More than 2,000 people were in attendance to pick up some tasty treats at this year’s Taste of Michiana The proceeds from the event go to a very special cause; one changing lives every day.

Like many of us, Roy McCarty relies on music to get him through the ups and downs of life.

Especially in the last 6 months. 

After spending months in jail and a lifetime suspension of his driver’s license, Roy and his friends and family knew it was time for a change. 

“That’s what the life treatment center is all about.  Helping people that can’t help themselves. It’s a really good program,” said McCarty.

Roy is nearing the end of his treatment for alcohol abuse at the treatment center in South Bend.

“It’s a really good program. The facility is great. The staff. They’ve become a part of my family,” said McCarty.

Bela Szalay is not only the Coordinator for the Taste of Michiana but also works for Life Treatment Centers.

“We save lives. We are actually treating them. They are staying with our program for 5 to 6 months. Then they move on. They move on to their family or they move on to an apartment,” said Szalay.

For Roy McCarty – moving is part of the process and thanking those that helped him along the road to recovery.

“All the people that have helped me. For the transformation I’ve come. It’s just a beautiful feeling,” said McCarty.

McCarty is set to graduate next week from the program and feels blessed to be surrounded by a great support staff.