Ramona's Story of Hope

I was raised in an unsavory environment. At the age of 18, I moved with my grandparents and four of my siblings to Modesto. During many years that followed, I experienced destructive relationships that were marred with drug addiction, which led to homelessness.

Being alone on the streets frightened me terribly, leading me to want to die more than a few times. During this very difficult time, I was diagnosed with psychosis, and I was admitted into a psychiatric ward. A psychiatric ward employee assigned to my case took me to a facility that I wasn’t familiar with. This facility was the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women. When I walked in for the first time, I immediately sensed the presence of God.

Fifteen months later, I graduated from Hope for Women, and then I stayed in the second-phase home for three years. Last January, I was able to move into my own apartment. In August, I was offered a job with the Merced County Rescue Mission as an Enhanced Care Management worker (ECM). I am now studying in the CCAPP Program*, with the goal of becoming a Substance Disorder Counselor. I’m hoping to take my state test to become certified at the end of January 2026.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but God has been faithful. If it were not for God and the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program, the last part of my story would not have been possible. Thank you, Merced County Rescue Mission, for helping me at my lowest. I will forever be grateful.

*The CCAPP program is a 14-month, six-hour-a-week course that includes a variety of classes, which train participants in drug and alcohol addiction counseling. Following the successful completion of this program, participants must complete 4,000 hours of supervised work prior to receiving their accreditation.

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Anthony's Story

I would like to first say that I am very grateful for what the Merced County Rescue Mission (MCRM) has done for me, because without the assistance of the Mission, I may no longer be in existence today.

My parents divorced before my first birthday. My mother married many times after, having a child just about with each marriage. Being the oldest, I did my best to get my nine siblings dressed, fed, and ready for school since my mother was preoccupied.

When I was seven, my grandfather, who seemed to be the only one to give me any kind of attention, passed away. I loved my grandfather very much. He was not doing very well, so I helped him as much as I could. However, one day, my mother and her husband told me he was going to be alright and took me someplace for a couple of days. Upon returning to see how my grandfather was doing, he had already passed away. I was devastated and very angry with my mother, which put me in a state of not caring about life any longer.

At the age of twelve, I began hanging out with older gang members who introduced me to heroin, which became a big part of my life for several years. In my early twenties, and I believe due to caring for my siblings starting at a young age, I began working with special needs children for a little more than a decade. During this time, the mother of my son took my son and moved away without letting me know where she had moved. My son is now twelve, and I haven’t seen him since they left.

In time, my addiction took me into a very dark place, which led to me being arrested more than a few times, not showing up for court, and avoiding my arrest warrants until I was re-arrested. I became homeless and entered the Hope for Men for the first time on April 12, 2022, staying for only two months. Later, I enrolled at the Navigation Center but exited six months later. I went from the Hope for Men to the Navigation Center several more times in the next two years, overdosing on heroin three times during that time.

And this is why I am very grateful to MCRM and its staff because they never gave up on me during that time. For that reason, I was able to become a Resident Assistant at the Hope for Men, work as an Enhanced Care Manager (ECM) for MCRM, and now hold the position of Peer Navigator in Transition to Hope, again with the MCRM. My goal now is to help as many individuals as possible every day in the same way that I was helped.

Thank you, MCRM! - Anthony

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Wendy's Story

I was born and raised here in Merced and grew up going to church. My family struggled with alcoholism, and my stepfather struggled with drugs and alcoholism. By the time I was 9, I was smoking cigarettes, and by 11, I was smoking and selling pot.

I always knew God was with me, but I lived on both sides of the fence. I rose up out of poverty and fell back down over and over again. I started drinking heavily in my 20s and spiraled downhill to drugs. I never really gave my life over to God. I continued to put myself in extremely dangerous situations and around extremely dangerous people. Finally, I was so exhausted and so broken that I prayed to God to restore me from this life.

