Life can be very tricky for the youth of today to navigate; there is a lot of peer pressure and a strong desire to belong. This need, want, or desire can sometimes influence the choices young people make. Once the choices are made they can't be undone; and for some they will have life-long consequences. Allow Jerry the opportunity to share his story, and hopefully all those listening will walk away with an even stronger desire to do what it takes to avoid becoming just another statistic.

Who is Jerry Sample?

That is a very good question! Sometimes Jerry doesn't know the answer to the question himself. Every day he finds out more and more about himself. Here is what Jerry does know about himself:

Jerry was born in Milwaukee, WI, to a single mother. He is the oldest of four children, all who have different fathers. As a teen Jerry was surrounded by drugs, alcohol, and gangs. At the age of 14 he was given a second chance at life when a nice man who was doing mission work for the Catholic Church moved him to La Crosse, WI.

That second chance paid off as he graduated high school in 1987. After high school, he attended UW-La Crosse. He graduated with a BS degree in Sociology in 1992. During his college years, his addiction and depression began to take hold. He moved back to the Milwaukee area after college and his continued addiction and choices left him facing some major legal troubles.

Today Jerry lives a happy life with his wife and children in the La Crosse area. Once a taker from society, he is now giving back with hope that he can make a difference in someone's life.

If you'd life to know how Jerry turned his life around and what advice or inspiration he can offer you, be sure to attend or host one of his programs!

What Makes him Knowledgeable:

Jerry has lived everything that he talks about in his presentation, crime, gangs, jail, addiction, depression, and negative thinking. His case study continues to be himself.

Has worked in the field of addictions for over a decade, working mainly with adolescents and their families. There was a period of about three years when he worked with adults.

Holds a Master's Degree in Educational Professional Development from UW-La Crosse, with a focus on counseling.

Currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Viterbo University.

Although Jerry hit some speed bumps, he has figured out a way to stay out of the Wisconsin State Prison System.

Speaks to over 100 inmates at the St. Croix Correctional Center on a quarterly basis on the importance of making different choices in addition to the importance of motivation.

Speaks to an Introduction to Chemical Dependency class at a local university every semester, sharing his story with them. He has been invited back for the last five years.

Recovering alcoholic, sober for 18+ years.

Topics Include:

• Substance Use/Abuse
• Choices
• Motivation
• Difficult Parent/Child Relationships
• Determination

Targeted Age Groups:

• Middle School
• High School
• College
• Parents

Program Length:

The length of the program can range from 11/2 hours to 21/2 hours, depending on the amount of question and answer time that is allotted.