Underbelly; The Palm Beach No One Talks About
Gatehouse Academy is really excited to announce the release of a book titled, Underbelly; The Palm Beach No One Talks About. The book is written and photographed by David Geliebter, the father of a Gatehouse Academy graduate. The book shows another side to the wealthy community of Palm Beach, FL. David interviews a number of individual's that are homeless, suffer from drug addiction and/or victims of domestic violence. This self published book cost a total of $40,000 to produce and all proceeds go to helping homeless and addicted people in the area.
The book shares the stories of a group of individual's who have found themselves homeless, drug addicted and/or victims of domestic abuse in an area otherwise known for its wealth.
To listen to an interview with David Geliebter, please click here. (MP3 7.5 MB)
November 30th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
This book addresses a very important issue that we all need to think about. In the land of plenty we have brothers and sisters that cannot get their basic needs met.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:28 am
It would be nice if more people would see this problem as this book relates to it, and if we could all be involved in helping these people we might not have the problem that we see on the streets when we drive downtown in most of the large cities.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:38 am
I have taken a few glances at David’s book, and it take a very intense look at the serious problem of poverty in America(specifically Palm Beach). I plan on reading more, but millions of people throughout the nation suffer day in a day out because they are unable to provide for themselves and their family. It is important in my recovery that I lead a life of service; helping those who have difficulty helping themselves. Gatehouse gave me an opportunity to feel the reward of genuinely helping the less fortunate with community service work and fund raisers. Specifically, I remember, as a community, we raised over 25,000 dollars for a local 5 year old boy who desparately needed heart surgery. He was able to get the surgery, and is now playing soccer and enjoying a normal childhood. The reward I recieved was an emense joy from doing something for someone other than myself. I am grateful Gatehouse gave me such an opportunity.
December 10th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
i really love how the whole family can be saved by this program at Gatehouse, i can think of 27 familys of hand that this program and its workshops have saved. and the 12th step of AA is such a powerful thing
December 10th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
It’s cool to see a book addressing such real issues that are pertinent and relivant to ongoing issues in our country. To have been around many people who suffer in this way it gives me hope to see the problem being addressed and looked at in a serious manner. The effects of alcoholism and drug addiction are far reaching in the world today and each case is individually heartbreaking. I know any kind of help to the people who have lost everything, even hope, will make a difference in their lives. From offering to buy them a meal or passing on to them spare clothes, to offering them the fellowship of AA, free coffe, and a way out of the pits of alcoholism many of us know all to well.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:24 am
As a family therapist working with young adults struggling with addiction, I am constantly inspired by the impact that one person’s recovery can have on the other members of a family. David Geliebter’s life took an unexpected turn when his son entered a treatment center and David chose to join in the recovery effort by looking at his own issues and taking action. The inspiring book he wrote and self-published is a tribute to his journey.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:27 am
I myself have been in the situation of living on the streets, and doing anything possible to continue to support my drug habit. I am really excited that this book is out for people to see how things are. I am so thankful for AA, it has given me so many things that when I was on the streets, I couldnt even dream about. Today, my joy in life is being able to help people that are in the same situations that through my addiction, I put myself in. I was abused in almost all of my relationships, today I am so thankful that I am and do help women and children that are or have been through abuse. If the world saw what really happens to people, maybe their would be a lot more love and compassion towards one another.
December 11th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
The irony of this beautiful “coffee table book” on the ugliness of the poverty resultig from substance addiction serves to underscore the irony of a beautiful resort city that glosses over its own depravity.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:17 am
This story really exemplifies the far reaching effects recovery can have, once initiated by a single person. Sobriety in my life has made such an incredible difference, and I hope I am able to make a difference in other people’s lives by assisting in the recovery process.
December 13th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Great Job to David on his efforts. Not only did he spend time in service to the homeless there, he turned it into an enterprise that will benefit those he did not get to meet and many others.
December 14th, 2007 at 12:39 am
As a therapist at Gatehouse, I am often told by the residents and their parents that facing “the curse” of the addiction has actually been a “blessing in disguise.” This “curse” has brought the family to a place of healing and recovery. Several of our residents have walked the reality of being homeless and addicted. Thank you David for taking your gift of healing and recovery to the streets of Palm Beach and now to the public. May God Bless your efforts to the poor.
December 14th, 2007 at 9:06 am
I am so impressed with the way David turned his own despair and hopelesseness around and used it to enrichen and bring hope to others lives. He is such a powerful example of the beauty of community and service work.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:31 am
This is a reminder to me of being in the Tribeca section of Manhattan, which is a neighborhood of great wealth and an active street population. These poles which exist socially scream out when such a juxtaposition is identified.