Dyllan Dale would be the first to tell you that his life has not been easy. He has made mistakes, made bad choices, hurt people and battled addiction. He would also be the first to tell you that it is truly by the grace of God that he is where he is today.
More than three years ago, Dyllan landed at Victory Mission, a Springfield, Missouri, nonprofit and ministry dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty and giving opportunities to the homeless. His destructive behavior had caught up with him, and he needed a place to get his life together. Victory Mission proved to be the place that orchestrated change for Dyllan. Fast forward to today, and Dyllan has completed the Restoration Program at Victory Mission and is currently the manager for the Victory Mission kitchen and garden.
“What a blessing this is,” Dyllan said. “I get to pour into the guys going through the Restoration program where I once was. I also lead the prayer team for the recovery service at my church, The Well.”
Dyllan has two sons, Bentley and Ezra. He knew from early on that nothing in this world would ever make him give up on wanting to be in his kid’s lives. Dyllan never knew his biological dad. He knew without a doubt that he could never do that to his kids, and he would have to be the one to break the chain of abandonment in his family. That is exactly what Dyllan is working on today.
Bentley (8) was recently diagnosed with autism. It seemed inconceivable that Bentley’s mom would ask Dyllan to drive two and half hours and spend the night at the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia, Missouri, to be at Bentley’s medical appointment in the morning. It also seemed far-fetched to think that Dyllan and Bentley’s mom would be able to continue their summer visitation schedule even when school resumes in the fall. However, that is exactly what will happen. Dyllan is an important part of Bentley’s life, and neither of them would have it any other way. Bentley understands that his dad doesn’t have much to give in the way of material things. He receives something even greater – he gets time with his dad.
Father and son were able to spend Father’s Day together at the creek.
Bentley said, “It is son peaceful out here, Dad. I really like it.” He went on to say, “Dad, can we come back every year and make this a tradition?”
Dyllan feels that Bentley is so much like him – he loves nature, long car rides through the countryside, being silly, and being inquisitive. That brings a smile to Dyllan’s face and increases the love in his heart.
Unfortunately, Dyllan does not have the same involvement in Ezra’s (7) life.
Ezra’s mom is battling many of the same demons that Dyllan battled in his earlier life. She is finding it hard to give and gain trust. Dyllan is doing his best to stay humble and patient.
After a year of searching, he was able to track down Ezra and his mom. Dyllan started court proceedings to be able to be a part of Ezra’s life. About a month ago, the case was closed. Dyllan and Ezra’s mom have agreed on a schedule that will coordinate with Bentley’s existing schedule. Later this month Dyllan and Ezra will begin therapeutic visits and start their reunification
.More changes are in store for Dyllan and his sons. He is engaged to a wonderful lady named Hannah.
“She is sweet, kind, and special,” says Dyllan. “It warms my heart thinking about her.”
They will be married in October 2022.
Dyllan has been through many difficulties in his life. He has endured his share of struggles. In the end, Dyllan knows that it is all because of the amazing grace of God that he is where he is today. To that end, Dyllan says, “What an amazing life God has given me!”
To hear Dyllan share a bit about his garden project at Victory Mission, click here.
“Success is earned, not given.” This phrase is one you will hear quite frequently from Robert "Bobby" Pullin.
Bobby’s life proves that his successes have been earned. He also admits that his struggles have come because of his own poor choices.
Bobby joined the Army in 1975. He fought in Vietnam. After serving the United States proudly in the Army and the Army National Guard for a number of years, Bobby was honorably discharged from both branches of service.
After his military service, Bobby found himself making choices that did not help him succeed. He called himself a “daredevil.” Fast cars were his nemesis. This lifestyle did not work well for a man married with children. Bobby and his wife eventually split, and he turned to alcohol. He changed jobs frequently and in time lost his driver’s license.
While in the Army, Bobby had spent time in Missouri for his basic training and AIT. He enjoyed the area and felt that in order to succeed perhaps a permanent move to Missouri was just what he needed.
In 1999, Bobby made Missouri his home. Life in Missouri was not without its challenges.
Poor choices, alcohol, and a son that he does not have contact with have caused many issues for Bobby. Though not easy, Bobby knew that in order to succeed and “right the wrongs” in his life, he needed to pull himself up and work toward the one thing he so desperately desires—seeing his son again.
In 2018, Bobby visited the VA clinic where he received information on the New Pathways for Good Dads program. After a time, he enrolled in NPGD. It was not always smooth sailing, but when Bobby realized that Good Dads was willing to help, he jumped in with both feet! Bobby is earning his success.
