Like the majority of the clients in our Healthy Living Program, Randy V. has struggled with addiction for most of his life. The youngest of four siblings, Randy was born and raised in Ontario, California by his single mother. Although he came from a good family, Randy ended up on the wrong path and began using drugs and alcohol at age fifteen. “I used to see all the older guys in the neighborhood shooting up and I’d say to myself, I’ll never do that. And then one day, someone offered it [heroin] to me, and I was hooked.”
Randy was what we call a “functioning addict.” He was still able to maintain a job and hide his addiction well, even from his girlfriend, the mother of his four children. Randy was in and out of jail and tried countless times to remain clean and sober, but nothing clicked until he came to The Midnight Mission in September 2013.
Since he’s been at The Midnight Mission, Randy has learned more about his disease of addiction and has reunited with his daughters again. Randy graduated from our Healthy Living Program in November 2014 and received his Drug and Alcohol Certificate through CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals) in hopes of becoming a Drug and Alcohol counselor one day. He has been offered a full time position at California Hospital as a volunteer specialist.
“I’ve been in a lot of treatment programs and The Midnight Mission is the best one out here in Los Angeles. It may be in the worst area, but it’s the best program. The Midnight Mission has helped me with my education and court issues. The things they do for us on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve make staying sober a lot easier. Every day isn’t perfect, but if you can come in and sit still and adapt to what The Midnight Mission has to offer, you’re good. I couldn’t have done any of the things I’ve accomplished without the help from everyone here and my higher power God, of course.” – Randy V.