The “American dream” looms large in Ricardo’s mind, inspiring and motivating him to excel — despite struggles with homelessness and an uncertain future.

His journey began in Jamaica, where a loving grandmother raised him after the deaths of both his parents. She taught young Ricardo to be hardworking, respectful, and responsible and to prioritize his faith above all else.

“I always put God first,” he said. “I pray. I go to church. I trust Him with my life.”

He also inherited his grandmother’s passion for cooking good food and serving others.

"I watched my grandmother cook from a very early age,” he said. “I learned all her ways.”

After graduating high school, he joined a hospitality training program to work in hotels on the island. When given the chance to grow his skillset in the United States, Ricardo didn’t think twice.

Learning to Trust the Process

Ricardo arrived in the U.S. in 2012. After completing a hospitality training program in Boston, he made his way to California’s Napa Valley, where he worked in vineyards and learned the wine-making process.

In 2015, he was hired onto the hospitality team of The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. He started by keeping the property clean and presentable for guests, eventually earning the opportunity to work on the culinary staff.

Last year, Ricardo unexpectedly lost his job and, eventually, his housing. Without a local support system to catch him, he became homeless on the streets of Colorado Springs.

"I slept under the bridge for a night," he said. “I met somebody in the park and said, ‘do you know where I can charge my phone?’ He told me about the Mission, so I came here where it’s safer.”

Ricardo came to SRM expecting to charge his phone and head back out to fend for himself. But when he saw the support that was available to him, he didn’t look back.

‍A Place of Transformation: Springs Rescue Mission

At Springs Rescue Mission, Ricardo found not only shelter but a supportive community that helped him get back on his feet. He took advantage of the chance to expand his skillset and joined the kitchen crew as a culinary arts trainee.

“I watched, and I learned, and I waited for my chance to show them my skills,” Ricardo said.

Before long, he was trusted to take on more responsibilities in the kitchen.  His expertise and his passion for cooking allowed him to thrive in the culinary arts program. In a matter of weeks, he moved up from a dishwasher to a sous chef — even becoming a member of the Mission Catering team, serving at events across the city.

“Whenever they call on me to butcher the meat, I’m the man to do that,” Ricardo said.  “I love to cook and serve the people.”

Ricardo has big dreams for his future in the culinary world, sharing that he would love to own his own Jamaican food business one day, serving his grandmother’s recipes to the world.

"I love to make jerk chicken, curry chicken, and brown stew chicken with rice and beans,” he said. “That is me.”

Finding Purpose and Giving Back

His work at the Mission has given Ricardo a sense of purpose and pride. He feels fulfilled knowing that the skills he’s learned can help others, and he’s eager to give back.

"When I graduate from this program, I will comeback," he said. "Whenever I have the time, I can come and cook — make people happy."

Not only has Ricardo’s time at Springs Rescue Mission allowed him to grow vocationally, it has also helped him reconnect with his faith and values.

"I learned a lot here," he said.

The Mission’s vocational programs have helped him gain confidence, which has led him to get enrolled at Pikes Peak Community College to pursue his culinary arts degree, a goal he’d put on hold for years.

"My dream is to be an executive chef," Ricardo said.

He’s now on the path to making that dream a reality.

A New Beginning and a Bright Future

Ricardo’s transformation is not just about finding a job or acquiring new skills — it’s about reclaiming his sense of dignity, purpose, and belonging. His story is a reminder that with the right support, even the most difficult circumstances can lead to new opportunities.

For Ricardo, Springs Rescue Mission has been more than just a place to stay. It has been the foundation on which he is building a new life.

"When I leave here, I want to leave on a good note," Ricardo says. “I will graduate … be strong, have a family, and do what I want to do.”