Roger's Story

Roger was stuck in a cycle of violence and addiction, but today he’s free, thanks to you!

“I was born and raised in a gang-infested area. My uncle raised me, actually. Because of that, I have abandonment issues that I’ve been dealing with my whole life.

“By high school, I was already caught up in gangs and involved in a lot of bad activity as a teenager. At 17, I was charged with attempted murder. After spending two years in jail, I was acquitted of my charges. But I came out as a heavy meth user.

“I knew I needed a change, but I couldn’t get away from all my garbage. One day, I was talking with a friend who told me about the Mission, and I decided to walk away from my lifestyle.

“In my addiction, I was guilt-ridden. But today I am free. Growing up in gangs you learn to hate a lot of people. Today, that’s not the case. I don’t have an inch of hate in me anymore. I just have more love.

“Now I actually have goals, purpose, and dreams. I’m living for something more than myself. My future looks bright. Very bright.”