Starfish Project reaching out to addicts

SANDUSKY — Bryan Hixson didn't just walk into a drug rehabilitation center."I ran there," Hixson said. "I had to. I owed people drug money, and they were coming after me."But what Hixson unexpectedly learned — and, more importantly, accepted — in a temporary safe haven resulted into a lifelong personal mission to educate and save others also struggling with substance abuse issues.Today Hixson, who has stayed clean for about a quarter-century running, no longer avoids his problems.Instead he's actually chasing down all opportunities for others in hopes of delivering them solutions for their sobriety."I didn't want to be a problem anymore, and I know others who are (struggling right now) don't want to be either," said Hixson, a husband, father to five and an employee at Tower Automotive in Bellevue. "People may seem like lost causes, but those are the ones we need to help and pray for."He paused before continuing: "I was that person who burnt every bridge and hurt family members, but I changed with this program, and others can, too."Hixson graduated from Teen Challenge Program, a drug-free residential setting he's now encouraging other addicts to attend. Despite the "Teen" wording, the program is open to anyone 18 and older.The 12-month, Christian faith-based recovery program treats people succumbing to life-controlling problems, such as drug and alcohol addictions. The goal involves transforming addicts into productive members of society.Established in the 1950s, there are many campuses for this program located across the U.S., including in Willard.A typical day involves morning devotion, job skill training and group meals in which people can socialize with one another."This program changed my life," Hixson said. "When you allow God into your life, priorities change, and your outlook on life changes. When Christ enters your heart, you want to be a law-abiding citizen and be part of the process to help people. God will help you, but he chooses how you get there."Hixson recently partnered with community stakeholders, including the Sandusky Police Department, to raise awareness for this program.Through the program's fundraising arm, dubbed Starfish Project, they're raising money to offset tuition costs and sponsor all interested parties seeking a sober lifestyle. A 12-month stay costs $1,000.Already established in Huron County, the Starfish Project has sponsored about 110 individuals entering the program since 2010. Local leaders now want to branch out and help those living in Erie County"We can't arrest or enforce our way out of this problem," said Sandusky police Officer Eric Costante, who serves in a dual capacity as the department's community impact officer. "We need to help people the best way we can, and this is another avenue to help people and give them the help they need."Starfish Project representatives often meet at Trinity United Methodist Church on East Jefferson Street in Sandusky. It's there where they discuss ways to help the community.Church leader, the Rev. Doug Winner, said people graduating through this program have a 70 percent success rate of remaining drug-free. It's an extremely high figure compared to the national average, hovering at about 15 percent, of people entering other rehab programs and later relapsing."We won't solve the epidemic all at once with this," Winner said. "But we can start making a difference one person at a time."Bryan Hixson, left, a recovering addict for about 25 years, is a graduate of the Teen Challenge Program, a drug-free residential setting he's now encouraging other addicts to attend. He, along with The Rev. Doug Winner of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sandusky, is encouraging addicts to enroll in this 12-month program.The Starfish StoryThe Starfish Project name derives from a proverb about people realizing the importance of helping a single individual:One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up, and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die.""Son," the man said, "Don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference."After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it back into the surf.Then, smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one."Want to donate?What: Starfish Project, a fundraising arm to the Teen Challenge Program, which provides addicts with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive members of society.Who: Despite the "Teen" wording, the program is open to anyone 18 and older.How: People can call 419-706-3710, 419-706-1161 or 419-625-8669 to receive information about the program or make a tax-deductible donation to this nonprofit organization. People can also visit the program's website, starfish39.com, for more information as well.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Local leaders are raising awareness and fundraising for the Starfish Project, which is the fundraising arm for Teen Challenge Program, a drug-free residential setting helping addicts gain sobriety. From left to right, Sandusky police Officer Eric Costante, Sandusky police Officer Chris Rankins, Bryan Hixson, Joe Yingling and the Rev. Doug Winner are all advocating for the program.