Surviving through Spiritual Guidance,
Education, and Resources.
About The Founder
Robert E. Johnson was born in Pensacola, Florida. He is a man of God who has dedicated his life to the service of others. After facing many personal challenges in his life, he met God in his true spirit on November 14, 1997. Nothing has ever been the same since that day. God delivered him from an emotional prison and flooded him with boundless joy! His most important relationship is with God. In the span of his career, Rob has become a successful entrepreneur who founded his own catering business, "Signature Distinct Catering". Mr. Johnson went on to found Survivors of Substance Abuse (S.O.S.A.). As Chaplain and founder of S.O.S.A., he is fulfilling his greatest passion of serving others to help them to become the best version of themselves. Rob has the unique ability to turn a negative situation into a positive one. His infectious energy brings enthusiasm and encouragement to those he encounter. Mr. Johnson made a vow to God, that for the rest of his life he would find a way to give back to those who are struggling and crawling in dungeons. Over the years, there have been several moments that God has allowed him to be a servant in many capacities throughout his life. Mr. Johnson looks forward to providing S.O.S.A. services to the community and continuing to create memorable moments.
About the CEO
Bishop Sparkie Green proudly served in the United States Marine Corps until my retirement in 1995. Following his military service, he faced one of the greatest challenges of his life, a battle with addiction that lasted for several difficult years. In 1997, through the grace and mercy of God, I experienced complete deliverance from addiction, marking the beginning of a transformed life filled with faith, purpose, and hope.
After his deliverance, he pursued biblical studies at Moody Bible Institute, where he deepened his understanding of God's Word and strengthened his relationship with Jesus Christ. From 2000 to 2007, he answered God's call to serve on the mission field, sharing the Gospel, ministering to communities, and witnessing the life-changing power of Christ in the lives of countless individuals.
Bishop is blessed to share life with his wonderful wife of 21 years, and together they have been entrusted with the joy of raising seven children. In 2017, he was ordained as a bishop, a significant milestone that affirmed God's calling and His continued work in Bishop's life.
Since my deliverance in 1997, his passion has been to help men discover the same freedom, healing, and restoration that God so graciously provided to everyone. Having personally experienced His redeeming power, Bishop Sparkie is committed to encouraging and mentoring men as they overcome life’s challenges and embrace their God-given purpose. His mission is to see lives transformed, families restored, and men empowered to walk boldly in their calling through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.
Today, Bishop Green continues to serve as a living testimony that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Through faith, perseverance, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ, lasting freedom and abundant life are possible.
About Survivors of Substance Abuse (S.O.S.A.)
Our History
S.O.S.A. was founded in 2009 with a vision given to me by God. After God healed, delivered, and made me free from substance abuse, I now live to tell my story. My goal is to let people know that there is life after substance abuse and that they too can have the love, joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. S.O.S.A. aims to assist individuals in their survival journey. With the opening of the SOSA House, our goal is to offer survival skills that are dedicated to setting individualized services for each participant. We teach them to become survivors of substance abuse and know that there is only one permanent healer that comes from our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. S.O.S.A. is on a quest to let the world know that having an addiction does not define where you are going, who you are, or who you are going to become. We are here to help individuals to become the best version of themselves. We are Survivors of Substance Abuse.
Our Mission Statement
S.O.S.A. seeks to provide support to unsheltered men who have challenges with substance abuse. Our goal is to reduce the impact of alcohol and drug use disorder in the unsheltered population of Escambia County Florida. We encourage survivorship by providing education, training opportunities, and housing for affected populations across the County and surrounding areas. S.O.S.A. also aims to work with those who have a criminal background. With the exception of those who are registered sexual offenders, we can provide additional resources to accommodate them. Guided by principles of love, compassion, grace, and restoration, we are dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives in a safe, structured, and faith-centered environment. We believe that every person is created with purpose and deserves the opportunity to experience hope, healing, dignity, and a renewed sense of direction. We offer a pathway toward stability, survivorship, spiritual growth, and self-sufficiency. Our services are designed to empower individuals through life skills development, survivor support, mentoring, case management, employment readiness, educational opportunities, and connections to community resources that foster long-term independence. Our approach encourages emotional, physical, and spiritual healing by promoting morals, values, personal accountability, encouragement, and community support. We strive to create an atmosphere where individuals can build their confidence in a safe haven, overcome life’s challenges, and transition successfully into stable and productive living. At S.O.S.A., we are committed to being a source of hope and transformation for those in need.
