09 Jun Your love helps Anthony know he is not alone
Anthony grew up in a happy family with both parents and nine siblings. As one of the youngest kids, his parents gave him extra leeway, trusting that he wouldn’t get in trouble.
“Because I had space to do what I wanted, I always found a way to manipulate the situation, and I started drinking” he says.
What started as an occasional activity in school soon became a habit when he graduated and joined the military: “my drinking escalated – not out of control, but excessive” he explains.
Despite his alcohol use, he performed well in the military, and when his service was done, he got a job in machine work. Soon after, he also got married – and his substance use became a point of contention.
“I was heavy into my drinking, and by that time I was using drugs, too,” he says. “But no matter how intoxicated I got, I was able to get up and go to work the next day and provide for my family. That went on for 12 or 15 years of my marriage, until my wife got tired of it. She told me, ‘Make a decision: you need to choose me or that.’ So she left, and we split up.”
Though his wife left, Anthony continued to raise his daughters, always caring for them despite his personal struggles. From the outside, things looked fine – but on the inside, Anthony wrestled with turmoil.
“I fought constantly, asking myself, ‘Have I been a good father? Was I a good husband?’”
Over the years, as his daughters grew, they started their own families. Anthony became a grandfather, and he often took care of his grandkids while his daughters went to work or school. But in the back of his mind, he knew his daughters worried that his drinking might impact his ability to care for the kids.
One day, he had a moment of clarity: this lifestyle was not healthy. There had to be more to life.
“I was trying to present myself as a father living a productive life in society, whereas really, I wasn’t. I always called myself the Great Pretender. I was pretending to do well, but on the inside, I wasn’t.”
Anthony knew he could do better – for his daughters, his grandkids, and himself – so he decided to get help. He joined our Life Change Recovery Program at the Mission, desperate to change.
“When I walked into the Mission on day one, everyone I met made me feel welcome,” he says. “When you think about rehabilitation places, people usually keep to themselves, but the Mission was a totally different experience for me.”
As he settled in, our program’s Christian foundation caught his attention. Attending chapel services, going to a local church, and learning how to pray began to soften his heart. Over time, he discovered what it truly meant to be in a “life change program” – not just obtaining sobriety, but learning to be the man God created him to be.
“Being in a faith-based program helped me tremendously,” he explains. “And being around Christians showed me that this was an aspect of life I was missing. Once I opened my heart and surrendered, that’s when things started to change for me.”
Anthony found healing through counseling, life skills classes, and his work position at our front desk, and he felt himself becoming more sensible and discerning. Much of his growth came from seeing the testimonies of our staff members in action.
“Most of the staff that I work with have been through the program as well. I pay attention to how it changed their lives, because if they can do it, I know I can do it,” he says.
Thanks to your deep kindness and faithful prayers, Anthony graduated from our program and was chosen to serve in a leadership position as a Mission Intern! Now, he serves as a mentor to other men going through our program, offering the same guidance and compassion that was shown to him.
“Recovery is a difficult process for everybody,” he explains. “My job is to help our residents understand, ‘this is what you’re here for, and this is what will help you change your life.’”
Looking forward, Anthony is excited to see how God continues to lead him. “My plans are to attend college: something I always wanted to do, but never got the chance. It will be a Bible college, maybe to study counseling. I always thought my mission in life was to help people, but I understand now that I have to put God first and He will give me the wisdom and understanding that I pray for.”
Today, Anthony is filled with gratitude for the compassion you showed him when he needed a second chance. “Everyone here – the staff, interns, volunteers, and donors – all have our best interest at heart. I’m thankful to the Mission because they have truly, truly saved my life.”
To read the rest of this issue of Market Street Mission Messenger, click here.
Help other people like Anthony…
Anthony’s story of hope and healing is inspiring. Our long-term recovery program exists to help other men find healing. Will you provide this help to others?