Michael’s Story

Meet Michael, a therapist from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who is dedicated to helping individuals recover from addiction.

Michael, a Lake Trust member, sits at a desk and looks at a laptop screen
Michael’s inspiring story demonstrates how personal perseverance and community support can help an individual write a new chapter in their story. And change the course of their future. After overcoming his own personal challenges, this Lake Trust member is now helping other people rewrite their stories too.

The power of a fresh start.

The power of a fresh start.

Meet Michael, a therapist from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who is dedicated to helping individuals recover from addiction. His inspiring story is about personal triumph, giving back, and empowerment. At Lake Trust, we are humbled and grateful to be a small piece of his story, helping give people the tools for a fresh start.
Michael, a Lake Trust member, sits on a black chair and writes in a notebook

There are some sad stories and some glorious stories or good achievements. I’m just trying to pass on what was given to me.

Sharing the support.

Sharing the support.

Through his personal struggle, Michael faced many barriers in life, including severe financial limitations. He received support from Lake Trust, where he found empathy, education, and a willingness to say yes. He learned about financial concepts that were essential to building a better life for himself and his family. Now, in turn, he can help other people in his practice with those same values.
A Lake Trust team member laughs in a branch
Michael sees patients that society has largely cast aside: those dealing with extreme situations including addiction and prison. It is his mission to help them re-enter society, contribute, and live full lives.

Michael strongly believes that mental health disorders, including addiction, should not be stigmatized, and that society must play a major role in helping individuals get back on their feet. This includes therapy, but also must include basic life skills like budgeting, credit, appropriate credit card use, and more. Such support is essential to re-entering society and becoming self-reliant and independent. He refers his clients to Lake Trust often for education and basic financial tools.

Everybody needs help from somebody, and eventually that helps lead to more open doors.

Fulfilling his purpose.

Fulfilling his purpose.

Today, Michael is fulfilling his purpose by helping others remove barriers in their lives. He also looks forward to continuing his own remarkable life journey with his wife and son. His next step? Looking for a house with a yard so their family can enjoy playing with their dogs. And here at Lake Trust, we can’t wait to help him get there.
Michael, a Lake Trust member, holds up a treat as a brown and white dog places a paw on Michael's leg

That’s the power of purpose.

No matter where you are in your journey, we can help you meet your goals.
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