Luis couldn’t bear to bring his mother anymore pain. “I was really hooked on drugs. My family saw me in the backyard, strung out, and my mom was crying. When I saw my mom crying, I wanted to use drugs more (because) I felt terrible. I wanted to overdose a couple of times, but I couldn’t,” he said.

“Seeing her every day, I just got tired of seeing her cry and cry. She would talk to me and tell me to get better, to get sober. She would say I was young, that I could get into a program or join the military. She just wanted to see me succeed. But I never listened.”

Growing up, Luis had trouble with the law. When Luis risked deportation, he knew something had to change. In June 2021, Luis came to the Mission for the first time. He graduated from the program in October 2022 but unfortunately, relapsed quickly after leaving.

“It was a good thing I caught myself early. I didn’t use drugs, but I drank alcohol. When I came back to the Mission, I told the (other residents) I wasn’t going to waste months or years being out there using drugs. I want to change, so why not now?”

Luis came back to the Mission, determined to do things differently. “First time around, I didn’t focus on my faith like I wanted and needed to do. (When I graduated), it was hard talking to my family about God and about how much He helped me.

“Because it’s not just about the program, it’s about God too. My problems started coming back once I started getting farther away from Him. But God gives us freedom; I truly believe in Him.”

Luis graduated the program a second time and he’s been sober for 16 months. But that’s not the only positive change in Luis’ life since graduating. While in program, Luis’ mother had a restraining order against him, which has since been removed. “She’s seen a great change in me. I was doing everything she asked of me, and she wanted me home,” he said.

Luis now sets healthy boundaries with those around him to maintain his sobriety, a skill he acquired while at the Mission.

“I’m constantly trying to get myself around good people. I’m aware that I can relapse. In the past, I’ve been manipulated by people into doing things I didn’t want to do. That’s how it starts. Now, I tell my coworkers that I’m sober. I’m friendly, but there’s a limit.”

The community fostered while at the Mission means that once residents graduate, they are still always welcome – an open invitation Luis takes advantage of regularly. He exercises nightly at the Mission’s gym and utilizes the food pantry, which is open to graduates. “It’s self-discipline and plays a big role in staying sober. It supports my nutrition, my mental health, and keeps me strong. When I exercise, I read the Bible.

“I could go to a gym, but I like connecting with the guys here. It feels good being around good people.”