Tony broke free from addiction
When Rudy was growing up, he was very close to his father. But his dad was often absent, and Rudy took to hanging out with the wrong friends. When he began abusing drugs, his life spiraled downhill.
Over the years, drugs nearly destroyed Rudy’s life. As an adult, he couldn’t keep a job. He was estranged from his wife and three kids. But the worst was when his mom died.
“That’s when I really hit rock bottom,” he says. “She was my everything. I was lonely and afraid. I lost that place you call home. For five years I was homeless, living in tents.”
Finally, a counselor at a program guided Rudy to The Salvation Army’s STEPS program. The support and spiritual guidance he received helped him finally stay drug-free. He also graduated from a culinary program and now has not one, but two, jobs. He cooks during the day and bakes at night!
“Salvation Army STEPS is a place for people that are ready to change their life and are tired of living on the streets,” says Rudy. “So if you’re tired, come here. They will have the door open for you.”