This East St. Louis native came to Champaign to find the help he desperately needed. Being raised in a bar and mimicking the behavior around him combined with childhood molestation and addiction didn't set Steven up for success. Listen to this mild mannered dad to two sons and a daughter (that he until recently thought was his biological child) explain the tattered tapestry that created the fabric of his life today. Regardless of the mess that was his childhood, teens, 20s and even 30s, Steven has worked hard to presently give back to others and create a safe place to raise his two sons. Fighting passionately to prove his worth and value as a citizen and dad, Steven has had to navigate the court system to legally get and keep his sons under his roof in Urbana. Letting go of childhood trauma, blaming himself for his father's death and absorbing the resources around him to recover from drugs and alcohol allowed him to clean up his act. Losing both parents to drug and alcohol abuse, going to jail, experiencing homelessness and having a girlfriend strip to keep bad habits afloat is just the beginning of this story with a happy ending. I'd like to thank this episode's sponsor, Pixels by Emily. A gifted private Simply Santa session, keepsake artwork and a joyful memory will brighten many Christmas' this year. The more local businesses that sponsor, the more families will be eligible! If you would like to sponsor a lucky family or are in need of a session yourself, pixelsbyemily.com/santasponsorshipprogram to sign up.Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops! Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

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