From the moment I entered the Hope for Women program, my life changed for the good with God and the other women by my side. When I came to the program, I was terrified. There was nowhere to run anymore. I was exhausted, and I had literally hit my rock bottom. Since then, I have gained sisters and brothers in Christ, a church family, and a relationship with God. I was able to get baptized in Santa Cruz with some of my sisters from the Hope for Women program. I have now been clean and sober for 10 months. I have completed the Hope for Women program and graduated.

Now I am a woman of God. God continues to open doors for me if I trust in Him and have faith in Him. All the glory goes to God, and I have Him to thank every day for giving me this life and a second chance. A huge thank you to the Merced Rescue Mission and the Hope for Women program. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This program has shown me that there is more to life, and that there is room to grow. When I have God, there is love. When I have God, there is HOPE, and I have help when I need it.

Thank you, Jesus, and thank you to the Merced Rescue Mission.

Monica's Story

Before coming to the Merced Rescue Mission, Monica had experienced a life of drug addictions, criminal activity, jail time, and an automobile accident that left her body broken. Then she made the choice to better herself. When Monica was released from jail, she signed up for a re-entry class with GEO Services and was told about the Hope for Women program by her probation officer.

Monica enrolled in the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program and became a resident there three days later. She worked very hard on becoming a better version of herself by submitting to God’s plan for her life through its Christ-centered program. Monica did so well that she was given a position as a Peer Navigator at the Merced County Rescue Mission (MCRM) Respite Care Center a month before graduating from Hope for Women. Six months later, being very effective at her job and with a desire to take on more responsibility, she was given the position of Housing Navigator where she thrived. Because of her hard work, dedication, and trust in God’s plan for her life, Monica is now a Billing Clerk for the MCRM.

Monica’s current position requires a large amount of responsbility which she takes very seriously. In the short time of two years and three months, Monica’s life has been dramatically changed from a life of drugs, alcohol, and criminality. She truly believes that she would have died in that horrific automobile accident if it were not for the grace and mercy of God Almighty. She has become an amazing inspiration to all the staff here at the MCRM and to many of our clients. It is very exciting to see what God can do when someone truly surrenders to God’s plan for their life as Monica has.

Shawnee's Story

Being in recovery for alcoholism has brought me closer to Jesus Christ. Today, I am a grateful believer and attend church regularly. I’ve been working for the Merced Rescue Mission for over a year and a half. I have worked in the Sobering Center and in the kitchen at Hope Respite Care. Currently, I am working in the office as a Community Support Worker, helping individuals find housing. Working for the Mission has taught me a lot about myself and other people who have struggled with addiction. I love my church family and my work family. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that I have been blessed with.

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Brandon's Story

By Jim Romig, Homeless Court Navigator, Merced County Rescue Mission

Before entering the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Men program, Brandon had been to several rehabilitation programs for his meth addiction and alcoholism with no lasting success. He still wanted to change his life and knew he needed help.

When he came to Hope for Men, Brandon was very concerned about a court case, which could end with him going to prison for eight years. He knew his situation was serious. It has been my experience that for those who trust God’s plan for their lives, all things are possible, so I told Brandon to trust God and keep doing what he was doing. He did trust God and completed the first phase of the Hope for Men program on May 2, 2025, making him ready to find employment.

Trying to find a job was very difficult for Brandon because thoughts of consuming drugs and alcohol were unsettling to him. Despite his feelings, on May 25th, he did go to the Advanced Career Institute (ACI) located here in Merced and explained that he had just completed the first phase of the Hope for Men program and was looking for employment. He decided he would enroll and work toward getting a Class A license, but he needed the funding to attend the classes. He went to Work Net to apply for funding and was told it would take two months to receive it. He went back to ACI and asked if he could attend the classes every day while he waited for the funding because he knew attending classes would help him stay sober. Brandon believes it was through the grace of God that his request was granted, and on August 1st, he graduated and received his Class A license. Earning this license was a great accomplishment, which was made possible because of his hard work and determination. Then his situation became even better! When he went to ACI to pick up his certificate, he was offered a position to teach courses on air-brake systems and pre-trip inspections without even applying.

