Meet the 2025 Life Change Program Graduates: Jamie Stodden

Drugs and crime bought Jamie Stodden everything he thought he could want by the time he was 18, including cars, motorcycles, a jet ski and more.

 But then he got raided and the cycle of incarceration that began with juvenile hall continued. He and his siblings were “wild”, and his mother was addicted to drugs, and he didn’t expect much more for his life than what he’d seen growing up.

 The pattern he had set from the time he was young continued until he was almost 40, when he attended a recovery program and was baptized while in prison.

 “The day I got out of prison, I knew I couldn’t stay at my mother’s house,” Jamie said. He had a dark feeling that he would slip back into his past self, like slipping on a worn and comfortable pair of shoes. Justin Warner, a long-time friend of his and graduate of the men’s Life Change Program, said he knew of a place where Jamie could break his old patterns and get the long-term help he knew he needed.

 Jamie interviewed with Program Director Denver Harris that same day.

 “I thought, ‘I’m going to try it; what can it hurt?’” Jamie said. “It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.”

 He said his time in prison brought structure to his life for the first time. Transitioning to the Life Change Program taught him how to live with that same structure in the outside world.

 The program also taught him something he didn’t learn in his family – how to love himself. “I was a monster in relationships,” Jamie said. “I didn’t realize the hurt and harm I caused. It’s hard to look back at. As my mom would say, ‘you can’t love anyone else till you learn to love yourself.’”

 One of the key ways he said the Life Change Program helped him was through the process group, where participants learn how to share and process emotions and past trauma, and take accountability for their part.

 “I’ve been so blessed by Life Change,” Jamie said. “I’ve built a community and have the tools I need to combat drugs.”

 Jamie is now working to restore and heal family relationships, including with his son, who is graduating high school. Jamie asked his son if he could attend the graduation ceremony and his son said yes.

 In a sweet twist, Jamie has also started a new job with Buckley Detox, the same place where his friend Justin works, who referred him to the program.

 “I owe it all to God,” Jamie said. “I’ve never felt such positivity, clarity and assurance.”

 Help us celebrate Jamie and the other graduates of the Life Change Program! Come and show your support for a group of 11 men and women who have worked through incredible adversity to come to a place of healing, authentic change and new life.

 You are invited to his graduation ceremony!

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March 7

6 p.m.

City First Church

830 Madison Street, Eugene