José Lost Everything—But He Found Another Chance
Life doesn’t always go as planned. For José, the road from military service to civilian life was filled with unexpected struggles that nearly cost him everything.
After serving his country, José returned home determined to build a good life. But the transition was tougher than he ever imagined. What started as casual drinking to cope with stress soon became a daily habit. Before he knew it, alcohol controlled his life. His job performance declined, his marriage fell apart, and his four children grew up without him.
Still, José didn’t give up. He enrolled in welding school, determined to turn things around. But after graduating, he met someone—a woman who introduced him to meth.
“I told myself I was just trying to understand her, to see why she did what she did. Then one day, I tried it. And that was it. Everything changed.”
Within months, his life spiraled out of control. He stopped showing up to work. His family distanced themselves. Every bridge he had left was burned, and before long, he found himself homeless living only to feed his addiction.
For years, José cycled in and out of jail. Each time he was released, he swore things would be different. But they never were. The streets, the drugs, the isolation—it all pulled him back in.
Then, one Christmas, something shifted. Sitting in a jail cell, José made a call home. His children were there. For the first time in years, they wanted to talk to him.
“I told them I was coming home soon and that everything would be different. But I knew I couldn’t lie to them again.”
Determined to change, José sought help through the VA. He entered treatment at the Amarillo Transitional Treatment Center (ATTC) and was later placed at Another Chance House. This time, something was different.
At Another Chance House, José found more than a place to sleep—he found a support system that believed in him. He discovered structure, guidance, and a brotherhood of men who understood his struggles.
“The unity in this house is one of a kind. Everybody knows everybody’s story. Everybody knows everybody’s family.”
José committed himself to recovery. He embraced sobriety, rebuilt trust, and found purpose in the ACH kitchen—gaining skills in cooking, financial management, and leadership. He didn’t just survive; he thrived.
Today, José has been sober since November 2022. He’s working toward financial independence, building a career, and—most importantly—reconnecting with his children.
“I got to watch my son throw varsity for Tascosa. That’s something I never thought I’d get to do.”
José’s story is more than one of survival—it’s proof that another chance can change everything.
