Think about what you were doing and where you were in 2007.
Now, imagine not having a full year of freedom between now and then.
Until May 3, that was the reality for Joseph Bruner. He could not escape a vicious cycle of substance use and incarceration.
The last time Joe was a Student in our program, he was a rising star. However, upon release, he relapsed while staying in a drug-infested halfway house. After losing Joe, we knew we had to commit to providing safe and supportive housing to our students.
Flash forward to today, and Joe runs the Breath + Exposure program at DEUCE Gym, manages facilities for DEUCE Gym and DEUCE Community Inc., and serves as the nonprofit’s Housing Manager. Watching him grow into and excel in these leadership roles has been among the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced.
The best part about Joe’s story is the amount of authorship he takes in it.
He acknowledges how a lack of ownership and unwillingness to deal with past trauma trapped him in his old life. Now, he approaches his situation differently; he moves through the world with the calm confidence of a man who knows that any obstacle can be overcome with an open mind and a willingness to dig into the work required to change.
Reflecting on what his year out meant Joseph proudly assured me that he knows he never has to go back.
What’s next for Coach Joe? He is working towards a 200-hour Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training and contemplating returning to school for a degree in social work.
5/9/24 WOD
DEUCE Athletics GPP
Spend 10 minutes accumulating Cross Overs/Double/Triple Unders..
Complete 4 rounds of the following:
8 RDLs
Complete 4 rounds for time:
8 KB Curtis P’s (53/35)
40 Double Unders
DEUCE Garage GPP
Make 3 Attempts at a heavy 50′ Seated Sled Pull
Complete 3 rounds for quality of:
Max Paused Foot Elevated Ring Rows
:30-:45 Hollow Hold
Then, complete 4 rounds for time of:
10 1-Arm DB Hang Clean and Jerk – Left (50/35)
10 1-Arm DB Hang Clean and Jerk – Right
10 Burpees to Plate