Message From the President

Hello Friends,

My name is Ricky Underwood and I am not only the founder and President of New Life House but I am also an addict. Some of you may be surprised to hear this but I am. I was born August 7, 1956 in Spartanburg, SC to a wonderful set of parents. In 1969, at the age of 13, I smoked my first joint of pot. My drug use sky rocketed all through high school. After finishing high school in 1974, I joined the United States Air Force. I began drinking heavily and smoking more dope. My habit worsened during the next four years while being stationed in North Dakota and Germany. I was honorably discharged as an E-4 in 1978 and moved to Charlotte, NC.

I worked for United Parcel Services for twelve years and used cocaine everyday. I used drugs and alcohol for a total of twenty-six years. I tried to stop on my own, but I couldn’t. I lost my job, pride, self-esteem, and so-called friends. I was homeless, penniless (no money), and very messed up in the head.

I entered Amethyst treatment facility for fourteen days. At this time, I had had enough and started praying and asking God for help. On June 21, 1996, God delivered me from drugs and alcohol. I have been drug and alcohol free for 11 years.

I lived in an Oxford House for recovering addicts and alcoholics for 3 years. I not only learned how to live clean and sober but I held the offices of Chapter Chairperson and treasurer and received an Outstanding Service Award. As a result of God’s grace I have had the opportunity to grow spiritually, accumulate material possessions and become a productive member of society.

My church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, played a major role in my recovery. Mrs. Maxwell told me I was going to be an usher. I said “Yeah, right.“ All I had to wear was a navy jacket and black pants from the Thrift Store but I did start to usher. That was 9 years ago and now I’m 1st Sunday chairperson of the usher board. Sometimes it just takes having faith in a person to give them self-esteem.

I am committed to New Life House because I know if God cleaned up an addict like me and made me productive, he will do the same for other addicts. A lot of addicts are lonely and no longer have family ties. My dream was not to just open recovery houses but to open homes where the residents live as family. God allowed me to open my first New Life House for men in October 2002. I opened 3 more houses in the 1st quarter of 2003. I maintained six New Life houses

Today, with 3 houses, we provide drug and alcohol free housing for 23 men. I am constrained by financial resources. I'm a 45-hour a week truck driver and I use my income from driving and generated income from the houses to maintain the program. The continued success of New Life House is not just a dream but it will be a reality. I’m making a personal appeal to all with a heart to help New Life House help others become confident productive citizens. You will be blessed!

Sincerely,

Ricky Underwood
President, New Life House