As a youth, I started getting into trouble and spent a lot of time in juvenile hall. After high school, I tried to start a family, but I ended up going to prison. It was there I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, paranoia, schizophrenia, and PTSD, and I was placed on medications to control it.
I had lost myself—and I had no idea how to get myself back.
After I left prison, I spent almost four years devastated by homelessness on the streets, and in and out of psychiatric hospitals, still drinking and smoking crack.
In 2012, I suffered my last nervous breakdown and I tried to get sober. I led a fairly normal life for four years, but in 2018, when I lost a job, I struggled with my mental health again and eventually landed on Skid Row, right across from Union Rescue Mission.
At first, I didn’t want to go into the Mission. Yet, I was tired… out of options… and I wanted a fresh start. I wanted to find myself and the man God created me to be. It took me several more months, but I finally joined the program at URM. I made myself a commitment and told God, “I’m going all in. I will do what I’m asked and I will follow wherever you lead.”
I surrendered my life to Christ and dove headfirst into the Bible. I listened to every preached Word and every motivational speaker. I got a mentor and a sponsor. I did my homework and created a network of friends committed
to recovery like me. I started counseling at the Pepperdine Mental Health Clinic here, and I gave up medications, determined to learn to cope with life on its own terms.
Through it all I cemented my relationship with Christ, and He cleansed my mind and soul. Today, I’m 16 months sober, I’m a child of God, and I’m healing—and I have you, who
supports URM, to thank for it. I don’t know what the future holds, but I promise you, I will honor the second chance you have given me.
