During this Christmas week, we are presenting stories that give you something to smile about – stories of people who have made remarkable turnarounds.
What You Need To Know
- Glenn Wilder battled alcohol problems, even woke up in jail
- He turned life around, now helps homeless and people with substance abuse issues
- SEE ALSO: Polk County man rehabs homes while rehabbing men
- SEE ALSO: From homeless to helping: Man, wife turn lives around through faith, giving
About two decades ago, Glenn Wilder's life spun out of control because of alcohol problems. It was so bad he would wind waking up in jail not knowing how he got there.
But he turned his life around and he helped start a south St. Pete organization helping the homeless and people with substance abuse issues.
When we visited with him, Wilder seemed very happy as he helped unload a box truck filled with food and water he’d just driven to the Southern Supportive Services Thrift Store.
“I don’t like sitting around the desk,” he said. “I like hands on. I like being with the people.”
Wilder got sober after going through rehab programs and now dedicates his life to helping people like he used to be - partly by providing them a place to live at the organization’s apartment complex and even delivering a veteran his favorite food.
Then, there are employment services for day labor style work.
Wilder, pointing to a board, said, “This board up here shows clients when they walk in here what jobs we have. This is for the Kingdom Games. They do Sarasota Medieval Games and they need 15 people for that."
There is even bus transportation to the work sites.
“It’s a part of being a productive member of society,” Wilder said. “You know, sitting around all day, getting in your head, getting depressed, getting sad, lonely. Get out and start doing something. Get your shoulders back. Get you head up. Get a little dime in your pocket.”
And speaking of work, many of Wilder’s staff members lining up that work can really relate to the people they are helping in the same way Wilder does.
“You now their shame, misery, guilt, despair,” he said. “I know that I can see their eyes when they first walk in. They walk with their shoulders down. Their head down. Then a few weeks later their shoulders are back. Their head goes back, a little sparkle in their eye. That’s when you know they are doing good.”
Wilder was ready on another run in his beat up old box truck. And he couldn’t be happier.
“Always, always,” he said. “I love what I do because I am giving back and I am giving to somebody else.”