Lorenzo’s Story: From New York’s Streets To A Life Of Purpose

Lorenzo's connection to New York runs deep, tracing back through his family's history. He shares, "I love New York. It’s where my mother and father met, where I was conceived, and where I was born." His family's roots reach back to the south, with his mother's side originating in Louisiana and his father's family hailing from South Carolina. They eventually found their way to Flatbush, Brooklyn, where Lorenzo's journey began.

Lorenzo's life was far from easy. He grew up in a non-traditional household where his mother was a single parent, and he faced challenges that led to a troubled youth. He struggled within the confines of traditional education and became a truant from school at an early age. Lorenzo opened up about the difficulties he faced growing up, describing a period when he desperately sought an identity. He shared regrets concerning poor choices he made in order to be accepted – even though it meant resorting to lies. His story took a darker turn when he started experiencing legal consequences, beginning with his first arrest at 15 years old. “Starting about 1983, my criminal history escalated from robbery to gun possession to attempted murders,” Lorenzo related.

Lorenzo explained that when his mother decided to enroll him in Job Corps, it became a real turning point in his life. This experience proved transformative as he gained an education and a fresh perspective on life. He began taking steps toward self-improvement, but his journey wasn't without challenges. As Lorenzo continued to grow and evolve, he also found himself caught up in the allure of negative influences and illegal activities. Despite his initial progress, he faced a series of arrests and setbacks. Lorenzo’s own story offers a glimpse into the complexity of escaping the cycle of crime and addiction. He aptly described craving as “The euphoria of heroin, combined with going through whatever issues of life, it’s like you're always trying to chase that first high.”

"LESC saved my life,” Lorenzo explained. “They listen. They work towards your needs. They will tailor a treatment plan for you. I had such success once I started taking medication for my addiction,” he added. “I attempted to just address my issues. I got out of denial for the first time, and I was able to have some stability and normalcy in my life. I was able to function. It was working!” His words underscore the value of patient advocacy, and he acknowledges that not every counselor is a perfect fit for every person – emphasizing the importance of chemistry in the counseling relationship.

"I went from waking up sick because of substance abuse to waking up and just enjoying life!” Lorenzo realized a tremendous change in his quality of life. “Because of LESC, I am thankful to be a father, a husband, a productive member of society," he proudly stated. With the support of LESC, Lorenzo was not only able to break free from the chains of addiction, but he also took the inspiring path of enrolling in college – and he eventually obtained his master’s degree.

Today, Lorenzo is also an advocate for others on the journey to recovery. As President of the Patient Advocacy Group at LESC, he helps individuals navigate the challenges of recovery and offers them a beacon of hope. His story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that — with the right support and determination — it is possible to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances. His life is a testament to the power of transformation, the importance of tailored treatment, and the incredible impact that patient advocacy can have on someone's recovery journey.