Born in Brooklyn, NY, I entered the Brothers of St. John of God in September, 1961 at St. Joseph’s Novitiate in Ojai, California. I professed my first vows on July 2, 1963 and began my nursing studies. I served as a nurse in the centers of the USA Province in California. My Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 2013 at St. John of God Health Care Services in Victorville, California. Currently I am a member of the Apple Valley Community in Apple Valley, California. Although I have been a professed Brother of St. John of God for more than 50 years, I feel my own identity as a Brother was realized during the past six years.  I am a staff volunteer at St. John of God Health Care Service, a 90-day residential, social-model substance abuse program in Victorville, California, sponsored by the Brothers.  I work the evening shift three evenings a week.  My duties are to assist with admissions to the 90-day and seven day detox programs.  The men and woman enter our programs with either short-term or long-term substance addictions.  Over time, I realized I am an alcoholic and began my own journey toward sobriety.  I felt if these men and women could begin their journey to be sober, so could I.  I feel a kinship with the men and woman in the program and I am privileged to share in their journey toward sobriety.  Since I am not a case manager, my relationships with the residents is supportive – being Brother.