He says, “New Pathways for Good Dads has given him a positive outlook. A person just needs to be willing to take the steps to move forward.”
He is not letting his mistakes define him. There have been many successes in Bobby’s life. He has five journeyman certificates in various trades and one culinary degree.
Bobby has a huge heart, he is always willing to help others in need, and he volunteers one day a week at the Good Dads office to give back to the organization that has invested in him. He has completed New Pathways for Good Dads and graduated from the program in July.
Bobby said, “Good Dads has been a blessing to me. The facilitators, the classes, the food, the classmates, and the case managers have all been great!” Bobby still has not been able to reconnect with his son or get his driver’s license back, but he is not giving up hope. He knows that he needs to earn his success; it will not be given to him.
Keep striving Bobby. With your determination, we are sure that you will achieve your goals!
John grew up in Mount Vernon, MO, as an only child. He had the most loving and kind parents that a child could want. Despite all the pain and hurt that they experienced throughout the years, they are still married.
Throughout his childhood, John was involved in AAU Basketball. He played in tournaments in various states. At the age of 10, John knew what he wanted to do with his life – he wanted to be a basketball player. His parents did not make a lot of money, but they always found a way for John to chase his basketball dream.
At the age of 13, John took his first drink of alcohol. At age 14, he was using pot every day. John filled the loneliness of being an only child with substance consumption, friends, and dating. He reach a point where his focus was on getting high, or in his words, “Chasing the next best high –which does not exist.”
All of John’s relationships, friendships, and things of importance started vanishing, and he did not care. He had no regard for the well-being of anyone else. He was only concerned about himself – he was a very selfish individual.
Years of poor choices stripped John of his dream. Playing college basketball was no longer an option. John’s choices had consequences.
In 2008, John was arrested for drug possession. That started a 12-year cycle of in and out of county jails, a prison treatment program, a five-month prison term, three DWIs and living a worldly life full of chaos and destruction. John was lost and hopeless. His downward spiral led to deep despair.
In 2014, John’s daughter, Ariel, was born. John thought this would change everything for him. He was wrong. In 2017, everything came crashing down. John had been abusing alcohol and sleeping medications. The days of a nice home, two cars, a well-paying job, children, and a girlfriend were over.
Even with his world crashing down around him, John was not willing to change how he was acting and living. The face of his beautiful 3-year old daughter was not enough to snap him out of the distorted mindset he had created within himself.
For 20 years, John lived his life on autopilot. He remembers his child’s mother saying, “John, you’re here, but you’re not really here.”
It took getting sober for John to understand what she meant. Selfishly, John left the home. His time as “Man of the House” had come to an end .The phrase, “Everything Must Come to an End” held no meaning for John. He was numb. He masked his feelings and emotions. He was a shell of a human. He was empty. Losing Ariel had had such a profound effect on him and he felt there was nothing he could do.
John says, “Looking back, I realize now that I never really tried.”
John continued his daily drinking, consuming various drugs, robbing, stealing, cheating, and dealing. He made no effort to correct his wrongs. His lifestyle was out of control and he didn’t care. John always said that he believed in God. What he didn’t realize was there was so much more to it.
In 2016, John learned about the Victory Mission Men’s Shelter. He was right out of treatment and had nowhere to go. He stayed at Victory Mission briefly – now he knows the reason that this amazing ministry was put in John’s life. On December 4, 2019, John’s life changed forever!
He was fresh out of prison and strung out on drugs when his friend dropped him off for an interview with the Restoration Program with Victory Mission. It was at Victory Mission where John learned of the love of his Savior, Jesus Christ. John learned of the power of prayer as well as how to pray. He learned that his life has purpose and meaning – God created John for a reason!
At first, it was hard for John to grasp the concept that God could forgive him for all the rotten things that he had done. However, understanding whom God is, what He has done, and what He is capable of doing has filled John with an incredible joy, peace, and hope. John has a new life in Christ. The relationships that he thought were broken are slowly mending.
John will complete the Victory Mission Restoration Program in December. He has a full-time job with a great company in Springfield and recently signed a lease on a new house. John is also part of a great church, where he has met people who will forever influence his life. The New Pathways for Good Dads program has given John the tools and encouragement that he needed to be a father to his daughter.
He says, “I am so thankful that God blessed me with this program and all of the people who believed in all the dads out there who have been through losses, heartache, and hopelessness.”
John’s advice to other dads who are struggling is short and to the point. He says, “Please do not give up hope. Do not stop trying to be there no matter what is going on around you. God shines His light in the darkness. Reach deep inside, dig deep, have Faith, and trust in the process!”
