Patrick Obrien’s Story

My name is Patrick O’Brien and my life journey has been nothing short of a sad story. 

I am blessed with many gifts and quickly learned to use them to my benefit. I was successful at an early age. Sadly, I also was self-medicating at that same tender age. As a result, I have been in and out of jails, prisons and rehabs for the past 33 years. I was arrested for possession of cocaine when I was 20 years old. I found myself on probation and court-ordered to seek help for my addiction. Once I completed the 12 classes and paid my fines, I was released from supervision and a fresh start awaited me.  

Unfortunately, this is where the sad story begins. Even though my attentions were good, I found myself in the vicious cycle of “recovery-relapse and then incarceration.” Each time I completed a probation sentence or was released from jail, prison or rehab, I was challenged with maintaining my sobriety while I was forced to deal with finding a job, transportation and a place to live. These circumstances lead to a certain relapse time and time again.  

While searching for a better life, I surrendered my will to the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:17) I was now a new creation in Christ, the old man was gone, and the new man of Christ was ready to face the challenges of life.  

Through the guidance of Trinity Rescue Mission, I was offered the opportunity to fill out an application for Operation New Hope. This is where my sad story ends. I graduated from Operation New Hope with a job, transportation, and a place to live rent free for 3 to 4 months. In addition, I was blessed with the funds to purchase new tools for my trade.  

Thanks to TRM and ONH I have been given the support and guidance to face the challenges of starting over – “a second chance at life.”