“Growing up in a family surrounded by drugs … I thought it was normal. I was young, and didn’t know right from wrong. It wasn’t until later that I learned it’s not a normal way of living.”

If you met Jeff today, you’d never guess that his childhood was clouded by drug abuse.

His dad, who struggled with lung cancer and COPD, died of an accidental overdose just as Jeff was graduating from high school. Seven months later, his mom died of an opioid overdose. His older brother and sister were using at that point, too. “It made me feel alone, like the odds were stacked up against me.”

Jeff started using in his late teens, both drugs and alcohol. After his sister overdosed and died, his own addiction spiraled out of control.

“I was on a death wish,” he says. “After losing my parents and my sister, I figured there was nothing left.”

But then he met a woman who would eventually become his wife — who loved him unconditionally. That love motivated Jeff to change his life.

His wife was hopeful when Jeff first came through our doors for help — even if Jeff wasn’t. “I was nasty and selfish when I got here,” Jeff says. “I was angry and resentful. This wasn’t part of my plan.”

But after receiving basic needs at MRM — nutritional meals, safe shelter and fresh clothing — Jeff regained his strength and clarity. He joined our recovery program, benefitting from comprehensive care like Christian counseling, mentorship, work therapy, adult education, addiction recovery support and more. Soon, he realized that God’s plan is something much better.

“I began to see God here,” explains Jeff, a graduate of our New Journey program. “God takes you by the hand, and allows you to feel loved and forgiven. I finally have a sense of hope.”

Today, Jeff is sober, gainfully employed and grateful to friends like you for sticking with him, too. “I want to say thank you to people who support MRM,” he says. “You saved my life, and you will save other people’s lives who come here. You help get us out of our mess, give us the opportunity to know the Lord.”

“I should be dead — but I’m a totally new person now.”

Thank you for sharing unconditional love and Christmas hope to neighbors like Jeff. Your support truly is life-changing!