In 2004, Richard Means was a homeless and hopeless methamphetamine addict caught in a downward spiral and looking desperately for a way out. But it's very difficult to find an escape to your addiction when at the same time you're trying to find another fix. You want out, but you don't. Richard was staying at an emergency shelter program in Santa Ana (and still using) when he was first introduced to the Orange County Rescue Mission.

“We first met Richard in the winter of 2004-2005,” recalls Nathan Bates, Manager of Student Affairs at OCRM's Village of Hope. “He was a homeless meth addict who walked into our breakfast service at the Men’s Shelter pushing his infant son in a dirty shopping cart. Through a series of events that started with a warm bowl of oatmeal and some encouraging words, the Lord took a grip on his heart.” However, it wasn't long after this that Richard lost custody of his son, Eric, to the state of California.

As the reality of his actions sunk in, Richard slowly began to clean up his act. He joined a 90-day detox program and faithfully completed his Prop 36 classes (a miracle in itself!), which allow first- and second-time, non-violent, simple drug possession offenders the opportunity to receive substance abuse treatment instead of incarceration. He also began the process of attempting to regain custody of his son.

In July of 2008, he applied for entrance into the Village of Hope and was accepted. Starting with supervised visitation, Richard was allowed to have Eric visit him at the Village of Hope. As the authorities saw the change in Richard they began to approve overnight visitation. Amazingly, through a combination of perseverance, prayer and hard work, Richard was granted full custody of his son in early 2009!

But Richard will be the first to tell you that this “change” he underwent was not his own doing. Prior to this, no matter how long he stayed clean, he would eventually return to his drug habit. But within his first week at the Village of Hope, Richard surrendered control of his life to Jesus Christ. “The only thing that was going to help me with my addiction was God,” he says. “He was the only one that could do it.”

And that He has. During his stay at the Village, Richard could recognize God at work to keep him close, to prevent him from straying. He submitted himself to regular drug testing, NA meetings, parenting and anger management classes and chapel services. “I don't even have a desire for drugs anymore,” he beams.

On November 8, 2009, Richard and Eric became the first Single Dad and Child graduates of the Village of Hope! Richard is now employed full time and looks forward to getting connected with a good church, taking care of his son and adding to the progress he has made. Thanks to the compassionate work of the Rescue Mission staff and the faithfulness of our supporters, Richard and Eric's futures look truly bright.