But his story didn’t end there. Brandon went to church and saw his former football coach, who asked how he was doing. He told Brandon that he had been praying for him for a long time. After Brandon shared about having completed the first phase of the Hope for Men program and earning his Class A driving license, his former coach offered him a position as an assistant football coach at the high school. Brandon thought this would be a great way to give back to the community, so he applied and was accepted.

Brandon has also had other accomplishments. He graduated from the Homeless Court, in which, through his programming and community service hours, he was able to have his court fines dismissed. At Brandon’s court hearing, the judge ruled that he had to complete the second phase of the Hope for Men program and that, instead of prison time, he would be required to have a two-year probation period.

Brandon has recognized God’s presence, favor, and direction in his life over the last year. He has discovered that God’s plans are so much greater than he could have ever imagined.

Gilbert's Story

I entered the Hope for Men program in August 2024. When I started, I did not have God in my life. I was weak, broken, and not well. I was homeless, living in my truck, and did not have a job. I did not have God in my life and was missing everything in my life that would be important –family, children, and grandchildren.

Choosing to stay at the Hope for Men program has been the most important decision I have made in my life. It has changed me from being a complete nobody to a man of God. God has been there for me every step in my transition, right along with the leaders in the program. I want to thank my brothers in the home for accepting me the way I was. While in the program, I participated in community service, Bible studies, and educational classes. I have met the best of people and changed my circle of friends.

All my job security requirements are now completed, and I have been able to get my own apartment. I attend Gateway church, and I am on my way to obtaining a Criminal Justice degree. I have learned how to be a better person and man. I changed my surroundings and have given my life to God. Thank you so much, Merced Rescue Mission.

Donald's Story

By Jim Romig, Homeless Court Navigator

I first met Donald at a Merced County Rescue Mission (MCRM) Transition to Hope program here in Merced. He had called me asking for my help in getting his traffic fines dismissed through the Homeless Court program. I asked for the information needed and emailed the courts for his Register of Actions containing his fines. Even though his court fines were substantial, he did qualify to have his fines dismissed through the Homeless Court program because he had just graduated from the Salvation Army Men’s Rehabilitation program.

After graduating from Homeless Court with the weight of these fines removed, he enrolled in the truck driving class at the Phoenix Project here in Merced. Living at the Merced County Rescue Mission’s Transition to Hope program facility gave Donald the opportunity he needed to attend classes and study for his Class A license. He passed the course, received his Class A license, and was ready to find a job driving big rig trucks. Working with Donald for the time I did, it was clear to me that he was a driven and motivated individual that wasn’t going to let his past mistakes and addictions hold him back from having a brighter future.

Donald wasted no time finding a truck driving job with a national trucking company, but he couldn’t take the position because of a felony that was on his record. He asked for my assistance, and we went back to court asking to have this felony reduced to a misdemeanor so Donald could take the job. The judge was so impressed with Donald’s drive in overcoming his addictions, getting his Class A license, and finding a job with a national trucking company that the judge not only lowered Donald’s felony to a misdemeanor, but ended Donald’s probation right there and dismissed the fine. The court gallery erupted in applause which I’d never experienced before. It was amazing!

Because the judge reduced his felony to a misdemeanor, the trucking company paid for a car rental so that Donald could travel to Southern California where he would attend classes for four days. If he passed, he would then continue to the next phase of instruction for three weeks with a driving instructor. He passed his classes and was off to the next phase. Everything looked good for Donald until the trucking company he was with told him that some of the pages in his court documents were missing. He called me and asked if I would go to the court and get it cleared up. It took a couple of visits to the court, but these pages were located, and the trucking company was satisfied.

A few days into his training, Donald was notified by the company that something else came up in his court records, and they would have to let him go unless he could get this mark expunged from his record. We went back to court hoping for success. However, this request was denied, and it seemed Donald was back to where he started, not having a job and not knowing what he was going to do.

We spoke outside the court regarding his next move, and you would think Donald would step back and take some time to assess his situation. Not Donald. Within a couple of weeks, he gave me a call while he and another driver were driving a big rig on their way across the country to Connecticut. Donald had been hired by an out-of-state company and was now on his way to a new job.