S.O.S.A. Steps Through Survivorship
Phase I
- 45 Days
- Detox as needed
- Physical & mental support
- Basic need support
- Set individual goals
- Attend survival meetings
Phase II
- 90 Days
- Meetings
- Case management
- Workplace readiness
- Financial training
- Life Skills
Phase III
- Long term placement (5 yrs.)
- Individual/group meetings
- Assigned a mentor
- Job placement
- Financial security
Our Services Offered At S.O.S.A.
- Shelter (Men)
- Substance Abuse Disorder Groups
- Financial Literacy
- GED Preparation
- Job Preparation
- Clinical & Mental Health Services
- S.O.S.A .Day Services
- Building Survivors Services
Empowering Communities with Survivors of Substance Abuse (SOSA)
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through education and resources. Join us in our mission to create a better future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@sosapensacola.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Life after substance abuse is not simply about stopping the use of drugs or alcohol. It is about rebuilding a life with purpose, stability, healing, and hope. Recovery is a journey of transformation where individuals learn to rediscover themselves, repair relationships, develop healthy coping skills, and create a future that is no longer controlled by addiction.
For many people, life after substance abuse includes:
- Restoring physical, emotional, and mental health
- Rebuilding trust with family and loved ones
- Finding stable housing, employment, and education opportunities
- Developing healthier relationships and support systems
- Learning self-worth, accountability, and emotional resilience
- Discovering new goals, passions, and spiritual or personal growth
- Becoming a source of encouragement and inspiration to others
Survival does not mean life becomes perfect. There may still be challenges, triggers, setbacks, or moments of struggle. However, individuals in survivorship often gain something they may not have experienced in a long time: clarity, peace, freedom, and the ability to make healthier choices.
Services like housing, counseling, peer support groups, workforce training, mentorship, and faith-based or community support can help individuals successfully navigate life after substance abuse. Survivorship is not just surviving, it is learning how to truly live again.
Many people who once struggled with addiction go on to become:
- Parents who reconnect with their children
- Employees and business owners
- Community leaders and mentors
- Advocates who help others overcome addiction
- Individuals who live with dignity, confidence, and renewed purpose
Life after substance abuse is about healing, rebuilding, and realizing that your past does not have to define your future.
At Survivors Of Substance Abuse (S.O.S.A.), we understand that embarrassment, shame, and guilt are some of the greatest emotional barriers individuals face when seeking help for substance abuse. Many people arrive feeling judged, broken, isolated, or afraid that their past mistakes define who they are. Our team works intentionally to create an environment of dignity, compassion, accountability, and hope.
The S.O.S.A. team helps individuals overcome embarrassment by:
- Treating every person with respect and without judgment
We recognize that addiction does not define a person’s worth. Our staff and volunteers meet individuals where they are and help them see their value beyond their struggles. - Creating a safe and supportive environment
- Through counseling, peer support, mentorship, and transitional living support, individuals are surrounded by people who understand surviving and encourage healing rather than condemnation.
- Helping individuals understand they are not alone
- Many people battling substance abuse feel isolated. Hearing the stories of others who have experienced similar struggles helps reduce shame and builds connection and trust.
- Focusing on restoration instead of punishment
At S.O.S.A., we emphasize growth, healing, responsibility, and rebuilding lives. We help individuals focus on their future instead of remaining trapped in past mistakes.
- Encouraging personal development and self-worth
Through life skills training, spiritual encouragement, workplace readiness, goal setting, and counseling, individuals begin to rebuild confidence and rediscover their purpose. - Supporting emotional and spiritual healing.
Our team recognizes that recovery involves more than physical sobriety. Emotional healing, forgiveness, self-reflection, and spiritual growth are often critical parts of overcoming shame and building a healthier identity. - Celebrating progress, not perfection
Recovery is a journey. We help individuals understand that setbacks do not erase progress and that every positive step forward matters.
Here at the S.O.S.A. House, we believe individuals should never be defined solely by their lowest moments. Our mission is to help people move from shame and hopelessness toward healing, stability, confidence, and renewed purpose.
Support services may include case management, group counseling, job readiness training, budgeting assistance, educational support, mentoring, mental health services, meal preparation guidance, and help finding permanent housing. The goal is to help residents gain confidence, independence, and long-term stability.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
We love our customers, so feel free to call for an appointment during normal business hours.
Survivors of Substance Abuse (S.O.S.A.)
Hours
Mon | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Tue | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Wed | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Thu | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Fri | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
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Survivors of Substance Abuse (S.O.S.A.)
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