Wellman Shew is an employee benefits broker. He’s been in the insurance business for more than 40 years. In addition to his work in the insurance industry, he’s passionate about giving back to the community.
He works with the nonprofit organization Total Life Change and is a board of directors member.
Table of Contents
What is Total Life Change?
Total Life Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to drug and alcohol addiction treatment. In addition to treating the person with a substance use disorder, they treat the entire family. This creates a healthy, supportive environment that is essential for long-term recovery.
Why Total Life Change was Founded
Shew explains that Total Life Change was founded in 2015 by Todd Harris. Todd became an addict. In 1987, he chose recovery. He began with Alcoholics Anonymous.
Todd chose Jesus Christ as his higher power five years after beginning his recovery. He went through many recovery programs over the next thirty years. He also went to seminary and became a pastor.
He founded Total Life Change to meet people where they are. He created a faith-based recovery program using his own experiences and recovery and his faith.
Outpatient Recovery
According to Wellman Shew, the outpatient recovery program is the cornerstone of Total Life Change. It’s a year-long program. During the first six months, participants meet three times a week. As they grow in recovery, they transition to meeting once a week during the second half of the program.
It includes both group and individual counseling, addiction education, and 12 steps. It’s designed for those who don’t require inpatient or detox treatment and who are ready for a total life change.
Other Services Offered
Wellman Shew explains that Total Life Change offers other programs as well. This allows the organization to reach many people who are struggling.
The Crisis Group Workshop is designed for those with friends or loved ones dealing with addiction. Addiction impacts not only the person addicted but those around them as well.
Participants learn to develop healthy boundaries. They also learn the needed tools and skills to cope with a loved one’s addiction.
Anger Management is another critical program offered. It uses emotional intelligence to teach participants how to cope with anger healthily. The intensive program is court-approved.
Making a Difference
Total Life Change has made an enormous difference for many people. Through his work with the program, Wellman Shew has also helped improve lives.
The testimonials for Total Life Change state that the program is life-changing, with many even crediting the program with saving their life.
Many people in recovery find that they can’t access treatment because they can’t afford it or they don’t have health insurance. Total Life Change offers partial and full scholarships for those in financial aid. Their goal is to ensure that anyone who wants addiction help can get it, regardless of their financial status.