(April 27, 2012) - This week's Billy Johnson Community Hero has an incredible story of strength and recovery that has helped many people overcome obstacles they thought were impossible. Anna Wakeland works at the Westcare Emergency Homeless Shelter in Pikeville, helping people get back on their feet. And, she uses her own personal experiences in life to inspire others. She says her story began a few years ago when she was working in a doctor's office and became addicted to prescription medication. "Needless to say, I had a battle with addiction. I stole from the doctor," explained Wakeland. "I'm not proud of that now, and I wasn't proud of it then. But, that's my story. I spent 28 months in jail and six months home incarceration."
And, while she served her time in jail, Wakeland says she started attending classes offered through Westcare. And, even though she started out just going through the motions, things began to change for her. "So, finally I started paying attention and doing the things I was supposed to be doing. I participated like I was supposed to, and things just started to turn around for me."
She now works at the Emergency Homeless Shelter in Pikeville, helping people get back many of the things they have lost. Anna knows all about having to work hard to get back on your feet, and she shares her story with anyone who is willing to listen. "I kind of tell them my story. I say, 'Listen. I know you are here on the worst day of your life. I've been there.' And, I use my story to help them," explained Wakeland.
Knowing all too well the powerful grip that drug addiction can have on someone's life, Anna says she feels led to reach out to others. In fact, she says she is always available to talk to anyone who is facing addiction...NOT just those people staying at the homeless shelter. "You can call me. I'll help you," she said. "I'll help you get into Westcare. I'll help you get into a treatment facility that will help you. You have to change your people, places and things. Your whole life will have to turn around. You have to work for what you get in life."
Congratulations, Anna Wakeland, this week's Billy Johnson Community Hero!
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