Elliot* was just a teenager when a rift with his father made it seem like leaving home was the only option. But moving in with his cousins opened doors to new experiences . . . and to life-altering consequences Elliot could never have foreseen. Experimentation soon led to addiction, and before he knew it, Elliot had no home, no hope, and no one left to care . . . until our loving Lord and hearts like yours offered lifesaving, life-changing help at Nashville Rescue Mission!

“I left home at an early age. I did not listen to my dad. I could’ve stayed with church members and neighbors, but I chose not to,” Elliot says, remembering a young, rebellious version of the man he is today. “I stayed with [my] cousins. They were into drugs and stuff, and [they] led me to it.”

The years that followed were a blur of broken relationships, lost jobs, and many attempts to break free of crippling addiction. But when his father was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, Elliot was reunited with his loved ones, launching a series of events that would help him commit to the Christ-centered Life Recovery Program at Nashville Rescue Mission.

Elliot learned that the Life Recovery Program is truly holistic, addressing every facet of healing in body and spirit. It wasn’t easy, but he did the hard work so he could fully understand and overcome addiction while also rebuilding his life to prepare for working, independent living, and being a contributing member of our community. He even earned his GED, which will open even more doors for him in the days ahead.

Grateful for the new beginning, Elliot says, “My mom and my dad wanted to see me do good, and she got to see me do good before she died, so that was a good thing. I thank God. I like clean living.”

Elliot now has a job he truly loves . . . but it all started as a chef here at Nashville Rescue Mission. He was a favorite among the many neighbors who turn to the Mission for a meal, help, and hope.

“It’s been great. All the guys love me and want me to stay in the kitchen and cook, cook, cook,” Elliot says with a smile. “I want to make sure they have a good meal. I’m here to serve. That’s what my heart is here for, to serve.”

Serving in the kitchen gave Elliot a unique perspective on where he has been compared to where he is now. And it makes him a great encourager to people who hope to see their lives transformed by God, too.

“I haven’t seen a Mission that’s as good as Nashville Rescue Mission,” Elliot says. “I really haven’t, and it really helped me. It helped me a lot.”

Knowing that support from donors is what makes the important services and programs available to everyone who is suffering—whether from hunger, hurt, or homelessness—means a great deal to Elliot.

He says, “Nashville Rescue Mission really helps change lives. It’s also a Christian-based facility. If I could tell a donor anything, I’d say, ‘Look at it as if it was your child, or your mom, or your uncle. Treat that person as Christ said He wished to be treated.’”

Thank you for sharing meals, help, and hope with people experiencing hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness!

And thanks to an amazing MATCHING GRANT, any gift you share by the September 30th extended deadline will DOUBLE instantly. That means you can make TWICE the difference—up to $100,000—for neighbors in need like Elliot. Thank you!

*Name changed for privacy.