Nick’s story shows us what happens when grief, addiction, and trauma meet the power of God’s love, healing, and redemption.

And, it all starts with Isaiah 43:19 which says, “See, I am doing a NEW thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

But, before the streams of healing come, we often face the desert.

This is where Nick’s story begins.

Nick grew up in a long line of brokenness, addiction, and trauma. Chaos and pain were considered normal. By the time he reached adulthood, he longed to escape and built a successful business.

But with more success came more pressure, and Nick slipped deeper into addiction. Eventually it all collapsed and he got arrested.

“I truly feel like jail was God’s first attempt at getting me out of my addiction,” he says. “But I was stubborn.”

And then, the unthinkable happened.

He was released from jail into a snowstorm.

You know… the kind of snow with howling winds and eight inches on the ground. It was dark, cold, and Nick had nowhere to go. But he knew about one place nearby: Springs Rescue Mission.

So, on a cold winter evening, he walked all the way to our doors.

That night, he prayed for the first time in a long time.

“I asked God for help. For a relationship with Him. For healing. For love. For my family.”

And, the next morning, something incredible happened. A man walked up to him and told him about SRM’s addiction recovery program and Nick signed up right away. But his journey didn’t begin smoothly.

In his intake interview, he downplayed his addiction and he told staff he had it under control.

“I got denied,” he says. “And honestly, that moment changed my life.”

Nick returned that same afternoon, and this time, he told the truth. He was accepted into the program and made a promise to God: “I’ll give you this year.”

THIS is when everything began to change

• He got a steady job with the City of Colorado Springs (one he still has)
• He learned to communicate with honesty and vulnerability
• He built healthy relationships
• He traded addiction for healing

…and, he met his now-wife at Springs Rescue Mission.

Nick also learned something eternal along the way.

“God showed me that I don't have to carry shame,” Nick says.

“He showed me that I am lovable and worthy. God’s grace shows us you can mess up one time, two times, ten times. And he still loves you and sees you.”

Nick was finally experiencing a steady job, the love of Jesus, the warmth of community, and the power of healing.

But, before we finish his story…

If your heart is drawn to Nick’s story and the healing work at Springs Rescue Mission…
Would you consider donating today and helping neighbors like Nick experience healing?

Okay, back to Nick’s story.

While he was healing, heartache came – Nick lost both of his parents during his recovery journey.

One Sunday at church, grieving and desperate for God’s comfort, he felt the Lord wrap His arms around him.

Moments later, a stranger tapped his shoulder and said: “God told me to give you a hug.”

“Okay God,” Nick thought, “You see me.”

From there, God moved in a powerful way. Nick's desire for deep connection was met with friends, mentors, accountability, and community. He learned how to love and be loved. He learned how to find family (not from blood, but from shared vulnerability, courage, and faith).

And today?

He is break in patterns. Nick and his wife are starting a family rooted in God’s truth and grace.

That night, he prayed for the first time in a long time.

“I asked God for help. For a relationship with Him. For healing. For love. For my family.”

And this is just the beginning for Nick…

“I have a better life now than I ever thought I deserved,” he says. “It’s 100% because God was patient with me.”

God is doing a new thing at Springs Rescue Mission and Nick's life is living proof.

Thank you for being part of it.

It’s an honor to serve our homeless neighbors in Colorado Springs alongside you.