Jerome Gilgan grew up in a turbulent household marked by an abusive, alcoholic mother, two sisters, and the absence of a father figure. The emotional void and feelings of isolation from his upbringing drove Jerome to express his pain through violence—punching walls, getting into fights, and struggling academically. His school, eager to rid itself of a troublesome student, graduated him from 8th grade despite his failing grades. High school proved no different, and he was expelled after just eight months.
Jerome’s struggles escalated when tragedy struck. His cousin and closest friend, Michael, died in his arms—a devastating event that led Jerome to alcohol in a desperate attempt to numb the pain. By 14, he was using and selling marijuana, and his first arrest followed soon after. A second arrest at 15 led to an ultimatum: his mother kicked him out of the house. Homeless and hungry, Jerome resorted to breaking into homes to survive.
 
At 18, Jerome left New Jersey for Portland, hoping to evade the police and start fresh. Instead, he fell deeper into addiction, turning to methamphetamine. For 21 years, Jerome’s life spiraled into chaos as he became entrenched in meth use, serving seven years in prison and three in jail for drug-related offenses. Despite going through four drug treatment programs, nothing seemed to help.
Everything changed when Jerome was referred to the Men’s Residential Center (MRC). Unlike previous programs, the MRC took a holistic approach, challenging Jerome to reevaluate his life and his self-worth.
 
“This program was different,” Jerome reflects. “It wasn’t just about taking classes. It was about learning how to see life and myself through a new lens. I learned how to communicate and even went into schools to share my story and warn students about the dangers of drugs. For the first time, I felt like my life had a purpose and could positively impact others.”
 
In 2003, Jerome graduated from the MRC and has remained clean ever since. Motivated to give back, he accepted a job offer two years later as a residential counselor at the MRC. Jerome’s determination didn’t stop there—he graduated from Portland Community College in 2007 with honors and became a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Today, he serves as the residential treatment supervisor at the MRC while pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Portland State University, becoming the first person in recovery to hold a leadership role at the MRC.
 
“I owe my life to Greg Stone, the program director, and the MRC,” Jerome says with conviction. “My loyalty to the program is unwavering. All I want is to be part of it, to help save someone else, and to give others the same hope I was given.”
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Find out more about Andrea Love, and her services here: andrea.love
Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: thehouseofhealing.love
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All production by Cody Maxwell.
sharkfyn.com
Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy.
Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements.