Fully Restored
"I have a love for life again!"
After rehab, Patrick walked over 70 miles to get to City Mission, because he knew this was right where he needed to be. It took him three days.
“I knew right away I was in the right place when I got here,” said Patrick, “The first thing I remember is they asked me if I was hungry and they gave me a meal. And I was starving!”
“Before I got here, I was just fumbling through life and didn’t have much hope,” he added. “City Mission restored my faith. I’m happy again. It’s amazing! I wish I could put it in better words than that.”
Patrick grew up, one of seven kids, in Carnegie. He had a good upbringing. His parents were very hard workers, and he inherited a strong work ethic from them.
In the early 2000’s, Patrick was active duty in the Air Force for four years. After he finished his service, he had difficulty reintegrating to society.
“Since I came home from active duty,” he explained, “I kind of struggled with jobs, hopping from job to job.” He also moved around a lot and couldn’t get settled.
“I had a hard time staying in one place,” he added, “having a plan, and sticking to it.” He fell into a work hard, play hard type of mentality and ended up getting into heavy drugs, which became an addiction that tore his whole world apart.
“When I was in addiction, I didn’t love and value myself,” he said. “I had no hope. It was a deep, dark feeling. Now, since coming to the Mission, I’m fully restored as a person. I love who I am now. I love getting to know people and helping people. I have a love for life again.”
City Mission taught Patrick to be honest with himself and others, to stick to a schedule, and to build meaningful relationships. The Mission staff and his fellow residents surrounded him with love, and Patrick grew deeper into a life-changing relationship with Christ.
Recently, Patrick moved out of City Mission’s Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House and into his very own place. We are so proud of the work Patrick has done to improve his life, and we’re proud of the man he has become.
“I’m thankful to the Mission, because I have my life today,” Patrick said. “I’m sober. I have my friends and family back. I wish I had the words to describe it. It’s an amazing feeling. City Mission has completely changed my life.”
There are 22 veterans, just like Patrick, in our Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House who just need a little love, support, and encouragement to get their lives back on track. You can help restore their purpose and dignity. Visit www.citymission.org.
