Alumni Video Testimonials

“From homeless and hopeless to healed and helping—Joe’s transformation began at Healing Properties.”

Joe Nester didn’t start using drugs and alcohol until later in life — but when addiction hit, it hit hard. Within a short time, he was homeless on the streets of Delaware, doing unthinkable things just to survive. When his running buddy found sobriety at Healing Properties in Delray Beach, everything changed. His friend became the property manager and proved that recovery was possible. That’s when Joe decided to take a leap of faith — and it changed his life forever. Today, Joe is thriving in long-term recovery. He’s found purpose in music, building a large audience in recovery-based songs that reach and inspire others still struggling. Over time, his path led him to faith and Christian music, where his story of redemption continues to touch hearts across the country. Healing Properties helped Joe rebuild his life — from hopelessness and homelessness to hope, purpose, and freedom.

“He started using at 13… now he’s sober, stable, and rebuilding trust one day at a time.”

Blake started getting high when he was just 13 years old. By the time he came down to treatment in 2006, he already carried felony charges, broken trust, and deep shame. He got some time sober but had to return to Philadelphia to deal with court cases. After another relapse, eight treatment centers, and ten detoxes, he found himself completely homeless — out of options and out of hope. At rock bottom, Blake called his sister and told her he wanted to die. Her boyfriend, a Healing Properties alumnus with nine years sober, told him about the program that changed his own life. That phone call would change Blake’s too. When Blake arrived at Healing Properties in Delray Beach, he saw more than 30 smiling men — all sober, happy, and accountable. He detoxed on a couch surrounded by support, made lifelong friends, and started to rebuild from the inside out. He began with simple things: making his bed, cleaning his dishes, getting a sponsor, and following suggestions. Today, Blake’s life is beyond what he ever imagined. He’s sober, stable, and grateful — living proof that structure, community, and faith in recovery really do work.

“He flew to Delray Beach on faith—and found his purpose in recovery.”

Brian struggled with addiction and relapse for over six years. After multiple failed attempts to get clean, he made a single choice that changed everything: he flew to Delray Beach from Pennsylvania and checked into Healing Properties. What he found was more than a halfway house. It was a brotherhood, a structure, and a way to live again. Today, Brian is over two years sober, sponsors other men, chairs meetings, and lives a full, purpose-driven life.

“Thirty months sober by 18, then relapse—Nick’s comeback proves it’s never too late to return.”

Nick’s story is one of humility, perseverance, and a deep return to recovery. After first arriving at Healing Properties at 18, he built 30 months of sobriety and returned to Pennsylvania. But like many, without the structure and fellowship, things fell apart. Addiction came back stronger — heroin and crack this time — and it nearly cost him everything. In this video, Nick shares how he found the courage to come back, how hard it was to humble himself again, and how Healing Properties helped him rebuild his foundation, from the inside out. He got a job, found real fellowship, and leaned into the program like never before. Today, Nick is surrounded by men who lift him up, hold him accountable, and walk the path with him.

“Healing Properties was the only place I ever did well… so I fought to get back.”

After years of battling heroin and crack addiction, multiple failed attempts at rehab, and even getting arrested, Nick found hope at Healing Properties. Though his early attempts at recovery faltered, something about this place stuck with him. When he hit rock bottom—homeless, high, and hopeless—he called Healing Properties with nothing but desperation. They took him in without a dollar to his name, and this time, he surrendered completely. From shooting crack inside a rehab to working at that very same treatment center sober, this is a story about redemption, brotherhood, spiritual growth, and the unshakable commitment to recovery. Watch his story. Feel the transformation. And see what real recovery looks like.

“I stole my mom’s pain meds at 13. I had no remorse. I thought I had no conscience.”

Zack’s story is raw, real, and powerfully redemptive. From early opiate use at 12, to dealing drugs, homelessness, and hitting rock bottom with heroin, Zack had every reason to give up. Instead, he got honest — and boarded a one-way flight to Florida. What he found at Healing Properties wasn’t just sober living. It was a structured halfway house that became the launchpad for a new life. In this emotional testimonial, Zack shares:

How he spiraled into addiction by 13

The moment he asked his dad for help at 5AM

What made Healing Properties different from anywhere else

How brotherhood, accountability, and structure saved his life

Why he’s now working in the treatment field and giving back

If you’re struggling with addiction — or love someone who is — this story might be the nudge you need. There IS a way out. And it starts with one decision.

“One call, one plane ticket, one life saved. JZ’s journey started with surrender.”

JZ hit rock bottom after seven years of daily opiate use. Unemployed, suicidal, and lost, he made one call on New Year’s Eve 2011 that changed his life. With no plan and never having been on a plane, he flew to Florida, detoxed on a couch, and found Healing Properties. What started as a 90-day stay turned into a full year at Healing Properties. Today, JZ works at the very halfway house that helped him get clean. This is his story — raw, real, and full of hope.

“I didn’t start using to feel high… I started using to feel normal.”

In this brutally honest testimonial, we sit down with a man who started drinking at 16 just to fit in — and who eventually found himself physically addicted to opiates. What began as social drinking in New Jersey spiraled into full-blown dependency on Percocet and heroin. Every morning became a battle with withdrawals. Every night ended in regret. But then came surrender. Detox. Sober living. Spiritual growth. And slowly, freedom. This is more than just a sobriety story — it’s a message of hope for anyone trapped in the cycle of addiction. Whether you’re struggling yourself, supporting a loved one, or just trying to understand the reality of substance abuse, this video pulls no punches.

➤ Topics covered in this interview:

Early drinking habits and peer pressure

Transition from pills to heroin

What physical withdrawal feels like

Life in sober living

The emotional journey of early recovery

Relapse, surrender, and lasting change

💬 “I used to wake up needing drugs to feel normal. Now I wake up free.”

If you or someone you love is ready to start fresh, call or text 561-563-8882, or reach us through our contact page. You can also see what living here requires day to day.