Kevin’s father was an addict and a drug dealer and his mother lived in fear that Kevin would choose the same path. “She loved my father to death, but she didn’t want me to be like him, so she was really hard on me. It bordered on abuse,” Kevin says. “I felt rejected and became introverted because I thought there was something wrong with me.” When Kevin was in junior high, he ran away from home in search of acceptance. “I found what I was looking for in the streets,” he says. “I started doing drugs and alcohol and I felt normal. I wasn’t shy anymore.” For nearly 30 years, he struggled with addiction – costing him jobs, damaging his relationships and leaving him homeless. “I lost everything,” he says. “All I had was pain, loneliness and shame.” It was then Kevin came to our Addiction Stabilization Center, where he found safe shelter, food and the opportunity to detox in a medically-monitored setting. With his physical needs met, he was able to focus on his spiritual healing, attending chapel services and Christian counseling that opened his heart to the Lord.
“When I walked in here, I was spiritually bankrupt and hopeless, but now I’m a believer.” Kevin completed his ASC treatment and moved into transitional housing. He plans to become a Peer Engagement Specialist here at the Mission, encouraging and guiding others who are struggling with addiction. “I thought the life I’d lived had been for nothing, but I’ll be able to use my experience to help people,” he says, smiling. This Thanksgiving season – and all through the year – your kind generosity fills hearts with hope and gratitude… and transforms lives like Kevin’s. “The Mission received me with open arms, pointed me in the right direction and gave me the tools to become independent. I’m leaving with goals and hope.”