There is Hope – the story is not over. On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020, John will get to see his daughter, Ariel, for the first time in three years! This is a moment that he will cherish and hold in his heart forever! This date also marks one year of sobriety for John.
Johns closing words for you, dear reader, are words of encouragement. “You are not your past. God will provide the people, places, and things in your life that are needed to enjoy a life that is nothing short of beautiful! Trust in Him, do the next right thing, and do not give up before the miracle happens!
"Things happen for a reason."
Danny Watkins may not have always felt that statement was true, but if you asked him today, he would tell you that there is a reason for everything.
Danny has been a drug addict most of his life. He spent 10 years in prison. So, in May of 2019, when his two sons—one biological son and one stepson—were removed from their mother’s custody, Danny was deep into addiction and unable to care for them.
His son was placed in Great Circle in St. James, Missouri, and his stepson was placed in Lakeland in Springfield. In April of 2020, Danny turned himself into The Lazarus House in Joplin, MO. He knew that something needed to change—he could not continue as he had been going.
Danny got clean and turned his life over to God. He says, “Since turning my life over to God, I am so blessed.”
In May of 2020, Danny reached out with a phone call to get in contact with his boys. This proved to be difficult because he had multiple warrants out for his arrest. Danny had a court date quickly approaching but no way to get to court. A couple of weeks later he bought a car. Within a short time Danny was pulled over, arrested, and taken to jail.
This proved to be a blessing. By going to jail, Danny was able to get rid of the warrants. He was bonded out of jail but faced the question, “How will I ever be able to pay back the people who posted my bond?”
This question was answered quickly as Danny walked out of prison and received a notification on his phone—his Stimulus Check was deposited into his account. He could now repay the people that had paid his bond. Danny was able to go to court. He had his license reinstated. His warrants were gone.
Danny has been a drug addict most of his life. He spent 10 years in prison. So, in May of 2019, when his two sons—one biological son and one stepson—were removed from their mother’s custody, Danny was deep into addiction and unable to care for them.
His son was placed in Great Circle in St. James, Missouri, and his stepson was placed in Lakeland in Springfield. In April of 2020, Danny turned himself into The Lazarus House in Joplin, MO. He knew that something needed to change—he could not continue as he had been going.
Danny got clean and turned his life over to God. He says, “Since turning my life over to God, I am so blessed.”
In May of 2020, Danny reached out with a phone call to get in contact with his boys. This proved to be difficult because he had multiple warrants out for his arrest. Danny had a court date quickly approaching but no way to get to court. A couple of weeks later he bought a car. Within a short time Danny was pulled over, arrested, and taken to jail.
This proved to be a blessing. By going to jail, Danny was able to get rid of the warrants. He was bonded out of jail but faced the question, “How will I ever be able to pay back the people who posted my bond?”
A short time later, Danny walked into the front yard of Jeremy Kitchingham. Unbeknownst to Danny, Jeremy was a facilitator in the New Pathways for Good Dads program in Joplin, Missouri. After visiting for a while, Jeremy asked Danny if he had children. Danny responded, “Yes.” Again, Jeremy questioned him and asked if he was trying to get visitation with his children. Danny responded, “Yes.”
Jeremy encouraged Danny to check out the New Pathways for Good Dads program. He told him that he and his wife were facilitators for the program.
Jeremy told Danny, “Be in class Monday night, and you will get your kids back.”
Danny is still fighting to see his children, but he is on the right track. He has been in contact with Lisa, the Case Manager Supervisor for the NPGD program. She made numerous phone calls on his behalf and helped him create the necessary paper trail for court.
One week before Danny was to appear in court, he received orders from Child Protective Services to do a hair follicle test. Sounds easy enough, but a hair follicle test could show drug usage from up to a year ago. Danny was concerned. He had only been clean since April—this could prove to be disastrous. Danny spoke to his lawyer. The lawyer reassured him that they would work through it. Danny also talked to the representative with Child Protective Services.
He asked her, “Why are you doing this to me? You know this test will come back dirty.”
She responded, “Don’t worry about it.”
Danny nearly exploded, “What do you mean, don’t worry about it?”
The representative informed Danny, “Your test came back negative; you are clean.”
Danny and his lawyer went to court. The court recommended that Danny’s parental rights be terminated. The judge, after seeing documentation on Danny’s progress, went against the recommendation for termination; he recommended reunification!
Danny wasn’t out of the woods yet. Housing was still an issue. By the grace of God, Danny was accepted at “God’s Resort”, a Christ-centered and relationship-based transitional housing community exclusively for people seeking the love and support of the body of Christ. Through God’s Resort, Danny has an apartment for himself and his son!
