Chris Wright

Chris Wright considers Choices to be an extension of his family. And not having any immediate family left, he has grown to depend on them.

Choices to him is a place of wonderful friends that keep him smiling.

Chris believes he has been a member for roughly 25 years now, joining in the mid 90s. He initially heard about it through a former case worker, though his first response was, “What is it, some kind of golf club?” After visiting the former location downtown however, he was pleasantly surprised with how much he enjoyed himself and has been an active member since.

Choices has helped Chris in a number of ways. When he had struggled getting his disability benefits back, staff members pointed him towards a nearby law firm that specializes in disability assistance.

He cites numerous times he was down and his Choices family helped him push on, most recently though, the loss of his mother.

He credits Choices with helping him to speak better publicly and to communicate better with police officers, fire department, and CIT officers. AA programs offered after hours have helped empower him, even by things as simple as being trusted to stick around and get the coffee ready. “And on a daily basis, it helps keep me busy and out of trouble.”

His favorite memories at Choices include serving on the Advisory Council with Charles Ross, who encouraged him to run. “Man, I almost cried. I was so happy when they announced I was elected.”

He enjoyed grilling hamburgers for past picnics and being trusted to work on the Sports Board. He fondly remembers the Change Direction program at Lock 3, where he was asked to speak as they raised awareness for mental health issues.

He says without Choices, his options would be grim.

“Without Choices, I’d be drunk or I’d be dead. No two ways around it.”

He recommends Choices to everyone and wishes more would come down and see what Choices is about. “Why would I want to look at four walls all day instead of being with others like me that I can share stuff with and do things with.” Adding, “It’s not healthy to be left alone with a fool like me, physically or emotionally.”