PMN Pop-up Studio - Kalamazoo Annual Wellness Recovery Festival: Jamar's Voice of Recovery

Updated about 2 months ago

In 'Recovery Stories: The Journey of Mr. James,' Angela Logan from the Recovery Institute Fair interviews Mr. James, who shares his incredible journey from a challenging upbringing in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to a life dedicated to helping others in recovery. James talks about his experiences growing up with parents battling addiction, his own struggles with crime and incarceration, and the pivotal changes he made to turn his life around. Through determination and support, James now works as a peer support specialist, inspiring others with his story of redemption and resilience. This episode is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of change.

Chapters

Introduction to Recovery Institute Fair (00:00:30)
Angela Logan introduces herself and explains the purpose of the Recovery Institute Fair, a public media network event capturing recovery stories.

Angela Logan greets the audience, introducing herself as a representative from the Recovery Institute Fair. She explains that they are a public media network present to capture and share stories of recovery.
Meet Mr. James (00:00:46)
Angela introduces Mr. James, who is willing to share his recovery story. She starts by asking him to talk about his background.

Angela thanks Mr. James for joining them at the booth and expresses appreciation for his willingness to share his story. She prompts him to begin by telling a bit about himself.
Early Life Challenges (00:01:17)
Mr. James describes his childhood in Kalamazoo, dealing with parental addiction, and how it shaped his early years and experiences.

Mr. James shares memories of growing up in Kalamazoo, mentioning his parents' struggles with addiction to crack cocaine and heroin. He explains how these experiences influenced his childhood.
Coping with Trauma and Anger (00:01:37)
James recounts his experiences with childhood trauma, including molestation, and how it led to explosive anger and delinquency.

James opens up about his history of being molested and how he coped by burying his emotions, leading to explosive anger. He describes his time as a juvenile delinquent, surrounded by peers facing similar struggles.
Influences and Escape from Crime (00:03:00)
Despite negative influences, James avoided selling drugs due to his love for his mother and hatred for drug dealers.

James reflects on the influence of drug dealers in his community, noting that although they were powerful figures, he chose not to sell drugs because he couldn't bear to sell poison that had harmed his own mother.
Mother's Survival and Change (00:03:40)
James shares a traumatic incident where his mother was violently attacked, leading to changes in her due to a traumatic brain injury.

James recounts a violent incident where his mother was struck with a two-by-four, almost losing her life. This event and the resulting brain injury changed her significantly, highlighting the lack of mental health awareness in the community.
Adolescence and Crime (00:04:56)
As a teenager, James continued to get into trouble, leading to juvenile detention and eventually prison time.

James talks about his teenage years filled with trouble, leading to stints in juvenile detention and eventually prison. He describes his life as lacking direction and filled with depression.
Realization and Turning Point in Prison (00:06:00)
Prison made James realize he wanted a different life, prompting him to change his mindset and work towards bettering himself.

James explains how his time in prison was a wake-up call, making him realize he didn't want that life. He took steps to change, getting his GED and working hard, which shifted his perspective on life.
Planning for a Better Future (00:08:03)
While in a program to gain parole, James set up a plan for his education and future, applying to KVCC before release.

James describes how he proactively set up a plan for his future while still in a parole program, applying to Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) and securing financial aid, which was pivotal for his transition after release.
Initial Struggles After Release (00:09:09)
After release, James faced challenges balancing work and education, initially working at Burger King to make ends meet.

James talks about his initial struggles after being released, working at Burger King while attending KVCC. He managed to pass some classes but realized he was not ready for school full-time and needed to work to support himself.
Family Responsibilities and Overcoming Depression (00:10:04)
With family responsibilities increasing, James faced depression but resisted returning to crime for quick money.

James shares the pressure of providing for his family, including his wife, son, and stepchildren. He struggled with depression but consciously avoided returning to crime, despite financial challenges.
Self-Incarceration to Avoid Crime (00:11:19)
To avoid criminal thoughts and actions, James chose to self-isolate at home, reflecting on his life decisions.

James explains his decision to self-incarcerate to avoid falling back into crime. He spent a year at home, struggling with his thoughts and depression, but determined not to return to prison.
Breakthrough Moment with Son (00:13:24)
A moment with his son during potty training made James realize he needed to change for his son's sake.

James recounts a humorous yet enlightening moment with his son during potty training, where he realized he could not let his son see him as a failure. This moment was pivotal in motivating him to change.
Therapy and Rebuilding Confidence (00:15:11)
James sought therapy, which became the first step in re-entering society and rebuilding his confidence.

James found a counselor who helped him confront his issues. This therapeutic relationship was crucial in his journey of self-discovery and rebuilding confidence, helping him re-engage with the community.
Joining Support Groups and Finding Purpose (00:17:12)
By joining support groups, James found a community of people with similar struggles, reigniting his recovery journey.

James describes how joining support groups, like the SAM program, helped him connect with others sharing similar experiences. This community support was critical in his ongoing recovery and self-reflection.
Path to Becoming a Peer Support Specialist (00:20:26)
James's involvement with Recovery Institute and support groups led him to a career as a peer support specialist.

James talks about his journey to becoming a peer support specialist, starting with joining the Recovery Institute and taking on roles that allowed him to help others in recovery, eventually becoming certified in the field.
Career Growth and Advocacy (00:24:11)
James's career in mental health advocacy expanded, allowing him to speak at conferences and work with recovery courts.

James shares his career progression, working with mental health recovery courts, speaking at national conferences, and advocating for recovery and mental health awareness.
Educational Pursuits and Future Goals (00:25:27)
James achieved multiple degrees and aims to pursue a PhD to study generational trauma in African Americans.

James outlines his educational achievements, including obtaining a master's degree in social work, and his future goal of pursuing a PhD to study how generational trauma affects African Americans and leads to criminology.