The Reward That Keeps Us Moving

A while back, Jobs of Hope interviewed candidates for the Intake Coordinator position we had available. At the end of our first interview, we were asked by the interviewee, “What do you like best about this work? What keeps you serving these men?” With similar answers, I remember Executive Director Dan Ordaz responding that what keeps him serving is seeing the transformation happen within our men. I serve because I get to be that person in their life that maybe they never had. I get to be their encouragement and support, the one who pushes them gently, and the one who offers a nonjudgemental space. I also have the personal experience to provide along the way. I remember in my active use, I experienced a large amount of distrust, closed doors, judgment, and ridicule from people I knew and didn’t know simply because I am an addict. Our men have experienced similar encounters, sometimes from the very ones they need most to stand next to them in support. The lifestyle that finds our men is one that hurts everyone involved. As a Christian organization, Jobs of Hope gets to transform that hurt into joy. However, after a recent experience with a client today, and still feeling strongly about my reason “why,” I understand Dan’s answer in a larger context now: seeing the transformation of our men is genuinely our greatest REWARD for serving them.

2 Corinthians 5:17 reads, “Now, God says that we who believe in Him are a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” Today, I witnessed the truth of this scripture come to life. I watched a man who came to us a few months ago, having been taken care of by others, rather than doing much of that for himself. With little experience in this area, he required assistance with the basics of adulting, sometimes by just being with him in case he didn’t understand what was happening. He came to us having no idea how to be a leader in his own life. But as the months have progressed, and as we have watched him engage in our program and do the hard work of transformation, even work outside of the program through church activities and building his personal relationship with the Lord, his transformation has made leaps and bounds. As I sat with this client at the DMV today, I experienced something very powerful, and I realized that he didn’t need my help with the DMV staff anymore. I watched him take charge of his life and “take care of things” alone. Not to mention, he was doing all of this with little sleep, having just worked his 12-hour overnight shift. To put this monumental growth into perspective months ago, this same man who came to us needing help would not have been prepared to lead his life so independently as he was in this moment. I even sent him to the driving school to schedule an appointment for his driving test without me because he didn’t need me to go with him. I had all the faith in the world that he would do just fine going alone. This might seem like a small feat to some, but the power behind what I witnessed, no words can be described. The closest comparison I can think of to explain the power is that of a PROUD parent watching their child reach a monumental point in life, such as a high school graduation or getting an A in biology that seemed impossible to get months before. I felt joy, proud, and honored to have been a part of his journey to become the man he wanted to be. Most importantly, I felt Jesus radiating from within him. This story is not exaggerated. My experience was really intense and powerful. There are many reasons we do this work and why we stand by our men. Still, I am not sure that any of those reasons will ever compare to witnessing the actual transformation of a client in action from the inside out. Thank you, Jesus!

I would like to give a shout-out to all our men whom we have been blessed to witness make their own similar transformations from the “old” to the “new.” To the men who make this work so worth the busy weeks (and weekends!), the demands in care-giving that can sometimes be draining, who challenge us, and sometimes dislikes us!

And for those not mentioned, just wait; your time is coming. You are only at your new beginning...for now! I would like to recognize the following men in our program who have also made strong and unforgettable transformations:

Sergio R. - the muse behind today’s experience

Rocky A. - the beast who is out there killing it right now

Josh D. - who has go-go-go superpowers

Jackson C. - smart and so well rounded-he’s going to do big things one day

Mac F. - You never give up, for being on fire for your life right now

Nick B. - You roll with the punches and somehow always have a great attitude towards adulting.

Tim F. - Strong-minded, funny, and really a big teddy bear at heart.

Juan B. - Who came back to us as open to change as anyone could get, a

completely different man than who we first met, who is now reaping

the benefits of change and transformation, who will lead a team to

victory one day.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, Humberto S. - You came back to JOH, which takes humility, honesty, and courage. Don’t ever forget that.

Thank you all for the joy you bring to our hearts, the bragging rights we feel proud about when sharing your stories, and the honor we get to have as we walk with you in your journey. It is the REWARD that keeps us moving. Most of all, thank you for investing in yourself and choosing LIFE!