Jay’s Success Story

If you had met me a few years ago, you wouldn’t recognize me today. I had just been released from prison, was homeless, and unsure of what my next step would be. I had spent 64 months locked up, and when I got out, I had nowhere to go. I was sober at the time, but being out in the world with no address made everything feel impossible. I spent 45 days living on the streets of downtown Salt Lake City. After those 45 days, I remember walking into a meeting with my probation officer and being told I had only two options: find an address or go back to prison. I asked my probation officer for options, and he said I could join the New Life Program at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, find a place to live (with no job or income), or be put back in a cell.

I chose the Rescue Mission, but it wasn’t a choice I welcomed. At the time, I considered myself Pagan, which meant I believed in other gods, not the God of the Bible. And now here I was, essentially forced to live in what I considered a large Christian church and attend Bible classes and chapel services. I disliked it at first. I resisted, I doubted, and I questioned everything. But slowly, something changed.

As the days passed, I noticed things and heard things that made me pause. I began to see the truth in what was being shared and the lives that were being changed at the Rescue Mission. Gradually, my heart opened. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. I started to understand that God had been with me all along, even when I didn’t believe. I began attending services at Conversation Church SLC, a new church that’s been operating for about a year. A man from the church had come to the Mission and shared during the Mission’s nightly chapel service. I found a friend in him, and he became a mentor to me—someone I could talk to honestly about my struggles. What started as just “going through the motions” became a real journey of faith for me.

At the Mission, I began serving in the kitchen, eventually becoming the kitchen lead. Later, I found a better fit running the chapel, working directly with our homeless guests we serve for nightly shelter, day room, meal services, clothing, etc. Every person at the Mission has a story, and I learned the power of listening—learning their names, hearing their struggles, joking with them, and helping them feel and know they are seen and valued. Later, as a Mission intern, I helped guests find work and walked alongside people as they navigated their way through and out of homelessness. Being able to give back in this way was transformative. It showed me that my past struggles weren’t wasted—they prepared me to help others with compassion and understanding.

After serving as a Mission intern, I started working outside the Mission, doing hard labor building mattresses and then moving to a job at a fabrication company working in quality control. My new job has been a blessing. I work for a company where I had previously helped one of our homeless friends gain employment. That man, in turn, recommended me for work when I was ready. I have also helped another member of the Mission find work at our company. Our business is in ready-mix concrete and precast, building sound walls, highway barriers, and other infrastructure. To advance in this field, I am working on certifications like ACI and SEC (note: it may help to explain what these certifications are for clarity). I’m growing professionally while still staying grounded in my faith and service.

I recently moved to Freedom House, the Rescue Mission’s transitional housing unit for those moving away from homelessness and into self-sufficiency. Life in Freedom House has been another adjustment. I went from the constant, hectic pace of the Mission to a slower, quieter routine. At first, it was challenging—I was used to being everywhere at once—but I’ve learned to embrace quietness and stability.

My long-term girlfriend has been so good to me throughout this process. She has supported me every step of the way, attending church with me even though she has questions about my newfound faith. Our journey together has strengthened our relationship, and on April 16, 2025, we were officially married. I have a steady schedule, a job I enjoy, and time to focus on my recovery and my family. My wife and I have a stepson, and I’m also working on starting a recovery group at my church. My church life and service help keep me spiritually grounded. Staying sober has allowed me to rebuild my life. I’m saving money so that soon I can move into an apartment with my wife and stepson. Being together as a family is one of the greatest blessings I could ask for.

Even with the progress I’ve made, life is still a work in progress. I have legal obligations to navigate, I don’t drive, and I rely on my wife to take me to work. But through it all, I see God’s hand guiding me. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, to learn patience, and to trust in His plan. Looking back, I am amazed at how far I’ve come. From living on the streets, resisting the New Life Program, discovering true faith in Jesus Christ, and serving others at the Mission, I have learned that God’s grace is bigger than any mistake I’ve made. I have hope, a supportive family, steady work, and the opportunity to give back.

I am living proof that God can take broken paths and turn them into something beautiful. To the donors and supporters of the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, thank you. Your generosity changes lives every day. You help people like me find freedom, hope, and a future. Without your support and God’s guidance, I would likely still be trapped in chaos. Now, I can look forward with faith, serve others, and continue building a life centered on Jesus Christ.