Hello, my name is Justin. I was born and raised in Merced in a lower-class family. I have an older brother, stepsister and a half-brother. After my parents separated when I was 10, I became angry, acted out, got into fights and suspended from school and became a very bitter kid. I was using marijuana by 5th grade and meth in 8th grade and selling it to support my habit.

As I got older, I kept my habit. At 22 I had my first daughter, at 23 I married my wife, and four years later my son was born. I was blessed to have my own family. I was in and out of different sober living homes, attended Celebrate Recovery, Jesus Save Men (Bible Study at Gateway Church), and started 12 steps but always fell short. I even went to Teen Challenge in Watsonville for 6 months but that wasn’t enough for me to kick my addiction.

My wife and I both tried to make it work but after ten years of marriage my addiction just made things worse and she moved on. I self-destructed and started using more meth and then started using heroin. I found myself living in my car until I lost it and was completely homeless and lost.

I was told about the Merced Rescue Mission and was accepted in March 2019. For four months I did well until I left the program and relapsed. I returned in November of 2019 and today I have been clean and sober for over four months. I am so grateful to David Carr and the Rescue Mission for giving me another chance. Now I can have a positive relationship with my children, be a friend to others and a light to the addicts that know me from the streets. I am beyond blessed. Instead of riding a bike 12 miles each way to work, I was able to get my license back and purchase a car. I owe it all to my God, who pulled me from my evil and dark life. He is a God of restoration, forgiveness, and hope. God is great. I would encourage anyone who is down and out to never give up hope.