Shannon volunteers for Just B B Just. She’s cleaned, wrapped and packaged soap, but we value her for her window displays. She definitely has and artists touch and a feminine eye for detail. It’s sadly ironic that this is Shannon’s current state of community involvement when she used to be a successful, gainfully employed business woman. Shannon was never incarcerated. She’s never had a drug or alcohol problem. When Shannon developed Lupus, the health issue stemming from that made it impossible for her to hold down a job. “It can happen to anyone,” Shannon says with her ever present smile. She makes the best of things and when her health permits, finds a way to give back to the community even now. Shannon’s dream is, “to open a bed and breakfast in Sedona.”

Robert came to the Just-B program through an internship at the new Arid Club. Recently released from jail, Robert needed a safe place to stay.  Dealing with the effects of traumatic brain injury and facing legal issues that prevented him from being hired many places, the Just-B program has allowed Robert to live the kind of life he wants for himself. Robert’s core values are “Hard work, helping others and changing lives”.   Working at the Just-B program has been a true learning experience, developing computer skills, sales and inventory. ‘It feels good to give back and help other people.”  Robert is now living in a four bedroom sober house and is the backbone of the shipping and receiving department.  Born in Camp Lejeune Marine base in North Carolina, Robert grew up with one sister, three half sisters, two step sisters and one step brother. His dream is to become a racecar driver.

Fabian came to the Just-B program by way of an internship with the New Arid Club.  Born in phoenix, with 11 brothers and 4 sisters, Fabian is an Arizona native.  Fabian dropped out of high school his sophomore year and “started going the wrong way, drinking and using drugs to fill the empty space.”  Fabian was arrested and served time. At 4^th avenue jail, Fabian had “a psychic change”.  Part of that change was realizing that he was “done with the old me.” Fabian is deeply involved in the Twelve step process and incorporates the steps into all parts of his life. When Fabian says that “The Just-B program allows me to be what God wants me to be”, he is talking about his belief that God has him right where he is supposed to be. Fabian’s core values are keeping his focus on three simple things, “God, Sobriety, and Self. In that order!"  Fabian feels that Just-B encourages other people to want to make a change from a seemingly hopeless situation to an “I can” situation.  

Over the years Bob has struggled with alcoholism and homelessness. Bob’s father was an alcoholic and domestic violence was part of his family life at home. “I was sure I would never be like my dad, and I ended up just like him. Without my support system of friends here in Phoenix, I don’t know where I would be”.  Bob cites his core values as “Honesty, trust, giving back to others and faith in God.”  Working for the Just B program has helped him stay true to his core values.  “I was four months sober when they gave me keys to the office. Imagine the kind of trust that takes and the faith they showed they had in me when they did that.” Bob says that working at the Just B program also lets him give back to the community and everyday he sees God’s work through the actions of the people around him.