Please join us in celebrating Brent Boren, Program Coordinator. We are so excited to have him on the team!
1. What do you do at The Magdalen House, and what does a “typical” day look like for you?
As a Program Coordinator for First Step at the Men’s House, I spend each day practicing gratitude by patiently and persistently helping men, just like me, embrace the set-aside prayer in their lives and discover a “new” experience. I am especially grateful because, when I was a resident here, the staff at Maggie’s did the same for me.
2. What is your favorite line in the Big Book and why?
From the big book:
“It works, it really does.” (pg. 88)
Because it is so simple and true. It is pragmatic. It shuts down any complicated and windy arguments against AA or a spiritual way of life.
Favorite Quote:
“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything” ~ Mark Twain.
In AA, there’s no such thing as getting away with anything. It only works with rigorous honesty. Dishonesty just separates my higher power from me.
3. What’s something you’ve witnessed at The Magdalen House that inspires or moves you?
I’ve witnessed residents’ mindsets shift from despair to hope. I’ve seen their “lights” turn on after just a few days away from their last drink, a handful of meetings in the house, and the support of a good sponsor.
4. How has working at The Magdalen House impacted your life?
It’s a constant and wonderful reminder that, this isn’t my life. It’s God’s. “How can I be helpful?”
5. What are some of your hobbies or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy taking sponsees through the book and watching them sponsor others. I love playing/practicing guitar, and keyboards and composing and recording music. I also love riding my motorcycle on perfect days just for the fun of riding.
5. What is something that we may not know about you?
I made a decision a few years ago to disconnect cable TV (live TV) and replace it with studying a bunch of different things using YouTube; music theory, astronomy, computer building, motorcycle safety, etc. Other than checking on weather, watching news channels / politics, etc. just made me noticeably disturbed.
About Brent Boren
As Dallas native, Brent has spent most of his life with two constants: playing guitar and riding motorcycles. They never felt like hobbies he chose, it felt more like they chose him.
His drinking, on the other hand, became a problem almost immediately. Brent was first introduced to AA in 1985. After many years of sobriety, Brent relapsed and found himself unable to stop drinking, despite having a head full of recovery knowledge.
That’s when Brent came to The Magdalen House Men's House.
At Maggie’s, he was given something he hadn’t experienced before—a true, fresh start. Brent was able to safely separate from alcohol and approach Steps 1, 2, and 3 in a completely new way. That experience changed everything.
He has been happy and free ever since.
Brent will always be grateful to The Magdalen House. Being able to work here today is simply an extension of that gratitude.
