For most of 2024, Juan has been a consistent presence at Christ House. He was first admitted in early March and has been readmitted twice since then. Juan can often be found working on an art project or enjoying the weather on one of the benches outside our building. He greets everyone who passes by with a warm smile and a wave. Below is Juan’s reflection on a year’s stay at Christ House:
This reflection was translated from Spanish by Bryan Perez-Argueta.
“I came here to Christ House, and I felt accepted in a community that genuinely wanted to help me and fix my problems that I was dealing with. I never had that before.
When I was at the hospital, they recommended me to go to Christ House, because they knew how the place was and that it could be a great place for me. I thank God for bringing me here. This community has helped me so much and has always supported me with everything.
I’m happy that I’m doing better and stronger so I can find a job and work to get money. I’m grateful for Mr. Bill [Case Manager], who was willing to help me find a place to live. I’ve been here three different times, and the community was still willing to help me. I feel good because of it.
I always follow the rules here at Christ House, whether it’s asking for permission to go out of the building or visiting my family. Christ House is responsible for us and we as patients have responsibilities. I respect their rules and beliefs that are helping us live for a second chance. It’s helped me a lot. I’m currently in the Alcoholics Anonymous group and they congratulated me for always going to the meetings. I’m always supported here. They’ve taught me so much here and how to be responsible.
I thank God wherever I go and for the people I meet in my life. I learned to be humble and remember how God is always there for you, and you should get along with everyone. Even the patients here at Christ House, though many of them only speak English and I only speak Spanish, we all try to get along with each other. It’s wholesome and nice to talk with them, even with a language barrier. They’re all good people and I’m grateful for them. They always check up on me and ask what I’m up to. This place makes me feel good as a person and they don’t make me feel like a bad person.
I’ve talked to my father, my mother, my siblings and even my children. I have four children in total. I always tell them about this place, and I told my mom how this place was made by God to help people who are struggling and sick. All the people who work here genuinely try to help people out. My mother tells me to behave myself and how happy she is for me, knowing I’m doing good here. I told her about how I was in Alcoholics Anonymous and how it helped me be better. My mother is happy for me and proud.”
We are grateful for our patients who share their stories, and their lives, with us. We look forward to welcoming those we will walk alongside in the year ahead.
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