Meet Raymond

Giving thanks for YOU

Raymond shares how your support changed his life!

For Raymond, being raised in a family that used alcohol and drugs led him to believe that it was normal. “I followed that path growing up,” he says. Raymond was only 13 years old when he started selling drugs, eventually dropping out of school and getting caught in the cycle of being in and out of prison. “I lost my cars and my apartment with everything I had,” he says. When he was released from prison early, his probation officer called Great Falls Rescue Mission to see if there was room for him.

“My biggest challenge before coming to the Mission was knowing I needed help and asking for it,” Raymond admits. Finally, he told himself, “You have nothing. There’s no one out there to help you. You burned your bridges with everyone… I swallowed my pride and accepted the help.”

When he arrived at the Mission, the man at the desk helped put him at ease. “He said, ‘I know this is not something you’re used to or looking forward to, but we’re here to help,’” Raymond recalls.

Now, Raymond is helping others – it’s one of the most important things he has learned. He volunteers at the front desk, which includes assigning jobs to others at the Mission. “The highlight of my day is when I find these people something to do,” says Raymond. “I used to be selfish, now I like to offer help.”

“Going to the chapel helped me realize that the Mission is not just a helping hand, it’s a life plan.”

Although Raymond follows a different religion, he feels that the Mission’s faith-based environment has had a positive influence on him. “I was astray, but seeing everything revolve around religion brought me back to my faith,” Raymond shares.

He has also found a supportive community with whom he can exchange stories, advice, and encouragement.  

This fall, Raymond gives thanks for YOU and your incredible generosity. Your prayers and support have helped change his life. “Before I came to the Mission, I wanted to give up. I was sick of the cycle. They gave me hope.”

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