WOODRUFF, Wis. (WJFW) — Bill Shope spent most of his adult life addicted to alcohol and drugs; an addition that grew in college but never truly went away.
“For me, I continued down the road of drinking and it escalated eventually to other substances,” Shope said.
Shope’s substance abuse led him to getting arrested on December 12, 2020 and sent to the Vilas County Jail. Not the first time he’d been in trouble with the law, but he made sure this time would be his last.
He started his rehabilitation process but needed the help of a local homeless shelter, staying at Frederick Place in Rhinelander. After just 45 days he was back up on his feet, but still felt like he needed to do more.
Shope said: “Because so much was freely given to me, I think it’s important that I’m involved and able to give back to the places that helped me get where I’m at today.”
Shope also said the accountability and support at Frederick Place gave him the confidence to start his life again. He started studying substance use disorder counseling at Nicolet College and officially became a licensed counselor at the Majestic Wellness Center in 2024 to help others who are struggling.
“Bill is a fabulous example of how a life can change if you humble yourself just a little bit and say ‘”Okay maybe I do need a little bit of help and I need that hand up,’” said Abbey Dall Lukowski, Frederick Place Executive Director.
Shope added: “It’s not really a hand out, it’s really a hand up. They provide you the tools that you need to actually take the steps to rebuild your life.”
Shope says he’s helped around 60 people with substance abuse since getting licensed, but never thought he would be in this position all those years ago.
“This is the last thing I expected to be doing,” he said. “I’m grateful for all that’s been given to me and the opportunity to help other people has been a true blessing in my life.”