Meet the ‘hope bringer’ who goes to great lengths for Philadelphians’ battling addiction

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – In Philadelphia’s Spring Garden neighborhood, a local receptionist connects with people looking for hope.

Preston Wells is the receptionist at Gaudenzia Drug and Drug Treatment Facility, located at 1300 Spring Garden Street. Although his main job is to get people into the building, after that buzz his job becomes much more personal.

“They come through this door in different ways. Some come in handcuffs, some come from hospitals, some walk in voluntarily. They’re all treated the same,” Preston said.

Chief of Staff Patricia McKernan said last year that Gaudenzia had treated more than 15,000 people with drug addictions. McKernan said the hardest step is the first step: walking through the door.

“Preston may call himself a receptionist, but he’s a bringer of hope. If there’s someone walking down the street who needs help and Preston sees him or her, he’s that person who says, ‘Why don’t you come in?'” McKernan said . .

Twenty years ago, Preston’s brother George Ange was just 18 years old and a professional boxer.

George’s last fight in the ring was on October 14, 1971. He then fell into the grip of addition, a grim reality that affects many on the streets of Philadelphia.

Twice a week, Preston and his family visited a rehab facility on the corner of 19th and Tioga streets in the city’s Nicetown-Tioga neighborhood.

“I see what it can do for you if you can put the work in,” Preston said.

Preston felt the love his family received and vowed to do the same for others, so he applied and was hired.

Preston goes to work every day just before 7 a.m. It’s a job he loves and it started with the love his brother received.

Eventually George got better. He now works as a psychotherapist at New Life Community Health. In his office, George keeps a photo of himself during the first days of his recovery.

Preston’s motto and advice to families with loved ones battling addiction is to take it “one step at a time.”