Today, I want to tell you about my friend Justin.
I’m overjoyed to say he’s living a new life thanks to the courageous love of his daughter, family, mentors, church community, Mission staff, and partners like you who came alongside him when he was at his lowest. A few years back, Justin found himself in the devastating wake of his mom’s death, job loss due to a debilitating work injury, and the suffocating isolation of the ongoing pandemic — all in the span of one month.
“It was a recipe for disaster. I turned to my addiction to cope but that only made my depression and anxiety tailspin out of control. The definition of a vicious cycle,” Justin shares. “I hit rock bottom. I was in and out of psychiatric wards, screaming for help, but wasn’t getting what I needed. I was suicidal and just wanted to die,” Justin continues. “I never told my family what was going on, but I knew I had to do something after realizing how much everything I was going through was making me neglect my daughter. She is always my driving force to do better.”
Out of love for his daughter, Justin made the courageous decision to reach out to his family for help. His family, in turn, took action to get him connected with the support he needed through the Mission’s recovery program. There he was met by the courageous love of staff and volunteers who walked with him into a new life.
“The people at the Mission never let me give up. They listened to me and showed me, by example, how to live a better life,” Justin shares. “There was never any judgment. They showed me so much grace while also holding me accountable and I’m stronger for it.”
Thanks to partners like you, Justin had an opportunity to focus on rebuilding his life, growing in his faith, building meaningful relationships and supportive community, working on his mental health, and more. Now, having graduated from our New Life Recovery Program, he is living a life he’s proud of.
“When I transitioned out of the Mission, I was able to get a job and housing which was really great. But one of the biggest things is the community and friendships I built before I left,” Justin comments. “There are guys that were in the program with me that I still stay in contact with now. I’m close with the staff and I still confide in them. I got connected with
a church community, too. Everybody at church genuinely wants to know what’s going on with me. Just the smiles on people’s faces when I walk in the doors makes me feel good. It’s a lot different than anything I’ve ever experienced.”
On top of reestablishing his stability and sobriety, Justin found a life-giving, Godly love in the heart of community. It’s a kind of love that’s hard to keep to yourself and Justin was quick to share it!
He courageously shares the love and support he’s received with individuals who are still struggling and with his north star — his wonderful daughter.
“Now, I get to come back as a volunteer at the Mission and with the Mission’s hike team. I get to talk to the newer guys in the program and try to help them with what they’re going through,” Justin shares. “With my daughter, I just get to watch her grow and show her some things about life. She’s grown up now and has turned into such a great human being. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have her as a daughter. I just love spending time with her, going on adventures, trying new foods, going to festivals and the ocean,” Justin shares. “She’s so glad to see that I’m such a different person. She says, ‘Every time I see you, you’re so happy. It’s really amazing.'”
You may have noticed a theme throughout Justin’s story. It’s a theme that’s also at the very heart of the Tacoma Rescue Mission: COURAGEOUS LOVE IN ACTION.
It’s the foundation of our transformational services and resources. It’s the rich soil that fosters trusting and healing relationships, helping our neighbors in need, volunteers, staff, giving partners, and entire community move toward thriving together. It’s what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This summer I’m inviting you to love courageously by taking action to share God’s love, hope, and support with the members of our community who need it the most right now. Your generous gifts made Justin’s testimony of transformation possible and your gift today will do the same for another neighbor who is struggling — helping provide life-changing meals, safe shelter, supportive housing, recovery programs, and so much more.
Together, I know we will transform and restore lives this summer. Let’s put our love into action!