New Pathways for Good Dads has played a big role in Danny’s reunification process. He says that NPGD has helped him learn how to keep a paper trail for court, how to conduct himself in court, how to communicate with his son’s caseworker, and has helped him be enrolled in a Parent-Child-Relationship Training class (with the help of Marlissa Diggs).
Reunification has opened the door of communication for Danny and his son. Danny and his stepson still have a ways to go, but with the help of God, they will get there. Danny is taking things one-step, one day at a time because “Everything happens for a reason, and when you trust God the blessings will keep on coming as well!”
A short time later, Danny walked into the front yard of Jeremy Kitchingham. Unbeknownst to Danny, Jeremy was a facilitator in the New Pathways for Good Dads program in Joplin, Missouri. After visiting for a while, Jeremy asked Danny if he had children. Danny responded, “Yes.” Again, Jeremy questioned him and asked if he was trying to get visitation with his children. Danny responded, “Yes.”
Jeremy encouraged Danny to check out the New Pathways for Good Dads program. He told him that he and his wife were facilitators for the program.
Jeremy told Danny, “Be in class Monday night, and you will get your kids back.”
Danny is still fighting to see his children, but he is on the right track. He has been in contact with Lisa, the Case Manager Supervisor for the NPGD program. She made numerous phone calls on his behalf and helped him create the necessary paper trail for court.
One week before Danny was to appear in court, he received orders from Child Protective Services to do a hair follicle test. Sounds easy enough, but a hair follicle test could show drug usage from up to a year ago. Danny was concerned. He had only been clean since April—this could prove to be disastrous. Danny spoke to his lawyer. The lawyer reassured him that they would work through it. Danny also talked to the representative with Child Protective Services.
He asked her, “Why are you doing this to me? You know this test will come back dirty.”
She responded, “Don’t worry about it.”
Danny nearly exploded, “What do you mean, don’t worry about it?”
The representative informed Danny, “Your test came back negative; you are clean.”
Danny and his lawyer went to court. The court recommended that Danny’s parental rights be terminated. The judge, after seeing documentation on Danny’s progress, went against the recommendation for termination; he recommended reunification!
Danny wasn’t out of the woods yet. Housing was still an issue. By the grace of God, Danny was accepted at “God’s Resort”, a Christ-centered and relationship-based transitional housing community exclusively for people seeking the love and support of the body of Christ. Through God’s Resort, Danny has an apartment for himself and his son!
New Pathways for Good Dads has played a big role in Danny’s reunification process. He says that NPGD has helped him learn how to keep a paper trail for court, how to conduct himself in court, how to communicate with his son’s caseworker, and has helped him be enrolled in a Parent-Child-Relationship Training class (with the help of Marlissa Diggs).
Reunification has opened the door of communication for Danny and his son. Danny and his stepson still have a ways to go, but with the help of God, they will get there. Danny is taking things one-step, one day at a time because “Everything happens for a reason, and when you trust God the blessings will keep on coming as well!”
Anthony James Flores was born in Blythe, California, the second child of Anthony and Joann Flores. He has an older sister, Raquel, and a younger brother, Coty.
Anthony grew up in a family of drug-addicted parents without ever having much contact with his father. His grandmother, Doris Rivera, was the one person that Anthony and his siblings could always count on when the electricity was turned off or when they were evicted from their home. At the age of 13, Anthony and his family relocated to Salem, Missouri, a small town of about 5,000 people.
This proved to be a difficult time for Anthony and his family. They were the only Hispanic family in town. After many racial slurs, Anthony became a very aggressive child. It was difficult for Anthony and his siblings to have friends. When Anthony would invite friends over to play or spend the night, the friend’s parents would refuse to allow the sleepover due to the newspaper reports of drug activity in the home.
This became a “normal” way of life for Anthony. He was accustomed to the drug activity, needles being left around the house, and doors being kicked in.
Anthony’s life started a downward spiral soon after the move to Salem. Anthony’s father was back with the family, but he was not proving to be a good role model for a young, teenage boy. At age 13, Anthony started drinking alcohol and smoking weed. That led to stealing his grandmother’s opiate medications and Xanax at age 14. To him, all this seemed normal because it was the behavior he saw demonstrated by his parents.
When Anthony turned 17, his father left the family once again and moved back to California. Anthony’s downward spiral continued. He started using OxyContin and any other drug he could find.
Anthony grew up in a family of drug-addicted parents without ever having much contact with his father. His grandmother, Doris Rivera, was the one person that Anthony and his siblings could always count on when the electricity was turned off or when they were evicted from their home. At the age of 13, Anthony and his family relocated to Salem, Missouri, a small town of about 5,000 people.
