Anthony will never forget the day he picked up his phone in sheer desperation and dialed the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission. “I asked what it takes to get into the program,” he recalls. “And they basically said, ‘Just show up.’”

That call had been a long time in the making. Anthony had grown up in a broken home with both parents battling addictions. And as he got older, he began to dabble with alcohol and drugs, mostly to feel accepted by his peers. But it was a breakup with his ex and separation from his children that pushed Anthony to the brink.

“That period in my life was probably the most miserable I’ve ever been,” Anthony says. “For five years solid I wasn’t in contact with my children, and I went off the deep end into alcohol and meth. I just felt sick all the time.”

“Here at the Mission, I’ve found value in just being the person that I am.”

As a result, Anthony lost jobs, was evicted and had no place to call home. He knew he needed real help. He also knew he wanted to be a real dad to his kids. So, he made the phone call to the Mission. More importantly, he showed up.

Anthony was warmly welcomed, and through biblical mentorship and care he is gradually healing, physically and spiritually. “I didn’t know anything about God,” he says. “But coming here and hearing that God is all about love and forgiveness… now I’m learning to forgive myself.”

As Anthony continues to heal, he’s working toward becoming a certified welder. And he looks forward to reconnecting with his kids and becoming the father he was meant to be.

Anthony is filled with thanksgiving for God’s presence in his life – and your incredible generosity and support! “When you come here and you do the program through and through, it changes your life.”