Our Stories
These are just a few of our many success stories from people we've had the pleasure of working with.
Contact us to see how we can help you break the cycle and change your life today, and become one of our successes.
Donella's Story
Hi, My name is Donella Christie and I started Reverse the Door Inc. June 12,2020 I was referred by a friend. I spent 15 years in prison and 4 years on probation. My charge was conspiracy to possess cocaine. My original sentence was 22 ½ years. On August 3rd, 2016, President Obama granted me clemency. My sentence was shortened 7 ½ years on a 22 ½ year sentence. On June 16th, 2018, I was released from prison.
When I was released, I had no transportation, no clothes, or any money. I moved in with my mother to be closer to my family. I have two children, a son who is 22 years old and a daughter who is 29 years old, they both live with me in my childhood home.
On January 30th,2023 I got married at the Palm Beach Courthouse. Today I have a positive outlook on life. Since being released I have obtained a vehicle and have rebuilt my relationship with my children. I have also been a mentor to my niece and other young girls, so they won’t go down the same road I did. I feel I am getting through to most of the girls, some need more guidance than others. When I came to Reverse the Door Inc., they welcomed me with open arms. I was given a lot of insight on life and making positive decisions. I met new people and had a job opportunity with the U-Haul service Reverse the Door Inc. offers. The different programs that the organization provides for the members and the children helps a lot with social skills, and a positive outlook on life.
Today I’m employed with Uber which has given me a sense of security. I’m my own boss, set my own hours and schedule, this allows me to spend time with my family. I am in a happier place today compared to when I first came home.
Thomas' Story
Hi, my name is Thomas Altieri, a lot of people know me as Tom Tom. I was born in New York and raised in Martin county Florida. I can’t say I grew up in a troubled house hold, that would be a lie! I was raised by great parents who taught me great morales and values in life when I was young. But as I got into my teens I started to make stupid decisions. I got sucked into the street life of selling drugs at the age of 13. I was living a doubled life , because I had a family that did not and would never approve of that!
The first time I was arrested was at the age of 15 for possession of marijuana, it was on school campus but thank god they didn’t include that. While dealing with that in court, I caught another possession of marijuana charge. Which sent me to my first DJJ program/boot camp for 6 months. And let’s just say that was the start of a long life of getting into trouble and being locked up. I been to prison twice, once when I was 18 and again when I was 27.I wasted so much of my life to programs (DJJ), jail and prison! I am now on a path where I want to share my life story with teens and young adults. With hopes of helping them stay out of the system and for the ones who are already apart of the system, show them that they can get out and stay out the system!
The reverse the door program has been a huge help to me and my family!! I’m truly blessed to be apart of such a wonderful caring program!! Big shout out to Lisa Dames for creating it!! Part of my success wouldn’t have been possible with out her and of course my family , god and Joan Baldwin Hoffpauir, who introduced me to the reverse the door program and got me signed up when I was facing one of the toughest time of my life!! But let me say this, this is just the beginning of a beautiful future for my family and I! I hope my life story can help others change there life and negative ways and become a successful member of this wonderful community, because if I can do it, I know anyone of you can do it!! If any one needs any help/ mentorship contact reverse the door program!!!
Marcus' Story
Hi, my name is Marcus, and this is my story. I first started selling drugs in 2001 in 9th grade of high school. I can remember that my cousin busted out of prison around the same time, which is when all my troubles started to happen. I've always been a good kid, and mindful of others. I'm Catholic, and went to church every Sunday growing up . It has always been just me and my mother, but I had a big family. Most of my family sold drugs. As i grew older, and was able to start going out on my own, I met a lot of different people in my family that were doing a lot of different things. I have never been the one to act out, but this lifestyle can do something to you.
This way of living, it's like it takes hold of you and the way you live and the way you think about things.
I have been in all types of trouble in my life, from burglary to drugs. We go through these things to define who we really are, whether it destroys us or not. I have been through a lot of things that make me who I am today.
I am now making decisions in my life to Reverse the Door.
Johnny's Story
My name is John J., I am 34 years old the middle child of three siblings. Most people call me Johnny. I was born and raised in Stuart Florida. I was raised by good parents and was taught good values. I started making bad choices that at the age of thirteen I was sent to a Juvenile Center in Orlando for possession of marijuana and flee and Lundin. Being so far away from home and my parents not being able to come visit me often. I became very angry with everyone, including myself. I was released at the age of fifteen and the time away did not help me at all it taught me how to be a smarter criminal. Then from the age of 18-23, I went to prison for conspiracy to purchase cocaine. The things you see in prison will change your life for the worse. Prison is not designed to rehabilitate it keeps you separated from family and friends and me starting out at a young age did more harm than good. I come from a lot of pain finding my baby sister in her crib not breathing is something I will never forget. I believe to this day sending me away at thirteen just added flames to the fire, I should have been sent to see a psychiatrist instead. I am not making excuses I am just telling my truth. From the age of 24-32, I have not been in any trouble. I worked with my dad for a while he owns a construction company, family-owned and operated. Then I decided to open a landscape company that I ran for four years when the competition started to affect me I closed down and started a pressure washing company. That is what I am doing today and it is a successful business.
My passion is mentoring young people. I take them to movies regularly and just have a lot of uplifting conversations with them.
I also tell them my life story with hopes they will listen and not go down that road. The kids take a good liken to me and I don't judge them, they feel safe to be around me and it makes me feel good as well. If someone would have told me how bad it is in prison, I promise you I would have never went. My hope is some young person will learn from me and never have to experience the horrible things I had to endure.
I am done with the drug lifestyle, Freedom is everything, priceless. I am focusing on positive things and staying away from negativity I have wasted so much time that I can never get back. I feel older than I am with all the stress I've carried over the years. Last year I had a run-in with the law that is pending at this time so I choose not to talk about it. Just know that I will take full responsibility for the outcome.
Reverse The Door is going to help a lot of people and is a much-needed program. I am happy to share my story and hope it will bless someone.
News, Stories and Updates from
Main Office
4001 SE Commerce Avenue