Born and raised in the Frederick area, Matt’s early life was marked by struggle and instability. His parents divorced when he was just six years old, and his family dynamic shifted again when his mother remarried amidst her battle with alcoholism. By the time he was 16, Matt had started drinking alcohol himself, a habit that quickly escalated and consumed his life. Despite moving in with his aunt and uncle during his teenage years, his addiction worsened. Even though he recognized he had a problem, he felt trapped and unable to break free.
In his early twenties, Matt married and had two children, but his drinking ultimately destroyed the relationship, leading to divorce. Alone and struggling, Matt moved back to Frederick, where he became homeless. During this time of profound despair, he first encountered the Frederick Rescue Mission.
Initially, Matt came to the Mission simply for meals—a warm breakfast and lunch to get through the day. But he soon discovered that the Mission offered much more: a recovery program rooted in faith, support, and healing. Despite the initial shock of embracing a new culture centered on transformation, Matt committed to the program and began his journey of recovery.
After graduating from the program, Matt faced new challenges. A new relationship and a move led him back into old patterns. Following an argument with his wife, Matt left and returned to the Mission. Matt was determined to do things differently this time.
With a renewed commitment to his recovery, Matt is deepening his relationship with Christ, dedicating time to reflection, and engaging in one-on-one mentorship at the Mission. He has also become aware of how the foundational wound of rejection shapes his behavior today. This awareness is helping him manage his reactions to perceived social rejection in more constructive ways. He has learned to surrender his life to Jesus Christ. This surrender marked a pivotal difference compared to his previous attempts at recovery.
Today, Matt is trying to reconnect with his children, writing letters that reflect both the pain of the past and the hope for the future. His story is a shining example of how your support of the Frederick Rescue Mission offers more than just food and shelter—it provides a path to transformation through Christ.
