Dale Ray Smith

                I have overcome many obstacles in my life, both in my childhood and as an adult.  I am extremely blessed to be here today to tell my story because I have been "To Hell and Back".  I have been addicted to drugs for over 20 years, been to prison numerous times, was in a gang, been stabbed and was shot in the chest which missed my heart by a few inches. While running from the police I jumped out of a 4th floor window shattering my left ankle. 
While homeless for numerous years, I slept on the streets of San Francisco and ate out of the garbage. I have lost several immediate family members due to addiction and most recently my oldest daughter, Mary Ann, died in my arms in 2009.

I'm constantly talking to numerous individuals in San Francisco, California's Bay Area and here in the Houston area who have faced, or may be facing the same or similar circumstances.  I talk to them about avoiding the pitfalls of this type of life and share my story of how my life once was and how I overcame obstacles. My belief in the gift of giving and sharing with other people is the purpose, I feel, that God has chosen for me.  To bring hope to those in despair and feel hopeless. I always speak encouragement to people of all kinds about overcoming their circumstances because I firmly believe that if I can overcome my circumstances and trust in God, then anyone can do this!
My philosophy is whatever the mind can conceive, you can achieve!  I now have 10 years sobriety and I share my message of hope at community treatment centers, hospitals, schools, prisons and , to individuals in other cities and states. One other miracle that I would like to share with you is that my wife, Cheryl, and I had not seen each other since 1976 and, after nearly 30 years, we were reunited and married on September 1, 2006. 

I am a Motivational Speaker, Certified Chaplain, Certified Domestic and Anger Management facilitator.  My recent employment history has been as a Group Facilitator for MHMRA, Drug/Alcohol patients and with the Harris County Jail inmates. I am an Author and have written a book titled: "To Hell and Back".                                            

There have been many meaningful people who were influential in my life and who saw me when I was down and out.  They recognized early that I had moxie and possessed potential in my life.
I feel that my life is a miracle because I have overcome many obstacles in this lifetime and through my God given faith, hope and determination.
I have rebuilt a life foundation filled with objectives and goals. 
My belief is "no matter where you came from, hope never dies" it can become a reality and you can establish a new foundation.

                                                                                   Sincerely,

Dale Ray Smith, Re-entry Specialist & Mentor
www.BlogTalkRadio.net
dale@ibelievenu.net
415.756.0494