Morgan Forney’s story is a testament to the power of faith, community, and the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. As the first Georgia resident to enter His Way Atlanta, he has been a trailblazer for those seeking recovery from drug addiction. Today, he is a graduate of the program and works on staff, helping other men find their way to a better life.
Morgan’s journey began with a childhood marked by his parents’ alcoholism and a sense of isolation after their divorce. With no support system to turn to, he fell into drug use, eventually finding himself in jail on drug charges. It was in jail that he hit rock bottom and turned to God for help. His mother, who had refused to take his phone calls for a month, finally answered and was willing to talk. That moment of connection gave him the strength to keep going.
Drug Court
Morgan was fortunate to be assigned to a Drug Court. Drug Court is a specialized court program designed to help individuals with substance use disorder recover and reduce the likelihood of future criminal activity. Instead of the traditional approach of incarceration, drug courts offer treatment and education programs to help participants overcome addiction and address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. The aim of drug court is to reduce the burden and costs of repeatedly processing low-level, non-violent offenders through the criminal justice system, while also providing offenders with the support and resources they need to successfully recover.
In drug court, participants are required to abstain from substance use and be accountable for their behavior. They must also fulfill the legal responsibilities of the offenses they have committed, such as paying fines or completing community service. Participants attend regular court hearings and are closely monitored to ensure compliance with the program requirements. By requiring participants to take responsibility for their actions and providing them with the resources to overcome addiction, drug court aims to reduce the likelihood of future criminal activity and help individuals lead productive lives.
Rehabilitation Rather than Jail
When Drug Court offered His Way as an option, Morgan had nothing left. He was homeless and without a car, but he decided to take the chance and enter the program. He found a community that welcomed him with open arms, providing him with a sense of love, security, and belonging that he had never experienced before. “It felt like home almost immediately,” he recalls.
As Morgan worked through the program, he began to see the possibilities for his future. He found a new purpose in helping other men, and he took on a role as a Resident Manager. In this position, he supports and encourages the men in the program, helping them to attend classes, find work, and build honest relationships. He describes his job as “heartwarming” and says he loves seeing men grow and change.
Morgan’s recovery has not been easy, but he says that finding God and building honest relationships has been the key to his success. He advises others to consider alternative paths to building relationships and finding peace, such as attending AA meetings. He also stresses the importance of faith and finding a sense of purpose in life. For him, helping other men has been the driving force behind his recovery and has given him a renewed sense of hope for his future.
New Beginnings
Looking ahead, Morgan is making plans to further his education and continue to help others in any way he can. He is grateful for the support and love he has received from His Way Atlanta and credits the program with saving his life. “You have a chance at saving your own life,” he says to others considering recovery. “Take that chance and see where it leads you.”