From Struggle to Surrender: Giacomo’s Story

Giacomo’s story began with a single moment that altered the course of his life. In high school, he broke his arm and was prescribed oxycodone for the pain. It wasn’t long before heroin and meth became a part of his reality.

He struggled through college, barely keeping himself together. Addiction pulled him in every direction until he finally let go, dropping out entirely. From there, things spiraled. He thought leaving Phoenix and moving to Prescott would give him a fresh start, a chance to get clean and rebuild his life. And for a while, it worked. He stayed sober for eighteen months, but addiction had a way of creeping back in.

During that time, he met a girl, fell in love, and started a family. In 2019, they got married and had a son together. Giacomo wanted to be the man they needed, but addiction still had a grip on him. He would be sober for six months, sometimes even a year, but then he would relapse again. It was a cycle he couldn’t seem to break. By 2022, the weight of it all became too much, and his marriage ended in divorce.

Heartbroken and searching for a way out, he entered Teen Challenge, hoping to break free from the life that had consumed him for so many years. He completed the program, but after re-entering the world on his own, he found himself falling again. Addiction still had its hold. That’s when he found House of Refuge Sunnyslope.

A Safe Place to Start Again

Coming from Teen Challenge, the transition to HRS was encouraging. The structure, the community, and the faith-based environment made him feel like he was exactly where he needed to be. For three months, things were going well. He was working, staying sober, and beginning to see hope again. But then, just like before, he used.

His relapse sent him back into a dark place. He lost everything—again. He became homeless, living out of his truck. He kept going to work, but nothing else mattered. He withdrew from his son, his ex-wife, and the life he once had. He avoided people, ignored responsibilities, and barely existed.

Then came the breaking point.

One day, sitting in his truck after getting high, the weight of it all hit him in a way it never had before. He felt horrible, empty, lost, and exhausted from the cycle that had consumed his life for over a decade. In that moment of desperation, he broke down and cried out to God. He repented, pleading for something different—something real. At his lowest point, he finally surrendered.

A Second Chance at House of Refuge Sunnyslope

That was almost a year ago. Since then, everything has changed.

For the first time, Giacomo isn’t just staying sober—he’s walking in freedom. Coming back to HRS wasn’t easy. He had left on bad terms before, and guilt and shame made returning difficult. But instead of rejection, he was welcomed with open arms. That love and grace made all the difference.

This time, he has embraced the importance of community. He’s surrounded by men who keep him accountable, mentors who challenge him, and a support system that lifts him up. Highlands Church has also played a huge role in his transformation. Not only does he attend regularly, but he also serves in kids’ ministry, giving back and pouring into others in ways he never thought possible.

Now, he is stepping into something new.

He’s starting a new job—one that feels like a real career rather than just another way to get by. He’s settling in, finding stability, and looking ahead. He’s even dreaming bigger, considering starting his own business for the first time.

For so long, he was stuck in survival mode. Now, for the first time in years, he is thinking about his future with hope.

Looking Forward with Faith

Through it all, his family has remained supportive, standing by him through the darkest times and celebrating his transformation. The community at House of Refuge Sunnyslope and his church family at Highlands have been instrumental in his growth, giving him the strength to keep going and the encouragement to continue seeking the Lord.

He now understands that true transformation isn’t just about staying clean—it’s about staying connected. Connected to God, to community, and to a future filled with purpose.

Looking back, Giacomo reflects on how far he has come and what House of Refuge Sunnyslope has truly meant to him:

“House of Refuge Sunnyslope has given me more than just a place to stay. It has given me a safe space to truly get to know Jesus in a whole new way, and that has completely transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. I’ve spent more than half my life trying to break free from addiction, but it wasn’t until I fully surrendered to God that everything changed. For the first time, I feel free—really free. I’m learning how to stay connected, to keep a strong community around me, and to continue seeking the Lord every day. I don’t ever want to go back to the way things were. I finally have hope for my future, and I know that through Christ, anything is possible.”

At House of Refuge Sunnyslope, we believe in second chances, in transformation, and in the power of God to rebuild broken lives. Because of you, men like Giacomo don’t just find shelter—they find hope.