Marcos finds new perspective and a new life

Since coming to the Mission, Marcos has been baptized, graduated from the program and found employment.

When Marcos first came to the Mission, he wasn’t sure he wanted to be there. At 19, he was equally “excited” and “opposed” to joining the program. Today, after graduating, being baptized and finding employment, he sees the Mission differently.

“It took a while,” Marcos said, “but I no longer see that part of my life as a punishment. At the Mission, I’ve stopped seeing it as somewhere I have to be and now see it as somewhere I get to be.”

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Marcos moved to California when he was 5. His childhood was unstable. As an infant, he was taken away and placed in foster care. His mother regained custody when he was 3, before his father moved him to California.

Throughout his life, his mother struggled with drug addiction and his father was incarcerated. Marcos often witnessed domestic violence growing up.

“As a kid, I didn’t see it as a problem in the moment, but getting older I realized it had a traumatic effect on me and led me to my own destructive behaviors,” he said.

As a teenager, Marcos began running with the wrong crowd. His “bad decisions” eventually led to a brief time in jail, but Marcos now views that experience as a “blessing.”

While he was in jail, “God put a man in front of my path,” Marcos said, “who told me about this wonderful program. As soon as I heard it was faith-based, it was a no-brainer for me.”

Talking with staff helped Marcos feel more comfortable after hearing about the opportunities available to him. Once he arrived, the experience was “peaceful.” Through Bible studies and counseling, Marcos began drawing closer to the Lord and developing a different mindset.

But the transition wasn’t always easy.

“There were a few times in the beginning where I stumbled, but the counseling has helped me a lot. I have a humbler mindset now and I’m not so angry. I’m still not a morning person though,” he laughed.

Marcos was baptized at the Mission and recently graduated from the program. The men around him also became an important part of his transformation.

“These are my brothers,” he said. “It’s been amazing to not only see the change in myself but to see the change in others too.”

Marcos has found employment and plans to stay grounded in his faith and family. Reflecting on the support that helped him reach this point, Marcos has a message for those who give to the Mission:

“To donate to the Mission isn’t just donating to men, but to women, food banks and thrift stores. You help people want to live and not just survive. You’re a big part of making me the man that I am today.”