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Book details
  • Genre:SELF-HELP
  • SubGenre:Substance Abuse & Addictions / Alcohol
  • Language:English
  • Pages:172
  • eBook ISBN:9798350912333
  • Paperback ISBN:9798350912326

Ironing Money

A Journey of Faith, Family and Freedom from Addiction

by Dennis Scott Farmer

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Overview
"Ironing Money" tells the story of Dennis Scott Farmer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Village – one of the country's only privately ran Veterans recovery centers. Dennis was born to young parents in a rural part of California's Central Valley. His tumultuous upbringing would lead to a pattern of bad behaviors - not the criminal kind that land you in jail, but the mental, emotional, and physical kind that leads to addiction and death. After years of struggle with alcohol, Dennis would find himself in a cycle of addiction treatment and relapse. Multiple failures and many returns to the bottle should have killed him – and it almost did. A walk to buy booze and a small church on the corner were the beginning of his redemption. You never know what twists and turns life may have in store for you, but Dennis found that the adventure of sobriety could be as unpredictable and chaotic as his addiction. Only, in sobriety, the risk and rewards of life were far more positive. Life can change in a moment, and a single moment can change your life.
Description
"Ironing Money" tells the story of Dennis Scott Farmer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Village – one of the country's only privately ran Veterans recovery centers. Dennis was born to young parents in a rural part of California's Central Valley. His tumultuous upbringing would lead to a pattern of bad behaviors - not the criminal kind that land you in jail, but the mental, emotional, and physical kind that leads to addiction and death. Lying, deception and all-out debauchery were on the menu as Dennis entered adulthood – not that he had any idea what being an adult meant, let alone a productive one. He was moving on a whim, changing jobs without thinking, and had a total lack of commitment. Those were the characteristics he excelled at. All the while, the trusted friend of alcohol was there every step of the way. It would turn from a love affair to an obsession, and from an obsession to self-destruction. After years of struggle with alcohol, Dennis would find himself in a cycle of addiction treatment and relapse. Multiple failures and many returns to the bottle should have killed him – and it almost did. At just 135 pounds, there was little physically left. Even less of his mental or emotional being remained. A walk to buy booze and a small church on the corner would be the small spark that reminded him there was more to life than this. There weren't great flashes of lightning, and he didn't hear the voice of God, but he did remember his humanity just long enough to think hope may not be dead… despite the fact he almost was. You never know what twists and turns life may have in store for you, but Dennis found out that the adventure of sobriety could be as unpredictable and chaotic as his addiction. Only, in sobriety, the risk and rewards of life were far more positive. Life can change in a moment, and a single moment can change your life.
About the author

Dennis S. Farmer, the visionary Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Legacy Village, LLC, brings a wealth of experience rooted in his small-town upbringing in Shafter, California. Embarking on a career with the State of California at the young age of 24, Dennis quickly ascended through the ranks, displaying proficiency in budgetary and accounting fields. His journey culminated in becoming the Head of Accounting for Kern Valley State Prison, where he oversaw crucial aspects such as budget management, fiscal policy formulation, and coordination with legislative accounting affairs.

Amidst his professional success, Dennis faced a personal struggle with alcohol that gained prominence in his late 20s and began to cast shadows on both his personal and professional life by his early 30s. Battling addiction led to two failed marriages and a severe toll on his health. Dennis's path to recovery wasn't straightforward; it involved three rehab attempts, with the third being the turning point that marked his commitment to a genuine recovery process. "I truly began a real process of recovery, embracing the concepts of recovery and most importantly, reconnecting with my faith in God," said Mr. Farmer.

This pivotal recovery experience inspired Dennis to envision more accessible and affordable care within his community. Born out of his own struggle to find help, Legacy Village materialized as a testament to Dennis's dedication to helping others overcome addiction. "It is my belief that my experience was not solely, or even predominantly for me – but rather so I would be equipped to help others," expressed Mr. Farmer.

Legacy Village flourished as a beacon of individualized care and recovery services. As the flagship Oregon Street Recovery Center gained success, opportunities to relocate arose in 2020. Legacy Village would gain notoriety as one of the most successful, Veterans only treatment facilities privately operated.  After the move to Nipomo, California, hundreds of Veterans annually sought help and found healing.  Three years after the move, however, and with tremendous success under their banner of recovery, politics would intervene in progress.  Having transitions to a Veterans only facility, the program was vulnerable to policy changes which came into place in January 2023.  Access standards, that under the MISSION Act allowed for broad use of the Community Care Network by Veterans, we abruptly changed, restricting use of private providers in addiction treatment.  This all brought about significant difficulty, and with all referrals to the program stopped, would mark the closure of Legacy Village.   In November 2023 after nearly nine years of dedicated service to the public and Veterans in need, the facility shuttered.

Dennis Farmer remained a stalwart advocate for Veterans, navigating the complexities of the Washington politics in the hopes of ensuring access to life-saving care. Mr. Farmer spent incredible effort to highlight now VA policy changes in access standards have posed challenges, hindering timely and quality access to addiction treatment for Veterans.  In his meetings with various congressional leaders, and advocacy organizations, he minced no words.  “These changes are going to costs Veterans lives,” said Mr. Farmer.

Undeterred by these challenges, Dennis embraced a new role as the Chief Executive Officer of Recovery 101. This venture is dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding addiction treatment and promoting mental and behavioral health wellness. Through Recovery 101, Dennis continues his tireless advocacy for Veterans and all those grappling with access to care, embodying a commitment to a cause greater than himself.  He is involved in the formation of new Veteran-centric clinics, and public clinics for mental and behavioral healthcare, scheduled to open in multiple states in 2024.  While Recovery 101 has become his primary professional pursuit, he continues to provide exceptional, experienced leadership in the new clinics to come. The role with Recovery 101 has also afforded him with a new platform, as the host of the Recovery 101 podcast.  Initial episodes have been released with a new schedule coming soon.

In addition to his impactful work in the field of addiction recovery, Dennis has pursued literary endeavors, publishing his first book, "Ironing Money." Currently working on a second book, he aims to provide self-directed options for continuing one's wellness journey through faith. Dennis S. Farmer's life story is one of resilience, redemption, and an unwavering commitment to serving others in their pursuit of a healthier, more meaningful life.  “The story is never over, until we’re called home,” said Mr. Farmer.  “Stay tuned for more.”

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