Victor's Story

Family is everything, and for Victor, New Visions is family. Victor first arrived on our Council Bluffs Campus about 2 years ago, in April of 2024. He had lost everything because of his addiction to alcohol. He spent about 6 months on the streets, living in his car, before a Street Outreach caseworker convinced him to come into shelter for food and a safe place to sleep. “I lost everything,” he says, “I had no money, no car, and nowhere to go. I was drinking, drinking, drinking… it wasn’t good for me and I knew I needed to change.”

But Victor was very determined and was also a hard worker, so when he arrived on our campus, he immediately sought help for his addiction and began to volunteer wherever he could. “I had to stay busy,” says Victor, “that helps to keep me on the right path.” Our Kitchen staff caught wind of Victor and learned that he had been a cook at various restaurants and casinos around Council Bluffs. Skills like that don’t go unnoticed around here, and Victor was soon volunteering in our kitchen. Volunteering soon turned into a paid position, and Victor began to gain traction with his goals, working towards saving money for housing and a car.

After staying at the shelter for only a few months, Victor achieved housing in August of 2024. While he was happy to move on to a new place to sleep at night, he had earned the right to keep his employment in our kitchen, and he wanted to stay. “You are my family because you helped me when I needed it,” says Victor, “I am happy here and I am so thankful.” We’re thankful too for Victor’s skills in the kitchen, but most of all, we’re thankful for Victor’s success in achieving stability, and we’re proud to be called “family” to Victor.