“It’s my children that keep me going; they are my motivation to move forward and succeed.”
Michael grew up in a single-parent home, becoming a father at age 15. He dropped out of school, later using the services of JobCorps to earn his GED and build a skillset. Although the relationship with his son’s mother did not last, Michael supported his son financially into adulthood.
Michael later fell in love and married. The union produced five beautiful children. He made a career in metal works for the military, which provided for his family. Everything was going well until he realized his wife suffered from a severe addiction. Devastated, he put everything into supporting her recovery. As time went on, he realized he needed to protect the welfare of his children, so he moved with them to a healthier environment.
Moving also meant leaving his job, the town they called home, and the life they knew. That was seven years ago. Rebuilding life has not been easy. After living with Michael’s mom for a year, the family moved to Castle Rock, where Michael found a good community and a church home but struggled to find a job that paid enough to support his family. Never being one to ask for help, Michael finally reached out to Catholic Charities when he could no longer overcome all the challenges on his own.
Our team listened and provided food and other necessities to make ends meet. After Michael found a place to live, Catholic Charities partnered to provide rent assistance and furnishings as the family settled into their new home. When Michael’s car broke down, he was given a reliable vehicle through our vehicle donation program, which allows him to continue working at a job he loves and one that supports his family.
His free time is now happily filled with preparing meals, helping with homework, spending time with his children, and helping them thrive. Michael said, “It’s my children that keep me going; they are my motivation to move forward and succeed…Catholic Charities has been a truly amazing blessing to me and my family.”
At Catholic Charities, we respect everyone who comes to us for help. Many are working toward a fresh start in life. So while their stories are true, client names and images may have changed to protect their privacy.