This proved to be a difficult time for Anthony and his family. They were the only Hispanic family in town. After many racial slurs, Anthony became a very aggressive child. It was difficult for Anthony and his siblings to have friends. When Anthony would invite friends over to play or spend the night, the friend’s parents would refuse to allow the sleepover due to the newspaper reports of drug activity in the home.
This became a “normal” way of life for Anthony. He was accustomed to the drug activity, needles being left around the house, and doors being kicked in.
Anthony’s life started a downward spiral soon after the move to Salem. Anthony’s father was back with the family, but he was not proving to be a good role model for a young, teenage boy. At age 13, Anthony started drinking alcohol and smoking weed. That led to stealing his grandmother’s opiate medications and Xanax at age 14. To him, all this seemed normal because it was the behavior he saw demonstrated by his parents.
In 2008, Anthony got married. His oldest son, Anthony James, was born in 2009 with his youngest son, Noah Jacob, born several years later. In 2009, his mother overdosed. She was given a “bad shot” and dumped at a rural fire station. Because of Anthony’s drug use, being in and out of jail, and the overdose of his mother, this marriage did not last.
After spending many years in jail and not being able to see his children, Anthony was finally clean and ready to begin a new life. He joined the New Beginning Sanctuary program in Springfield, MO. He was finally able to make contact with his sons and was made a house manager. This sober-living program worked well for Anthony – for a time.
After six months, Anthony relapsed. He met a woman and became too comfortable in his new life. They both began using drugs, and once again, Anthony was on a downward spiral. Six months of using drugs, being homeless, unable to buy any Christmas gifts, and eating a Honey Bun and grapes from a trash can for their Christmas dinner, it finally clicked.
He was at rock bottom and needed to make a change – this time for good. One week after Christmas, Anthony was in the Salem Treatment Center. One month later, he was enrolled in the One More 24 program in Springfield, MO. It was there that he got back into loving God and reading God’s Word.
Anthony started having structure in his life. He also re-enrolled in the New Pathways for Good Dads program. Anthony credits the NPGD program for helping him with his child support as well as his parenting skills. He now has the skills necessary for talking with his children and knowing how to discipline them. He also wants them to grow up with structure in their lives and know how to work hard.
Anthony is striving to be a man of his word – if he tells his children he will pick them up every other weekend, he will be there. He makes it a point to attend their events. He is making sure they have clothes for school as well as the other necessities that growing boys may need.
Anthony said, “I never thought I’d see my kids again, but God put me in their lives for a reason. Today, I know I am a “Good Dad.” Surrounding himself with people who want him to succeed has also been instrumental in Anthony’s success. One such person is his sister, Raquel Flores.
She was there for him when he was at his lowest point. She picked him up at the bus stop and helped him get into treatment. Through his struggles, she did not give up on him. Another person who has supported Anthony through his recovery is his fiancé, Richelle Van Luven.
Anthony says, “She is an amazing stepmother to my children.” Anthony and Richelle are looking forward to being married soon and continuing their walkthrough life with the Good Lord leading them every step of the way. Anthony has been clean and sober for over two years. He has been working at Altrista Plastic Solutions for nearly two years and has recently been trained as a Mold Tech.
This “Good Dad” will also be graduating from the New Pathways for Good Dads program in November. After graduation, Anthony also hopes to be trained as a New Pathways for Good Dads facilitator so that he can give back to a program that has been so helpful to him. Anthony’s advice to you is “Never give up. Take things one day at a time. Put your faith in God because He has a plan for you.” Congratulations Anthony! Keep on working hard and being a “Good Dad”!
In 2008, Anthony got married. His oldest son, Anthony James, was born in 2009 with his youngest son, Noah Jacob, born several years later. In 2009, his mother overdosed. She was given a “bad shot” and dumped at a rural fire station. Because of Anthony’s drug use, being in and out of jail, and the overdose of his mother, this marriage did not last.
After spending many years in jail and not being able to see his children, Anthony was finally clean and ready to begin a new life. He joined the New Beginning Sanctuary program in Springfield, MO. He was finally able to make contact with his sons and was made a house manager. This sober-living program worked well for Anthony – for a time.
After six months, Anthony relapsed. He met a woman and became too comfortable in his new life. They both began using drugs, and once again, Anthony was on a downward spiral. Six months of using drugs, being homeless, unable to buy any Christmas gifts, and eating a Honey Bun and grapes from a trash can for their Christmas dinner, it finally clicked.
He was at rock bottom and needed to make a change – this time for good. One week after Christmas, Anthony was in the Salem Treatment Center. One month later, he was enrolled in the One More 24 program in Springfield, MO. It was there that he got back into loving God and reading God’s Word.
Anthony started having structure in his life. He also re-enrolled in the New Pathways for Good Dads program. Anthony credits the NPGD program for helping him with his child support as well as his parenting skills. He now has the skills necessary for talking with his children and knowing how to discipline them. He also wants them to grow up with structure in their lives and know how to work hard.
Anthony is striving to be a man of his word – if he tells his children he will pick them up every other weekend, he will be there. He makes it a point to attend their events. He is making sure they have clothes for school as well as the other necessities that growing boys may need.
Anthony said, “I never thought I’d see my kids again, but God put me in their lives for a reason. Today, I know I am a “Good Dad.” Surrounding himself with people who want him to succeed has also been instrumental in Anthony’s success. One such person is his sister, Raquel Flores.
She was there for him when he was at his lowest point. She picked him up at the bus stop and helped him get into treatment. Through his struggles, she did not give up on him. Another person who has supported Anthony through his recovery is his fiancé, Richelle Van Luven.
Anthony says, “She is an amazing stepmother to my children.” Anthony and Richelle are looking forward to being married soon and continuing their walkthrough life with the Good Lord leading them every step of the way. Anthony has been clean and sober for over two years. He has been working at Altrista Plastic Solutions for nearly two years and has recently been trained as a Mold Tech.
This “Good Dad” will also be graduating from the New Pathways for Good Dads program in November. After graduation, Anthony also hopes to be trained as a New Pathways for Good Dads facilitator so that he can give back to a program that has been so helpful to him. Anthony’s advice to you is “Never give up. Take things one day at a time. Put your faith in God because He has a plan for you.”
Congratulations Anthony! Keep on working hard and being a Good Dad!
Bobby recently completed the Fatherhood Development Course. He is looking forward to beginning the Within My Reach relationship class.
New Pathways for Good Dads would like to congratulate Bobby on having his felony expunged from his record. Bobby participated in a program through Legal Services of Southwest Missouri.
Check them out at LSSM.org or call 800-444-4863.
If you were to meet Charlie today, you might think, “That guy has it all together; he gets to see his kids, he has a great job, he’s working on a college degree, and he’s good looking!” Those things may be true, but it has not always been that way.
When Charlie was a child, his childhood experiences were not those of a child who has it all. Charlie was a ward of the state and experienced a failed adoption. There was abuse, neglect, drugs, and parties in his life.
When he was 17, Charlie dropped out of high school and ran away from the foster care system with his pregnant girlfriend. That relationship ended horribly.
Charlie was in prison three times. After his third imprisonment, he decided that things needed to change. He was losing his rights to his children, and he felt that he had very little hope.
Charlie found Victory Mission. He enrolled in every class that he was eligible to attend. These classes included the New Pathways for Good Dads Fatherhood Development Course and the Within My Reach relationship class.
Charlie has earned his HiSet and is currently attending Ozark Technical College, pursuing a bachelor degree in Behavioral Science with a 4.0 GPA. Victory Mission awarded Charlie an apprenticeship where he is helping to lead the long-term recovery program with the potential to continue his career at the Mission upon his graduation.
Charlie states, “I have been able to spend time snuggled up to my children and take them to my church where I help lead the Tech Department. Life is amazing! I am in love with Jesus, and I could not have done any of this on my own!”
If you were to have the pleasure of talking to Cody on the phone today, you would probably agree that you can almost “hear” Cody smile!
Cody’s voice and positivity are infectious. The joy of the Lord shines in his eyes. Unfortunately, life has not always been this way for Cody. Cody grew up in a broken home in a small Missouri town. His mother and grandmother raised him.
He attended the same school from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Cody participated in many school activities, including basketball and baseball. At the age of 14, Cody began smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol. Before long, he was addicted and experimenting with harder drugs.
After Cody graduated from high school, he went to work at the shipyard in Caruthersville, MO. Here, he was introduced to opiate painkillers. This addiction lasted for more than 10 years. Cody was eventually fired from the shipyard for failing a drug test.
After being fired, Cody found a job delivering pizzas. At this job, he met the woman that he would marry and be the mother for his child. Cody tried to hide his addiction, but like addiction does, it reared its ugly head. Cody was in and out of rehab. Nothing seemed to work.
After a short marriage, Cody and his wife divorced—his daughter was barely one year old. Cody tried rehab again. He spent the next year at the Army Church in Branson. Things went well for a time. However, there was still something missing in Cody’s life, and again he relapsed.
