For almost 30 years, my life was a mess. I grew up in a good home, but for some reason, I started rebelling in my teens, using drugs and alcohol. I was running away from something, and I’m not sure what. I got my first DUI at 17, and for the next 15 years or so, it was drugs, dealing, fraud, and various crimes and misdemeanors. I even had a meth lab in the trunk of my car.I was in and out of jail, and I manipulated everyone I knew.

I burned a lot of bridges. I settled down some in my 30s, but just a little. I was a functioning addict and kept a job, but I spent all my money on drugs. I ended up at New Life Center in 2017, but I wasn’t serious about the program. I got caught with drugs in the building, and with their zero-tolerance policy, I was kicked out of the program.

I thought that was it, that I’d blown my last chance. I thought they’d never let me back in here. I was wrong. Last year, they actually let me come back, despite how much I’d really messed up. They greeted me warmly, and I could tell they actually cared. This time, I stayed sober, I followed the program, and I gave my life to Christ.

Now I have purpose, and a new lease on life. Best of all, now I know what it’s like to have a second chance. Now I see what grace and mercy really look like. Thank you for helping to turn my life around!