an outstanding athlete.
He earned all-state honors in football and basketball in high school.
He earned a football scholarship to Drake University in Des Moines.
While majoring in psychology, Williams continued to excel academically and athletically at Drake.
His dreams of playing professional football evaporated with a career-ending knee injury.
He was depressed.
He began experimenting with alcohol and drugs to medicate his pain - and relieve his guilt of being a failure.
“Before I knew it, I was addicted to alcohol and drugs,” he said. “That led to a life of crime, self-destruction, unemployment, homelessness and ultimately, incarceration.”
Before going to prison, Williams completed several treatment programs.
“I failed to sustain any length of sobriety,” he said. “While in prison, I surrendered and dedicated my life to God. Only then could I discover purpose and meaning for my life.”
He also found the strength and desire to stay clean and sober.
After release from prison, Williams successfully completed a work release program in Burlington, moved to Keokuk and was introduced to the Victorious Living program.
“I no longer have the desire to use alcohol or drugs to deal with life's disappointments,” he said. “I've been renewed in mind and spirit.
“I live my life to glorify the name of Jesus.
“The Victorious Living Program allows me to stay clean and sober, live a productive life and promote Christianity in the community.
“I have found God is my answer to all my stumbling blocks, addictions and errors in thinking,” he said.
Kevin Williams of Keokuk credits the Victorious Living Program for helping him stay clean and sober, have a renewed mind and spirit and live productively.
He wants to share his story to encourage others to hear about the program.
Williams was born in Keokuk in 1960, the oldest of four boys.
His mother was a single parent.
“Life was a struggle,” he said.
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He yearned to be successful enough to help his family out of poverty.
When he was 10 years old, the family moved to Des Moines.
Williams was an honor roll student at school and an outstanding athlete.
He earned all-state honors in football and basketball in high school.
He earned a football scholarship to Drake University in Des Moines.
While majoring in psychology, Williams continued to excel academically and athletically at Drake.
His dreams of playing professional football evaporated with a career-ending knee injury.
He was depressed.
He began experimenting with alcohol and drugs to medicate his pain - and relieve his guilt of being a failure.
“Before I knew it, I was addicted to alcohol and drugs,” he said. “That led to a life of crime, self-destruction, unemployment, homelessness and ultimately, incarceration.”
Before going to prison, Williams completed several treatment programs.
“I failed to sustain any length of sobriety,” he said. “While in prison, I surrendered and dedicated my life to God. Only then could I discover purpose and meaning for my life.”
He also found the strength and desire to stay clean and sober.
After release from prison, Williams successfully completed a work release program in Burlington, moved to Keokuk and was introduced to the Victorious Living program.
“I no longer have the desire to use alcohol or drugs to deal with life's disappointments,” he said. “I've been renewed in mind and spirit.
“I live my life to glorify the name of Jesus.
“The Victorious Living Program allows me to stay clean and sober, live a productive life and promote Christianity in the community.
“I have found God is my answer to all my stumbling blocks, addictions and errors in thinking,” he said.
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| Keokuk program is for all ages; Crayton reaches out to youth | ‘I'm living with victory each day' |
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