My name is Boone, and I was an addict for many years. I started using meth at the age of 27, and it became my drug of choice. I lost everything, including my kids, my home & my own life. No one was important to me, only the drugs I craved. I was homeless, lost and confused. I got locked up for two years. When I was eligible to be released from county jail, I asked for a program and I was assigned to drug court. I remained in drug court from 2008-2012. It was in 2008 that I was able to get sober. With God’s help and the help of the Merced Rescue Mission, I have been able to remain sober since that time. While I did not go through the program at the Rescue Mission, it was through my connection with the Rescue Mission that I was able to stay out of trouble. After working as a volunteer for the Mission for a number of years, I am now an employee with the Merced Rescue Mission. I owe my life to the Mission as they have helped me to stay clean and sober now for 12 years.
My life has changed a great deal. Now I have my kids in my life, a home, a job, and my own car. I don’t have to worry about waking up and figuring out where my next meal is coming from. I love my sober life! It’s wonderful to call myself a father because I was not there for my kids or for my wife. I am so grateful for the role the Rescue Mission has played in my life and for the way God has worked to transform my life. I just hope that the change God has brought about in my life will be a witness to others so that they can also experience this wonderful change in their lives. Staying sober and trusting in God is a real blessing in my life and has given me back my family.
