Getting a Job Just Wasn't Enough

Anthony Strausbaugh, 36, gets up early each morning to put breakfast on the table for men at The Door.  Around 8:15, he grabs the paper to check out job listings or calls the front desk to see if any “spot labor” jobs are available.

On a good day, Anthony, a member of The Door’s STAR recovery program, heads off to a construction site where he stains trim and cleans up after workers.  On a slow day, he sits in the dining hall, reviewing Bible study notes or looking through the paper for permanent work.

Anthony will graduate from STAR this summer; from there he hopes to land a full-time job in homeland security and move to Hope Ministries’ Transitional Housing.  “It looks pretty promising,” he says.  “There’s quite a bit open in security in Des Moines.”

With a two-year degree in automotive technology, lots of experience in security and no addictions to contend with, it may seem strange that Anthony is at The Door.  “My biggest obstacle [to keeping a job] is anger management and setting personal boundaries,” he says.  “I’d let someone get under my skin and end up quitting over it.”

Since he came to Hope Ministries in August 2002, Anthony has attended classes and counseling to learn communication and anger management skills.  Attending an Adult Children of Alcoholics support group helps him deal with childhood issues.  Programs and studies such as Walk to Emmaus, Fundamentals of Faith and Experiencing God have drawn him closer to God.  “When I lost my father to suicide in 1986, I blamed God.  That translated into the workplace.  Now I have a better understanding of God.”

Living at The Door allows Anthony to practice his new coping skills.  “There are mornings I’ve been tested,” he admits.  “You have to set boundaries — you’ve got 30-some opinions plus the counselors’.  Some days you appreciate it, some days you don’t.”

Anthony is reentering the job market with a new outlook and the “tools” he needs to stay on the job.  Your prayers and gifts helped make it happen.  Please continue to support Hope Ministries so other men can find hope in Christ and a new opportunity to become — and remain — productive members of our community.