Chaos had become Cody’s identity.

“My nickname used to be ‘Chaos’ for a long time,” he said. “That's what I represented.”

After years of drug addiction and mental health struggles, Cody was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 21. Rather than use that revelation as a catalyst for healing, Cody continued his downward spiral until it cost him his marriage, his home and his family. 

“That's who I was: just chaos,” he said. “I brought it to my family. I gave up children and relationships, jobs and houses. I was so angry. I was so crazy.”

Cody had gotten married and started a family during a more stable period in his life, not long after moving to Colorado from his home state of Texas in 2018. But he was white-knuckling life, functioning just well enough to keep it all together — until he couldn’t any longer.

“A year ago, I was married and had a three-bedroom house,” he said. “That relationship turned out to be really toxic, and I decided to end it. In doing so, I lost everything.”

Feeling defeated and now willing to admit he needed help, Cody came to Springs Rescue Mission for help. This felt like rock bottom to him.

Arriving with little more than a heavy heart and a desire for change, he took the first hopeful step that started him on a journey of recovery and life transformation. 

“I came here and was just completely vulnerable and open-minded,” he said. “The structure, accountability and support I found at Springs Rescue Mission has benefited my life a lot; it has completely changed my perspective and my life.”

Cody, now 34, immersed himself in the HOPE Program. He recommitted his life to God, rediscovered his love of learning, and is rebuilding relationships with family members.

For the first time in his adult life, Cody’s life is not marked by chaos but by hope.

“I started the program in April, and my whole life has changed,” he said. “I used to consider myself pagan and now I've started my walk again with God. I've been praying every day, multiple times a day.”

Cody has embraced sobriety and undergone profound spiritual and personal growth. He recently received a Bible in the mail from his parents back in Texas, who are thrilled at the opportunity to share their Christian faith with their son after so many years spent in prayer.

The Mission’s classes, such as Core Purpose and Job Skills for Life, have also helped Cody rediscover his desire to help others and turn his life around. With support from SRM’s on-campus partner agencies, he has regained his mental health.

Today, Cody has a clear vision for his future. He is focused on saving for an apartment and learning new skills through SRM’s vocational training programs, which he hopes will lead to work as a tradesman. He acknowledges his heart for people and desires to help others like himself.

“In taking Core Purpose, I learned that I want to help people,” Cody said. “Maybe somebody can learn something from my story and not have to go through the same things I went through.”

His goal is not just to find a place to live but to create a foundation from which he can continue to grow and contribute to his community.

“I feel more prepared now than I ever have my whole life,” he said.

Cody's journey has not been without challenges, but he has learned to face each day with a clear head and a hopeful heart. The support he’s found at Springs Rescue Mission has been instrumental in his recovery, giving him the accountability and freedom to make positive choices.

Right now, Cody is taking life as it comes: one day at a time, one foot in front of the other.

“You don't have to see the whole staircase as long as you take the first step,” Cody said. “What can I do right now?”

‍You can help someone like Cody regain their health and rebuild their life by becoming a monthly Good Samaritan Sponsor today! Starting at $25 a month, you can provide someone with a full day and night of care at Springs Rescue Mission, providing them a foot in the door to a better and brighter future.