VOA VOICES: Walter Mullins
When Walter Mullins tried treatment for substance use disorder for the eighth time, years of struggle were showing. He was barely carrying 120 pounds on his six foot, one-inch body. Finally, he was ready for change. He stayed in treatment for more than a year. Then Walter moved to transitional housing and took a job at the center helping others. From there, he went back to school, earned his degree, became a counselor, and ultimately a therapist.
After a lifetime combatting drugs and alcohol, Walter had found his passion: helping others overcome the same challenge. Today, Walter is the Program Manager at VOA’s Recovery Community Center (RCC) in Manchester, Kentucky and an experienced therapist who is thrilled to oversee a gathering place and support center for Kentuckians in recovery.
“For this community, the RCC was really the missing link – after you leave treatment, you need support. I love helping people overcome barriers. We are a place for socialization and getting connected. You can celebrate recovery milestones. This place is exactly where I’m meant to be.”