2025 Success Story – Terry

Terry’s Story of Resilience, Hope, and Transformation

Terry Biarnesen’s story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation.  Born in Chicago in 1964, Terry grew up in an abusive home, facing physical, mental and sexual abuse.  To cope with the turmoil, he started smoking marijuana in the fourth grade and began drinking heavily by the age of 12.  This led to nearly 50 years of poor decision making and destructive behavior.   

In January 2022, Terry flew to Seattle with the intent to get sober from heroin, but his attempt failed, and he ended up living on the streets for seven months.  Seeking a fresh start, he moved to Yakima and entered the James Oldham Treatment Center (JOTC).  Despite multiple attempts, it was not until his third stay at JOTC in August 2023 that Terry experienced a life-changing moment.   

While waiting in line for a daily snack, Terry felt an overwhelming sense of peace and assurance that everything would be alright.  This spiritual experience, which he now attributes to the Holy Spirit, marked the beginning of his sobriety.  He ran to his bunk, knelt down, and prayed for help.  Since that day, Terry has remained sober.  

Reflecting on his journey, Terry acknowledges the many failed attempts at recovery but believes that his transformation happened oin God’s time.  He also credits his wife, Eva, for being a significant part of his recovery.  They just celebrated their 1st anniversary in December.   

Terry’s outlook on life has changed dramatically.  He no longer turns to substances to cope with stress or anger.  Instead, he relies on healthier coping mechanisms such as prayer, reading his Bible, and talking with his wife and his sponsor.  He has found a supportive community at West Valley Church, where he feels accepted and valued.   

Terry now works for the West Valley School District and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively to his community.  He cherishes the relationships he has built through his church and the support he receives through his new family.  His favorite scripture, Corinthians 5:17, reflects his transformation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!” 

Reconnecting with members of his family has been a healing experience for Terry.  He recently met his daughter and granddaughter for the first time and rekindled relationships with his cousins.  These connections have brought joy and fulfillment to his life. 

Terry’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the support of a loving community.  He hopes that by sharing his journey, he can inspire others to believe in the possibility of recovery.  “My motivation for doing this is that maybe one day a guy will hear this story and think, ‘Wow, man, this dude was in prison for 12 years of his life and man, if he could do it, maybe I could do it,’ you know, and just plant that seed.” Terry’s transformation is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with addiction, proving that recovery is possible and beautiful things can grow from a once very broken place.