Today I identify myself as a clean member of this community, a follower of Christ, and a father. This has not always been so. I am still far from where I want to be, but I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be at this time. I lived a crime-oriented, drug-fueled life of violence, sin, and confusion for 22 years. I believed in God but was far from knowing Him. After my children were ripped from my care, I was shot, my brother was murdered, and I was homeless and helpless.

My goal has always been to get my kids back and find housing. I went from living and getting 86'd from the Navigation Center to being a proud employee of the Merced Rescue Mission at the Navigation Center. I went from getting asked to leave the Bridging Program to being a senior resident in the Bridging Program. We participate daily in family meals, chores, and daily devotionals with the staff, and God has blessed me to be a conduit between staff and participant at times. The Bridging Program staff listens to my ideas and allows me to share my love for others through cooking and daily devotionals centered around Jesus.