What I’ve seen come to fruition in Donald is what I encourage others with whom I work through the Homeless Court to pursue; “Your past has nothing to do with how your future turns out unless you allow it.” Well done, Donald! Proud of you, my friend.

Andrew's Story

I was born a twin in Merced to two loving, caring parents. It is truly a miracle from God, that I am even able to write this short testimony today. In 2016 after my mother’s death, I became everything I said I'd never be. I made choices that led me into deep addiction, homeless, and going in and out of county jail. It felt like I was surrounded by a darkness that I wish on no one! After losing my three daughters, lying in a jail cell, I cried out to Jesus and the soul searching began. I pleaded to God and I promised everything to Him while begging for an opportunity. Little did I know the Holy Spirit was, "is," moving.

In 2023 I was released and was picked up from the Merced County Sheriff's department by two gentlemen by the names of Dennis and Warren. Within minutes of meeting these two representing the Merced County Rescue Mission, I was reminded of what Jesus had done for me and some of the promises that I had made. "Praise Him".

Since that day, I am no longer sleeping on the streets, or Bear Creek! I became a resident at the Mission’s Transition to Hope program. Living in a sober living environment has truly helped me honor some of the promises I made when I pleaded to God for help. I now have a full-time job. My criminal records have been expunged. I have weekend visits with my daughters, I don't mean to brag, but Gods promises are true! I have past relationships that are now restored. I have met some amazing people at Hope Respite Care. And now I have over three years clean and sober. I am forever grateful to God for the amount of love and hope given to me during my time at the Merced County Rescue Mission.

Jonathan's Story

I graduated from the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Men program. I thank God for helping me through a dark time when I needed to have the willpower to make the right decision to enter the program and stay focused. I listened and learned so much. I accepted Christ Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and I have tried to follow through by trying to be a blessing to others and doing right. I continue to look forward, not backward, taking little steps toward accepting my responsibilities as a man of God.

I want to say to everyone that the Hope for Men program really works. While in the program, I was able to complete the requirements needed to get my high school diploma. I am now finishing my training to be a barber, and I am honored to give back to the Hope for Men program by volunteering my time to give haircuts to the men in the program.

Chad's Story

Before coming to the Hope for Men program, I was struggling with alcoholism and anger, which were taking a serious toll on my life and relationships. I knew I needed a change, but I didn't know how to break free from the cycle I was in. My drinking had become a way to cope, and my anger was pushing people away. I reached a point where I realized I couldn't do it alone, and that's when I decided to seek help.

Through the Hope for Men program and the Rescue Mission, I was able to regain control over my life. It taught me patience, helped me work through my anger, and, most importantly, I was able to stop drinking. Now I am working for the Rescue Mission and holding down two other jobs. My connection with God has grown stronger, and I'm moving forward in life with a renewed sense of purpose. I'm also building better relationships and learning what it means to truly live in faith and peace. I'm grateful for the transformation this program has given me, and I'm excited for what's ahead.

Alicia and Rueben's Story

Both Alicia and Rueben experienced broken marriages, loss of jobs, and loss of housing. Separately, they found themselves homeless in Merced for about six years. It was during this difficult time in their lives that they found each other. They describe what happened next in their own words.

“Our journey of homelessness took us on a road of having one foot in and one foot out of our addiction, following Jesus, and almost giving up. There came a point when we decided to reach out to the Merced Rescue Mission. We both entered the Mission’s programs at the same time. Alicia entered the Hope for Women program, and Rueben entered the Hope for Men program. These programs provided hope and guidance through a faith-based program that introduced us to Jesus and helped us get God back into our lives. We both completed the Life Transformation program and graduated on March 11, 2025.

