During his time in our Overcomer Program, Eric developed a heart of compassion. Eric has served as a mentor to men in need of encouragement and he tries to help them become a fighter against whatever struggles they may be facing.
Two years after first coming to the Mission for help, Eric is working through his PTSD every day and is grateful it no longer controls his life. “I live each day for God, I lean on him when things get hard,” Eric shared with tears in his eyes.
Through God’s work in his life, and his work as a Mission staff member, Eric has found peace. “Because of my job, I have learned to be patient and how to be flexible. Most of all I have discovered new energy for each day,” Eric shared with a big smile.
Everyone at the Mission plays a role in serving and encouraging one another. Eric expressed his thankfulness for the volunteers for encouraging him while at work. Eric shares, “Every Wednesday, I get to work with Kit and Phil and they are great volunteers. We have built a team together. Now, every time there are volunteers downstairs, I say thank you and God bless you because I know firsthand how hard they work.”
Eric has become an essential member of the Mission staff. Over the past 18 months on staff, he has developed new skills and has grown in his responsibilities. As part of the Operations and Maintenance Team, Eric helps keep the Mission running by completing preventive maintenance and needed repairs at the Mission.
He is also building soft skills like critical thinking, project management, typing, basic computer skills, and conflict resolution. “I love my job, and I love how it gives my mind something to do all the time,” Eric concludes.
We are blessed to have Eric on staff. He is flourishing, achieving independence, and growing in his faith. Your commitment to meet Eric’s spiritual and practical needs is a true gift and are life-changing. Thank you!
Mark Pirtle, DPT is a producer and writer and a pioneer in integral thinking in stress relief and recovery. He is a clinician, writer, public speaker, filmmaker, and true “innerpreneur.” He connects the dots between science, wellness, and spirituality. Dr. Pirtle tirelessly updates his understanding of the latest science to help others change and heal. Combining the disciplines of integral and living systems theories, neuroscience, positive psychology, and mindfulness meditation, he developed an evidence-based program for people suffering from stress-related conditions calls SkillfullyAware®. Dr. Pirtle teaches attunement skills, through the use of meditation and mindfulness, to empower his clients to work towards a healthier relationship with themselves, others and the world. Dr. Pirtle works with clients privately, hosts retreats, and teaches for the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine Fellowship Program.
Impact Producer Nick Kelso has more than a dozen years of experience empowering underserved populations and ideas through grassroots movements with nonprofits, arts-focused startups, and community organizations. With Is Your Story Making You Sick? he hopes to widely destigmatize the long shadows of addiction and trauma through the healing power of story..
