Sean joyfully shared his testimony at his 2022 LRP graduation.

Born and raised in Victorville, Sean has a heart for the area. Employed at Victorville’s Symba Center, a faith-based, non-profit organization providing healthcare, case management, housing navigation, and addiction counseling, Sean is not just working a job—he’s fulfilling a calling. For the past year, he’s served as an outreach case and housing manager, assisting unhoused individuals in finding safety and shelter. “To give back to the city I grew up in is a great reward that I’ve been blessed to receive,” he said.

Today, Sean loves to spend time with his family, including his two daughters. He is deeply invested in the community, and most importantly, he is sober. But it hasn’t always been this way.

Although Sean didn’t start “heavily drinking” until later in life, he admits to taking his first drink at just 10 years old. After losing his father to alcoholism and his grandfather to heart complications in quick succession, Sean’s addiction only got worse. He finally hit rock bottom.

“I ended up losing my girls temporarily. Their mother got full custody,” he shared. “Once that happened, I gave everything up to God.”

Knowing he needed help, Sean came to the Mission. It was there that healing began. “As time went on, it got easier. You think it’s going to be hard because there’s guidelines to the program, and at first it was, but it got better. Everything falls into place for you. I know now there’s so much more to life than alcohol.”

In 2022, Sean graduated from the Life Recovery Program. He entered the Transitional Living Program, eventually stepping into leadership by overseeing daily operations at the men’s program. That’s where his path intersected with Symba Center, and a new purpose emerged.

Sean credits the community he built while at the Mission for his continued success in recovery. “I keep in regular communication with (staff) from the Mission. We talk about God’s word, God’s direction and His plan for me. Sometimes it’s about basketball or sports. It’s just about keeping community.”

Men’s Program Manager John Schmidt adds: “If you work the program the way it’s designed to work, step by step, it makes a difference. Sean has been a great example and is now enjoying the fruit of his decisions in Christ, and so are we.”

Guided by 1 Corinthians 13, Sean lives by the principle to “love everybody.” It’s that love, for others and for himself, that fuels his new life. He’s back in school, working toward an associate’s degree in drug and alcohol counseling.

“A lot of people that I help feel like there’s no hope. I’ve been in their shoes. But they see me and know there’s a way out—I’m proof of it. I want to give back to the people who have no hope, who feel like there’s nothing left.”

Reflecting on his own life, Sean can’t believe the transformation. “Now I get to see my daughters all the time—there’s no longer a custody order involved. I have a great relationship with their mom, although we’re no longer together. I’m saving for my own place. I have a job that helps me take care of my community.

“I got everything back and more.”