A Servant’s Heart – Tom’s Story

After years of substance abuse, Tom is now celebrating 27 years free from drug addiction. He commemorates this achievement by dedicating his time to serving others and sharing the love of Christ.

Embodying Mark 10:45, Tom’s desire to serve provides him with a purpose that far surpasses his previous struggles before his incarceration.

Tom first joined JUMPSTART knowing he needed comprehensive support and continuous encouragement to prevent a relapse into addiction upon his release. Initially, Tom planned to return home to care for his mother after completing JUMPSTART’s inside program.

However, he realized that he needed to stay away from his hometown for a few years post-release to learn how to live as a Christian after incarceration. When Tom shared his new plan with his mother, she agreed that he should do whatever necessary to regain his footing before returning home.

Tom not only completed the inside program but also enjoyed it so much that he served as a table leader for two years following his graduation. Although rewarding, Tom found this role to be the most challenging part of his journey with JUMPSTART. He cared deeply for his peers and wanted them to fully benefit from their participation in the program. By holding his group members accountable, he aimed to ensure their hard work did not go unnoticed.

His dedication was affirmed when the mother of a man Tom mentored personally thanked him for helping her son stay out of trouble and grow closer to God. Moments like these validate Tom’s purpose and fuel his passion for serving others.

In June of 2023, Tom completed his sentence and joined JUMPSTART’s transitional program. With this second chance, he set three distinct goals for himself. The most important one is to serve Jesus Christ in everything he does. His second and third goals focus on his passion for caring for his family and assisting the elderly.

Tom often mowed lawns for others, and with the money he earned, he would buy fresh fruit and deliver it to a nearby nursing home. Despite having little to his name, he was eager to serve others and help them see God’s love.

Tom graduated from JUMPSTART’s transitional program in May 2024 and is returning to Detroit, Michigan, to be closer to his family. Before Tom’s mother passed away several months ago, he had the chance to visit her. She told him she could see he was a changed man and expressed her pride in him.

This visit reassured him that he was ready to graduate from the transitional program and return home to support his elderly family members who need him. We have no doubt that Tom will continue to serve others well as he takes the next step in his journey."