Michael’s journey to sobriety is a testament to the transformative power of hope, faith, and community—all of which he found at The Harbor, our men’s long-term recovery program at Portland Rescue Mission.
For years, Michael struggled with addiction, starting with his first drink at age 12 and escalating to cocaine use after high school. Despite numerous attempts at sobriety and stints in multiple treatment centers, he faced repeated relapses that plunged him deeper into despair. At his lowest point, sitting in a smoke-filled apartment, Michael felt lost, mentally, physically, and spiritually depleted. But in that moment of darkness, he remembered his mother’s teachings about God. Turning to his faith, he clung to the promises in Luke 18:27, “What is impossible for man is possible with God,” and Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
When Michael arrived at The Harbor, he was scared, anxious, and uncertain, but also determined. He hadn’t experienced sustained sobriety since he was 12, but The Harbor offered something different—a holistic, faith-based approach that nurtured both his spiritual and personal growth. Through daily devotionals, prayer, and study, Michael began to rediscover his intrinsic worth and embrace God’s unconditional love. He learned to confront his fears, face challenges head-on, and accept the painful truth that his addiction had harmed not just himself, but his family as well.
The Harbor provided Michael with more than just tools for recovery, it gave him a community. Michael found strength in his fellow participants, who called him out whenever he tried to isolate himself, and in the unwavering support of volunteers who kept the program running smoothly. Their collective care and encouragement made The Harbor a place of healing and transformation.
Through the program, Michael learned the importance of service, trusting God’s process, and allowing his purpose to unfold daily. He discovered that true freedom comes from embracing faith and living a life of integrity and compassion. To those still navigating their recovery journeys, Michael offered words of encouragement: “Recovery is possible. There will be tough days, but every step forward is a victory. Don’t leave before the miracle happens.”
As he stood at his graduation, Michael expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported him along the way. His journey at The Harbor and Portland Rescue Mission marked not just the end of his addiction, but the beginning of a new, hopeful chapter in his life—one filled with purpose, faith, and the promise of a brighter future.