“I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I didn’t know if I wanted to keep living.”
As a child, David spent a lot of time alone – preferring books and drawing to socializing with his peers. But as an adult, that changed. He found deep joy in helping people, and most of his jobs involved giving back to his community.
But after his girlfriend tragically passed away, David became the one in need of help. “I just shut down. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I didn’t even know if I wanted to keep living.”
In his time of greatest need, David remembered the Mission. The day he walked through our doors was his first step toward healing. He remembered what it felt like to help others. And in helping others, he helped himself.
“Without the Mission, I would be dead. It saved my life.”
As he developed relationships with our staff and guests, David embraced opportunities to understand where others are in their journey – which helped him better understand himself.
“I was struggling, but here I’ve gotten stronger,” he says. “Being surrounded by good people with positive attitudes is so important.”
Today, David is a member of our staff. His dedication to service is stronger than ever. “I just try to offer what I can… whether it’s spiritual or emotional support, or just someone willing to listen,” he says.
Because of you, neighbors like David know that God loves them and they are worthy of a new beginning. Thank you for opening the door to hope and healing this summer! “I started a new life at the Mission, and I’m looking forward to it. There will always be someone who needs help. I won’t give up.”
Read the full Summer 2026 Newsletter here.