Hard work, determination, and some helping hands can transform a life. Osama’s life story is proof of that.
Osama grew up in a good family but around a lot of hard things and admits to choosing a bad path. Needing money, he started doing and selling drugs. With insecurities and addictions left unchecked and no friends to discourage bad behaviors, he spent five years in and out of jail. In between, he slept on friends’ couches or behind bushes. Osama says he’s been beat up, stabbed, shot, and ran over.
“You name it, I did it,” he said in an interview. “I should have lost my life.”
Four years ago, while in jail, Osama finally got to a place where he was ready to change. Far from family, he was on a mission to be in his child’s life.
“I didn’t want to just recover,” he says. “I wanted to be the best I could be. I wanted to upgrade.”
Once Osama got out of jail, he hit the ground running and sought help around town— looking for places to stay and resources to help as he moved forward with his life for good.
That’s where Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) comes in. Osama says he relied on GSM for food assistance and help on a power bill with his first apartment.
“What Good Samaritan Ministries does is supremely important,” he said. “Trying to get back on my feet without friends or family felt just about impossible. Luckily, with the help of Good Samaritan and a recovery group, I was able to do the impossible.”
Osama was determined not to give up. He found work, and his child moved in with him when he got an apartment. He now owns a house and works at a gym as a certified personal trainer while studying to be a physical therapist. He says his priorities are different now and that he gets to use his talents and abilities in a positive way!
“I first met Osama at Our Daily Bread food ministry and could tell he was really low,” said Chauncey Slater, Ministry Services Coordinator at GSM. “Seeing where he is now, clean and sober, it’s a blessing to see him flourish!”
As Osama reflects on his incredible journey, he is proud. He used to not talk about his story because of the shame of his past, but is now using it to help and inspire others.
His main goal is continuing to give his child a safe space to grow up and thrive while being a positive influence to everybody around him. At GSM, we are privileged to be that positive and safe space when neighbors are most vulnerable. Learn more about our ministry at goodsamjc.org.