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Growing up as one of the few Jewish kids in a small town, Justin felt like an outsider. He didn’t talk much, and he was often excluded from groups. “I struggled sharing my feelings, and I acted out instead,” he says.

At home, he didn’t have much of a relationship with his dad who struggled with addiction and a mental health disorder. His parents divorced when he was 15 years old, and his mom passed away about a decade later. The pain of these events would follow Justin into adulthood.

“I used substances to hide my hurt,” he says. Sadly, by the time he was in his 30’s, he had spiraled into addiction.

After the pandemic hit, Justin struggled financially, got divorced and lost his house… yet he was still spending money on substances.

At first, pride and denial kept him from seeking help, but with nowhere to live, he finally came to the Mission. He entered our New Life Program and discovered his self-worth and identity through Christ.

“Following Christ has changed my perspective on people – that everybody deserves a chance.”

Justin is also learning leadership skills while working at our warehouse and thrift store. He finds joy in helping others use their strengths and watching them grow. It has inspired him to consider ministry. “The Mission has given me an opportunity to see that I have value in leadership and in preaching the Word,” he says.

Your gifts are bearing fruit in the lives of people like Justin. Now, his heart is full of hope this fall… thanks to your kindness! “The Mission has changed my life. I never thought that CVRM could have that much of an influence on my future and change my perspective on what God is guiding me to do.”

To read our 2025 Fall issue of A New Dawn, click here.

Help other people like Justin…

Justin’s story of hope and healing is inspiring. Help us create a safe environment that communicates value and helps people like Justin start over!