One year ago, I transferred from one of the Rescue Mission’s Bridge to Hope program houses into the Hope Respite Care program. I was struggling to stay sober and was also staring down the barrel of a three-year prison sentence for felony vandalism. This is where my journey to recovery began. My case manager presented in court with me and spoke with the judge on my behalf. The judge agreed to suspend the prison sentence if I completed the program and continued to do well for at least six months.

I have surrendered my life to Christ, and that, along with the help and support I’ve been given, has made such a difference in my life. I started volunteering with the Hope Respite program, and then I was hired as a House Monitor. I started making my child support payments. I have gone back to court and regained visitation with my children. Now I can have a positive role in their lives. I have also attended and graduated from Ace Overcomers, Leadership for Life, and Parenting classes. I have signed up for CCAPP training and am maintaining good grades. (CCAPP is a 14-month, 6-hours-a-week program to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Following classes, 4,000 hours of supervised work are required.)

About a month ago, Probation came and interviewed me. I was given recognition for how well I was doing, which even made it to ABC News! I now hope I can be an inspiration for others of someone in the Merced County area who truly wants to make a change while on Probation. I would not have been able to come this far without Christ in my life and all the help I’ve been given along the way from the Rescue Mission. Thank you so much!