We owe all the glory to God for saving us and changing our lives. God helped us surrender our lives, believe in Him, and give us the faith to move forward in our lives. We entered the program with nothing. Now that we have graduated, we both have been blessed with jobs, a home of our own and a new life together. We want to thank Anthony, Alicia’s uncle and one of the Mission’s staff members, for helping us find our way to the Mission. Thank you for being our guardian angel. We love you, Uncle. And thank you to the Mission for helping us get on a new and wonderful path. “

Bobby's Story

Born and raised in Merced, I take pride in our community and the services we have to offer those around us. Just like most of the individuals we serve, my childhood was full of the trauma that comes from living with addicts and abusers. I started my addiction to alcohol and marijuana at the early age of 9. As a teen, I began using heavier drugs, and for many years I struggled to get and stay clean. I was homeless for many years, going from living in the back of a truck at 16 years old to sleeping on the couches of friends and family.

As an adult and mom, I continued to use on and off until 2009 when CPS stepped in and took my children away. I was locked up in jail and faced several charges. When I was released, I started to work on getting my children back. God spoke to me and said that enough was enough, and to trust that God, the great I AM, is ENOUGH. I found Celebrate Recovery and NA, and I began my recovery to a healthy way of living clean and sober.

In 2012 I went to college and got my A.A. in both Accounting and General Business. Afterward, I started my journey of trying to find a place to work and to give back to those I once took advantage of and used. I had a few different jobs--cashier, handyman, childcare worker and CNA. When covid hit, I was working in the health care field. I changed fields and began to work for the Merced County Rescue Mission in Los Banos as a Peer Navigator. Shortly after starting, I became the Service Coordinator over Hope Respite Care in Los Banos and worked with the pilot program for Alliance. In 2022 I moved back to Merced to work at the Village of Hope campus and started the CCAPP program for drug and alcohol counseling. I have worked hard alongside great people and with other likeminded programs to help our community receive services that most would not seek out if it was left to them.

In 2023 I became the Director of Respite Care and built the ECM and Housing programs that the Mission provides. In the past 6 years, I have built my credit up and, with the help of my husband, have bought a home here in Merced. In this last year and a half, I have lost my sister and my mother, and yet, those that I work with and those that I serve have helped me stay the course and celebrate 16 years clean and sober and survive grief. I have also stayed connected to Celebrate Recovery and am now the Ministry Leader here in Merced. I could not be where I am today if I did not die to self and follow Jesus, my Lord and Savior. We are made for more. We just need to trust and believe.

Pablo's Story

When I was 8 years old, I started working in the fields in Mexico. I moved to the United States at the age of 14. When I turned 18, I began drinking with my father after work. I was told not to use drugs, but I used drugs and alcohol anyway because I wanted to forget about life’s problems. In the process, I lost my wife and children and began to drink and use more. I ended up going to prison for several years.

After my release, Parole sent me to a residential treatment facility. After completing the program, I entered the Distributive Bridge program where I began working part-time as a facility assistant at the Village of Hope campus. I am now on the full-time staff. My life has changed for the better, and I am grateful for the opportunity to change my life.

Shawn's Story

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!

Ceduane's Story

When I came into the Rescue Mission’s Bridge to Hope program in Los Banos, I was right off the streets and had a rough time adjusting, but with honesty, willingness, and support from the staff, I started to engage in the services offered. They assisted me in starting the process of addressing some of my court cases. They also assisted me with seeing my doctor regularly. With their help, I was eventually able to get an apartment!

I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without help from Bridge to Hope.

Now that I am housed, the support I receive from the Rescue Mission doesn’t stop. I still receive assistance from the Mission’s Enhanced Care Management team. I can’t thank them enough! - Ceduane

Rita's Story

I grew up in a family that moved around a lot. My five siblings and I were bounced around from school to school, and it was hard. My addiction started when I was 11, and by the age of 15, I was a young mother who was heavily involved in gangs, gambling, and drugs. I’ve been fighting my addiction now for 26 years. Because of my addiction, I lost relationships with my children, my family, myself, and God.

On August 31, 2023, someone told me about the Rescue Mission and that it changes lives. I am now completing the Hope for Women program with a different mindset on life. Being in this program has helped me become a better version of myself by giving me the tools I needed for a new, better, and healthier life. I am so grateful and happy that I am getting back everything that the enemy stole from me and that I am no longer spiritually bankrupt. The Rescue Mission has helped to restore my relationship with my Father God, and from that, God has restored my relationship with my kids and my family. In addition, the Mission is also helping me further my education to get my diploma along with my cosmetology license.

