Donald E. Gentry

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Donald E. Gentry, a father of two children and a military veteran, began his residence at the Weingart Center in June of 2000. Donald has exemplified what a person with determination and persistence can achieve if given the assistance, support, and encouragement necessary to turn a negative situation into a positive learning and growing experience.

He lost his home and all material possessions while in prison. After his release, he sought assistance from the Department of Social Services and the Veterans Administration. These agencies referred him to the Weingart Center for residential services. He decided early on that this was an agency offering programs that could assist him in maintaining sobriety and returning to self-sufficiency.

Donald took the initiative to inquire about how he could become involved with other Weingart Center residential programs in order to receive assistance in addition to housing. He was given information about the Center's Veterans Program and thought it could be instrumental in assisting him to return to an independent, normal life. He was admitted to the Weingart Center Veterans Program in July of 2000.

During the time he has been involved in this program, he has achieved some major accomplishments in his life. Most importantly, Donald has maintained his sobriety for one-and one-half years and continues to overcome the struggle of addiction daily. As a father, Donald maintains contact with his daughter, though she is unfortunately in foster care. He currently collaborates with agencies such as the Family Preservation Program and the court system in an effort to regain his parental rights and be reunited with his daughter. He has also made some incredible strides in accomplishing self-sufficiency by becoming involved with several employment programs such as the General Relief Opportunity for Work (GROW) Program, and Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program.

Currently, Donald is employed full time. He works hard and is doing well. He continues to take positive steps towards regaining the fulfilling life he once had and will no doubt achieve his goals if he continues on his current path and maintain the strength and determination that has taken him so far.