During this relapse, Cody was sent to prison for 120 days for stealing vehicles. Upon his release, he returned to Branson for another attempt at rehabilitation. By this time, it was 2016. Cody had not seen or talked to his daughter in more than two years. Cody relapsed again. Again he was sent to prison for vehicle theft involving a police chase and assault on an officer.
Cody spent the next year in the Department of Corrections. Upon his release, Cody made Victory Mission is home plan. Through the Restoration Program at Victory Mission, Cody rededicated his life to Christ and has not looked back! That was December 5, 2018.
Since then Cody has been in contact with his daughter’s mother. He started writing letters to his daughter each week. His ex-wife saw that he was serious in his desire to restore his relationship with his daughter. She has since given their daughter all of Cody’s letters and allowed her to write to Cody. After two months of back and forth letters, Cody and his daughter had their first phone conversation in many years.
Cody was prepared for a short, one-sided conversation. But, to his surprise, the conversation lasted over one hour! The next week their second phone conversation lasted for two hours! When Cody tells this story, this is when you can “hear” him smile!
Cody stated, “This is a process, but it is worth every minute. I am so excited for the day to come when I can see her and hug her again!”
Cody is working full-time at SMC. He bought a vehicle just before Christmas. He serves faithfully at Freedom City Church on the Administration and Hospitality teams. Cody is a graduate of the New Pathways for Good Dads program and a soon-to-be graduate of the Victory Mission Restoration program.
Through it all, Cody exclaimed, “God is on the move!”
Daniel had a bumpy life from the start. He grew up in low-income housing on the Illinois side of St. Louis. Due to the poverty level, Daniel had to use his street smarts in order to survive.
By the time he was 15 years old, he was a young alcoholic. After a stint in a rock band, he moved to Missouri. He was not making enough money on stage to pay for all the alcohol he was consuming. Daniel stopped drinking after a car accident. His new crutch was prescription painkillers.
At this time, Daniel was married with two small children. The marriage was dead from the start, but he tried to keep it together for the sake of the children. His wife continuously accused him of using methamphetamine.
Daniel’s thought was, “Since she does not know the difference in my behavior, I might as well use meth.” This led to a downhill spiral—Daniel would be arrested, released on probation and violate again. The pattern continued.
In 2017, Daniel and his wife divorced. He was homeless and jobless in a town where the only people that he knew were his ex-wife’s family—and they hated him. This location was so remote that getting a job or getting to his Parole Officer was nearly impossible.
Daniel dove deeper into substance abuse as well as manufacturing and distributing illegal drugs. Somehow, Daniel was able to stay off the radar and not get charged with drug offenses, but he did violate his probation and was sent to jail. Daniel spent three months in the county jail with the possibility of spending 8 to 10 years in prison. He defended himself and was able to get his sentence down to four months in the Department of Corrections without treatment.
During this time, Daniel’s girlfriend gave birth to their baby boy. Finally, Daniel put his life in God’s hands and was prepared for prison. He wrote a letter to the judge and told him that he wanted to go to a sober living program. He told him that if he were to go to prison, he would be released back to homelessness, joblessness, and the probability of running back to drugs; he needed a solid foundation.
On Daniel’s next court date, he was called up to court with acceptance letters for the New Beginning Sanctuary Sober Living/Recovery Program as well as a public defender in his corner. He was released to NBS that day and ordered to be cautious—he was ordered to return for sentencing in three months at which time he could still be sent to prison. Three months later Daniel returned to court for his sentencing.
His fiancée and new baby were by his side. Daniel was expecting prison but hoping and praying for release. He had letters from his counselor, his program director, and his boss. To the astonishment of Daniel and his fiancée, the judge overturned the ruling on his case, stating, “Daniel was a victim of his own success.”
Daniel was sentenced to complete the recovery program in which he was enrolled. Two months later, he became a house manager at NBS and started in the New Pathways for Good Dads program. He kept expecting the worst, but it never came!
2020 has been a big year for Daniel. His relationship with his children from his first marriage has been restored. In February, Daniel married Jessica, the mother of his third child. Together they have gotten sober and have remained sober. In March, Daniel graduated from the New Beginning Sanctuary program. He also completed all requirements for the New Pathways for Good Dads program and will be graduating from the NPGD program this summer. Daniel also landed a job at an auto repair shop.
Daniel states, “I have a new family and an unbelievable life that I’ve never had before. I am not rich, but I am not where I was before. I have an awesome family and support system. I get to see my kids whenever I want. I even went into the courtroom and thanked the judge for giving me the opportunity to make something of myself. Doing this renewed his faith that people can change, programs can work, and people can recover and become someone if they just open their minds.”
