Juan made a lot of “bad decisions” early in his life. “It’s been a rough road. In and out of jail, drugs – from one drug to another.”

Eventually, he was arrested and ordered to a court-mandated rehab program. And while he stayed sober for three years, he couldn’t leave behind his old life.

“I was just setting myself up,” he says with a laugh. Within three months, he was in trouble again. Broken from the cycle of addiction, he decided to find a program that would help him change his life. He found Long Beach Rescue Mission’s Samaritan House, the first step on the road to a new life for many men. While there, he learned about our year-long New Life Program. He gave it a lot of thought, then told his case manager he was ready to join.

It’s not Juan’s first program, but it’s the first one he’s chosen for himself.

“This is not a court thing. I’m not going to fake until I make it,” he says. “I really see myself changing my life.”

As part of the New Life Program, he’s been given the support he needs to change through classes and counseling – and prayer. “Other programs don’t really focus on Jesus. Here, the program is based on something solid that will actually change your life.”

When he graduates, Juan is ready to embrace the future, whether it’s going back to school or something entirely different. Today, he’s a changed man because of the Mission.

“Seeing all the brokenness will change you. But knowing that you can have God in your  life – that’s the difference.”

To read the rest of this issue of Rescue Review,click here.