John- Men’s Resident

My name is John, I’m 37 years old, and I’m from Warren, Ohio. I grew up without a father figure — it was just my mother, my siblings, and me. My mom was a loving woman of God. She always made time to take us to amusement parks and fun outdoor activities. But on December 29th, 1996, when I was just eight years old, she passed away from cervical cancer. After losing her, I began to feel deep resentment toward God. 

As a kid, I had a strong desire to play sports, but after breaking my femur, my doctor wouldn’t sign off on my physical. That disappointment led me down the wrong path. I started spending time with the wrong crowd, which eventually led to smoking marijuana, using pain pills, and experimenting with other drugs. 
By 2020, I had hit rock bottom. I was homeless for two years, living in my van and spent holidays alone, cold, and without any family. 

In 2022, I came to the Warren Family Mission looking for help — and I found it. My time at the Mission changed my life. I got sober, rebuilt my relationship with God through Bible classes, and learned important life skills like job readiness and how to build credit and save money. They also reminded me what joy felt like by taking us to the beach, amusement parks, and sporting events. 
After a year, I left the Mission and got a job at the steel mill, where I have maintained steady employment since. I applied everything I had learned at the Mission to create a better life. In June 2025, I became a first-time homeowner!

I’ve now been drug-free for three years — all thanks to the Warren Family Mission and the loving grace of God.