Take the chance. Try. Have faith in yourself.
“Hi Jack. How are you?” Jack’s reply to this question is always, “I’m blessed.”
Jack is from California. He was blessed with a good home—mom, dad, siblings. When he was about 12 years old, things changed. Jack began using drugs. He experimented with more intense drugs and things deteriorated.
Jack got married in his early 20’s. His wife had two daughters and together they had two children, daughter and a son. He and his wife did drugs together. Neither Jack nor his wife could hold down a job, nor could they keep their own family together.
Jack’s stepdaughters went to live with their father. Jack owned his own business as well as his own home. Eventually Jack stopped using drugs. Unfortunately, this only lasted a short time. The desire was too great, and Jack went back to using drugs. He lost his business and his home. He resorted to living in his mom’s garage.
His daughter went to live with her grandparents. His son lived with his mother and bounced around from place to place. Jack stole metal and copper to support his meth habit. Jack knew something needed to change.
He moved to Missouri to get his life back together. After Jack was settled in Missouri, he returned to California intent on moving his family to Missouri with him. For many reasons, that plan did not work. Jack returned to Missouri alone.
After the failed attempt at reuniting his family in Missouri, Jack was “clean” for seven years. It didn’t last. Jack got back into meth. He got into trouble and received a second-degree felony assault. He started out with probation, but eventually ended up in prison. Then the change took place. While he was in prison, Jack surrendered his life to Christ. Upon his release from prison, he made New Beginning Sanctuary his home plan. He continued to focus on God. His life is becoming whole again.
Jack has a relationship with his children and grandchildren. He has a cordial parenting relationship with his ex-wife—together they purchased their son’s class ring and had it engraved “From Mom and Dad.” He is planning a trip to California to celebrate his son’s graduation from high school.
The skills and tools that he learned from the Fatherhood Development Class and the Within My Reach Relationship class have been instrumental in helping to repair his relationship with his children. Jack is now a trained facilitator for the New Pathways for Good Dads program and is sharing his skills and knowledge with many others at New Beginning Sanctuary.
Jack said it best, “God is restoring all the things I messed up and putting them back together!”
Before the age of nine, Jacob would say he had a “good childhood.” All that changed when he moved in with his mother when he was nine-years old. Things did not go well.
At 11-years old, his mother kicked him out of the house. He was forced to live on the streets. Jacob committed robberies. He manufactured and distributed drugs. At the age of 19, Jacob met the mother of his children.
Jacob’s daughter was born when he was 21 years old and his son when he was 23 years old. Jacob’s relationship with the mother of his children was destroyed by eight years of heavy drug use. Jacob was sent to prison in 2018.
After his release from prison, Jacob made Victory Mission part of his home plan. Things went well for Jacob—for a while. When Jacob learned that his children had been taken into state custody in Oklahoma, he left Victory Mission. This departure did not go well for him.
He relapsed and was sent back to prison. Upon his release in May of 2019, Jacob returned to Victory Mission and has since fought to stop the termination of his parental rights. Jacob realizes that he is not fighting this battle alone.
He confesses, “I have succeeded through my faith and obedience to God. With the help of Victory Mission, I have been blessed with my own house. This house will be a home for my kids and me when I finish the program. I am looking forward to regaining full custody of my kids in the next 90 days. All glory be to God!”
Since returning to Victory Mission in May of 2019, Jacob has completed a discipleship program at his church and is looking forward to mentoring others. Jacob has been employed at Prestressed Casting Co. since August 1, 2019. He works as a union steelman and is a member of the local 663 Heavy Laborers Union.
Joe is a graduate of the New Pathways for Good Dads program. He is married to Amanda and has one step-son named Destin.
Joe is a graduate of the New Pathways for Good Dads program. He is married to Amanda and has one step-son named Destin.
Joe and Amanda have graduated from the sober living program at New Beginning Sanctuary. Through NBS they have been house managers in several locations and have recently moved into their own apartment! Joe is a maintenance/handyman for NBS, a chef at HuHot, and an outstanding facilitator for the NPGD program.
Amanda is a Substance Abuse Technician at Burrell Behavioral Health as well as a NPGD facilitator and assistant case manager. After Joe completed his Fatherhood Development Course, he decided he wanted to become more involved with Good Dads.
Joe and Amanda have since been trained as facilitators for Fatherhood Development, Within My Reach, and Within Our Reach. Together, Joe and Amanda have facilitated four different fatherhood and relationship classes at NBS for the NPGD program. They make a great team, and we are blessed to have them on our team!
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