I believe God placing the Rescue Mission and the people in it to help me is the biggest blessing, and I couldn’t be more grateful. When people say the Rescue Mission changes lives, I am a strong believer because the Rescue Mission changed my life, giving me the chance I needed to have a first-class life. Thank you, Rescue Mission!

Liberty's Story

I grew up in a home where my mother and father were both in addiction. Then my brothers and I were split up and sent to foster homes. As a teenager, I began drinking alcohol and using drugs. My addictions led me to be sex trafficked, and I became active in gangs and identity theft which led me to prison.

During my time in prison, my roommate shared Jerimiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” She kept telling me that God had a plan for my life, but I just ignored her because I didn’t believe it. When I got out of prison, I continued living in my previous lifestyle. I used drugs and alcohol to cover up the pain in my life. In 2019 I was sent back to jail, and that’s when Jerimiah 29:11 began to have real meaning for me.

In 2020 I started my journey of recovery. I asked the judge for a program that would help me get my life in order. The judge ordered me to complete Drug Court for 18 months with the stipulation that if I didn’t complete it, I would face 15 years in prison. In February 2021, I completed Drug Court, and in June of 2021, I received my high school diploma. I also completed the Breaking the Chains program for victims of sex/human trafficking. It was during this time that I met my husband in Drug Court.

Today I work as a Housing Navigator with the Merced County Rescue Mission, and I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ. I am married to an amazing husband and have two little ones at home. I am so grateful and blessed for what God has done, and continues to do, to bless me and my family!

Ashley's Story

Before I was accepted into the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program, I had been living in my car. As I packed up my things to enter the program, I kept making excuses to myself about why I couldn’t do it. When I got there, I was feeling so angry. Every day I found a different reason to give up, go back on the street, and get high. BUT THEY NEVER GAVE UP ON ME! I saw what it was like to have people who cared about me and wanted to see me make it without gaining anything from it.

Before I was accepted into the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program, I had been living in my car. As I packed up my things to enter the program, I kept making excuses to myself about why I couldn’t do it. When I got there, I was feeling so angry. Every day I found a different reason to give up, go back on the street, and get high. BUT THEY NEVER GAVE UP ON ME! I saw what it was like to have people who cared about me and wanted to see me make it without gaining anything from it.

By the time I left the program, I had a smile on my face more days than not because of the help and support of the people at the Rescue Mission. Every morning someone would talk me out of leaving, and today I am beyond thankful. Another person helped me to see a different way of life. Instead of making excuses, I was taught how to find reasons why I could do them. I had great support and was held accountable by the people God placed in my path. Another blessing was that people had my back through all my angry days, and looked out for my dog when it was time for the next chapter of my story.

Today I am a drug and alcohol counselor for a women’s support program. I have over a year clean from drugs and alcohol. I have a sponsor, and I am working on my 4 steps. I live in an apartment and am an active mother again with all 4 of my beautiful children back with me.

Without the people at the Merced Rescue Mission, I don’t think I would be where I am today. I am living my life again and not just existing because the people at Merced Rescue Mission gave me a chance and believed in me. Most importantly, they never gave up on me. Every day at my job, I give my clients the same love and dedication that I got from them. I thank God daily for putting them on my journey. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Brandon's Story

Brandon, another graduate from the Homeless Court Program, has been a participant in the Mission’s Hope for Men home since September 2023. Before being admitted into the program, he had been homeless for two years and struggled with a meth addiction since 1994. He had been arrested twice for manufacturing methamphetamine. The first time the charge was dropped, but the second time he received a sixty-eight-month sentence for which he did fifty-two months. His choices in life, until he entered the Hope for Men program, had brought nothing but grief and destruction.

Over the years of going to court for the charges against him, the fines totaled a great deal, and he felt helpless to pay. When he found out about the Homeless Court Program, he went through the process and performed the community service required to qualify for having his fines dismissed. All his hard work and dedication have freed him up to work on becoming the person God created him to be. Proud of you, Brandon!