The Other Side Village hosted a gospel brunch Saturday at its Salt Lake City campus, celebrating recovery, dignity, and hope. The event highlighted the message that "second chances are real and we are here to help," according to The Other Side Village. The celebration provided food and music from the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir, honoring those who have embraced second chances.
The Other Side is a non-profit organization offering a free program to accepted participants. This program requires a minimum 30-month commitment to structured living, focusing on personal change. The Saturday brunch served as an opportunity for associates and community supporters to hear success stories from individuals who have completed the program.
Levi Bradford shared his personal journey, detailing past struggles with addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. Bradford said he was an addict and in jail when he first learned about The Other Side, not fully understanding its operation but knowing he "wanted to do something different." While still incarcerated, Bradford applied to the program and was accepted. He committed to the required 30 months of structured living. Six years later, Bradford reported a transformed life, stating he now has custody of his two youngest children, holds a full-time job, and owns a house in Sugar House. He also credited the program with teaching him to show up for his family and friends, and to act with honesty and integrity. Bradford said he "could have never imagined my life could be where it is today."
Jennifer Davis also shared her story, explaining that a series of "bad life choices," compounded by addiction, led her to homelessness. Davis learned about The Other Side while staying at a local women's shelter. She described her previous life as a "dumpster fire" and expressed gratitude that The Other Side offered her a chance when it seemed illogical for anyone else to do so. Davis noted, "But they did and I’m so grateful to them." Today, Davis is actively involved with the organization, helping to run The Other Side donut shop in Salt Lake City.
The event underscored the organization's impact on individuals' lives. A participant identified as Gibson expressed profound gratitude for The Other Side, stating that "second chances is real!"
