Meet Darren Renfro, Program Manager
- Holly Murdoch
- May 6
- 2 min read
We recently sat down with Darren Renfro, Program Manager at Dallas 24 Hour Club, to learn more about his journey from addiction to recovery and the role The 24 has played in transforming his life. His story is one of struggle, perseverance, and ultimately, hope.
Q: How did you get started with drugs and alcohol?
I started experimenting with my friends at age 13. By the time I got to college, I was drinking more heavily, and it just continued to escalate from there.
Q: How did you end up at Dallas 24 Hour Club?
After spending my early childhood in Arlington, I moved to Arkansas, where my drinking increased during my high school years. I got married at 20, started a family, and kept drinking heavily while working. In 2010, I walked away from everything—my home, my family—and ended up on the streets. In 2014, my family found me and got me help in Oregon. After some time, I reconnected with someone from Texas who helped me transfer to San Angelo, and I eventually moved in with her in 2021. But I ended up in a drug house in Arlington, stole a truck, got arrested, and was sent to the Austin Street Center. That’s where Billy Bowie brought the message of recovery. Billy and his message led me to Dallas 24 Hour Club.
Q: What does recovery mean to you?
Carrying the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. That’s what it’s all about for me now.
Q: What is your greatest achievement?
Having a purpose. That purpose drives everything I do today.
Q: What is your greatest blessing?
My children are back in my life after 12 years. That happened in 2023, and it means the world to me.
Q: Finish the sentence: “If it weren’t for Dallas 24 Hour Club…”
…I think I would still be on the streets.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know?
There is a different way of living if you’re struggling with addiction. You don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle.
Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m a huge dog lover! I have two Boston Terriers named Lucas and Luna. My roommate also has a bully, who I call my “stepchild.”
Q: Anything else you want to share?
After years of not being comfortable in my skin and never feeling like I fit in, sobriety and recovery have given me both. I’ve found a place where I belong, and a life that finally makes sense.
Darren’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how far someone has fallen. Through hard work, support, and faith, he’s found purpose, family, and a new way to live, all thanks to the life-saving work of Dallas 24 Hour Club.
