My name is Chris, and I’m a recovering addict.  My journey in life has been rough. I started using street drugs like weed and meth when I was very young.  During this time, I also started committing crimes in Texas where I was raised.  I’ve been in and out of the Texas prison system off and on for close to 20 years. After I was released from prison the last time, I know that I was not going to be able to stay in Texas if I wanted to survive and be a productive member of society.  So after a couple of years of living in Texas I had the chance to move to Albuquerque.

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   Now that I’m living in New Mexico I’ve found that I have an addiction and that there is a cure for it. Even though it has now taken me over a year and a half to realize this and in and out of rehab 5 times.  Out of all the rehabs that I’ve been to I have finally found one that meets my needs.  I consider it my home. The Good Shepherd’s Fresh Start program saved my life. Here I’ve been able to fully work on myself, something I was never really giving the chance to do in the Texas prison system.

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    I would like to thank all the Brothers of Saint John of God and the Staff of the Good Shepherd for giving me the opportunity to find who Chris R. is and what I’m capable of doing. I’ve learned during this time that I am a really good person and that I have the ability to do good things. I love being able to work with the Homeless on a daily basis. And the smiles that I leave on their faces. And that when the day is over and I lay my head down to sleep that I have made a difference in someone’s life, and that is all because of the Good Shepherd Fresh Start program.

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    After I have completed the program I’m wanting to stick around and continue helping people in and out of the program.  I would like to go to CNM and become a Substance Abuse counselor, so I’m able to reach out and help the ones who are still suffering and to continue helping the Homeless and help change that population.