Frank’s journey hasn’t been conventional, and for much of his life, it was far from easy. Growing up in Los Angeles, he experienced a major life change at the age of 15 when his father moved the family to Colorado Springs. Suddenly, Frank found himself in a smaller town, far from the bustling world he knew. High school was a time of adaptation and growth, and Frank threw himself into music, eventually joining bands like Lotus and Bastille as a lead vocalist. He lived the life of a touring musician, chasing success and the thrill of performance across the United States.

But life outside the spotlight proved more complicated. When Frank learned he was going to be a father, he made the difficult choice to step away from his music career. Over the years, he became a father to three children, including a daughter he adopted and raised from the age of two. While his love for his children never wavered, Frank admits that he wasn’t always the father he wanted to be. His focus was often elsewhere, and he faced struggles with addiction that complicated family life.

For years, Frank worked as a maintenance supervisor across the West Coast, managing apartment complexes and leading teams. But after a serious back injury and 10 subsequent surgeries on his back and three on his neck, his life took another unexpected turn. He went on disability, no longer able to maintain the lifestyle he had known. Alcohol crept back into his life as he wrestled with pain and uncertainty, and Frank found himself at a crossroads.

Homelessness was an obstacle Frank never thought he'd encounter, but it became his reality during this dark season of his life.

It was during this challenging season that Frank made the decision to come to Springs Rescue Mission, a place he had known about for some time.

"It was the best thing I could have ever done,"

Frank recalls.

After enrolling in SRM’s vocational training program, Frank began to put the pieces of his life back together. Starting as a dishwasher, he quickly advanced to lead chef, managing the kitchen with the same precision and leadership he demonstrated as a maintenance supervisor. “I conduct an orchestra,” he says, referring to the rhythm and coordination required to run the kitchen smoothly. Frank ensures that each team member has a purpose and a role, and he takes pride in seeing others succeed alongside him.

"A lot of people helped me, and now I'm happy helping a lot of people,"

Frank says about his new reality.

Finding a family of sorts in the kitchen team, Frank is right at home while preparing meals for SRM guests. But his role is bigger than prepping food –it’s an avenue to guide newer residents, offer support, and share lessons from his life experiences. For Frank, healing hasn’t only been found in overcoming addiction or maintaining housing; it’s been found by rediscovering his purpose, connecting with others, and experiencing joy in service.

Through it all, Frank knows that God’s provision and grace is central to his story.

Born and raised Catholic, Frank credits God with keeping him alive and giving him direction when life felt impossible. After facing countless setbacks, Frank recognizes that God’s grace is to credit for his survival.

Now, he walks with intention and purpose. “I don’t think I would be alive today if it weren’t for God’s plan,” he says. Through his faith, Frank has learned to take life one step at a time, focusing on what he can control and trusting God with the rest.

Frank’s story is also a testament to the holistic approach at Springs Rescue Mission. SRM is more than a shelter – it’s a place of faith, community, and transformation. Residents have access to housing, meals, medical care, counseling, and spiritual support, all free of charge. For Frank, the Mission provided a safe space to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually, equipping him to live a life of stability and meaning.

Generous donors are integral to stories like Frank’s.

Your support makes it possible for people to step out of the darkness of struggle and into the light of hope. Frank’s journey – from a struggling father and injured worker to a confident, faith-filled leader at SRM – is a living example of what your generosity accomplishes every day.

"Springs Rescue Mission gave me a purpose,"

Frank says,

"and now I get to help others find theirs."

If you’re inspired by Frank’s story, we’d love for you to join us for a special event in conjunction with nationally renowned photographer Aaron Anderson on Friday, May 1^st at Meanwhile Block in downtown Colorado Springs. Hope Springs Forth: Healing After Homelessness is a First Friday art experience showcasing photos of Frank and other beloved neighbors whose stories include Springs Rescue Mission.

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