
Seven years ago you would have found Johnathan living in the woods and struggling with drug use. Today you’ll find him cooking food and handing out necessities every weekend. Jonathan spent most of his childhood in and out of foster care and was on the streets by the time he was 16. He spent 12 years on and off experiencing homelessness and found himself gravitating to the woods because he always found he was getting sick at shelters. Even though he never stayed at New Visions, he remembers being helped in any way he needed. “These guys always made sure I always had everything. Whether it was
extra food or extra blankets, anything to keep me warm.”
After he decided to get clean and went through treatment, he knew he wanted to give back to those that were in situations he had been in for such a long time. He wanted to go out to camps and pass things out that he knew they needed most. Dave with Least Of My Brethren, was someone who often helped Johnathan and told him that he had a better idea than finding people individually. They started hosting a feed at New Visions every fourth Sunday where they cook lunch and hand out bigger items like tents and bikes that are all donated. Not only does he pass out essentials, he also spreads knowledge and strength by sharing his story with
others and listening to theirs in return. “I come back here and some of these guys I used to party with have gotten clean because they saw me get clean. That’s my push to come back here and help these guys.” People wait outside before every feed knowing that Johnathan will be there to talk to them and to add a little extra seasoning to their food.
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