Gary Heitzman came to Gilead for recovery from addiction in March 2008. Since then he has overcome many obstacles due to the consequences of his past life and addiction. Gary has been hugely successful and won our Student of the year award, as well as the stockman of the year and milk retail award in 2009. Gary is now a community member here and is a great support and role model to other students.


Prior to coming here Gary was in hospital, desperate and crying out for help. He is doubtful he would have survived if he had not come to Gilead for treatment , and today Gary is so grateful for his new life, for the love and support he recieves from the Gilead community and his job with the animals on the farm.

Here is another man who is living proof that recovery is possible, a walking miracle!

Gary would like to share this verse with you that has comforted him during his recovery:

"Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all. Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. See how many enemies I have and how visciously they hate me. Protect me. Rescue my life from them. Do not let me be disgraced, for I trust in You". Psalm 25:16-20.