Troy describes his early life as driven by selfishness and a deep desire to be accepted. Growing up as a big kid with glasses and braces, he says “cool was the goal.” While he excelled academically and earned a scholarship to Oregon State University, his pursuit of acceptance led him down a destructive path.

In college, Troy’s marijuana use and drinking escalated. Eventually, he was kicked out of school and returned home. Determined to maintain an image and chase a stronger high, he experimented with crack cocaine. What began as another thrill quickly spiraled into addiction. He describes that high as taking him “to the depths of hell.”

Troy’s life unraveled. He found himself on Skid Row, selling his belongings, accumulating debt, and surrounding himself with dangerous influences. His addiction led him to rob his own mother and bring deep pain to his family. He burned bridges, endangered loved ones, and reached a point where he had nowhere left to turn.

At his lowest, his sister suggested the Dream Center’s one year Discipleship Program. Though a year felt like an eternity, Troy realized he had no other option. He entered the program and began experiencing real change.

After graduating from Discipleship, he continued into the Connections Program, serving others and growing in responsibility. He then moved into the Transitions Program and secured a job at Amazon. For a time, things were improving, but the desire to use resurfaced. Troy relapsed, spent all his money on drugs, lost significant weight, and again found himself in crisis.

In that desperate moment, he reached out to his leader, Chase Garcia, who came to pick him up and bring him back. This time, Troy committed to starting over with a different mindset. He immersed himself in Scripture, calling it the greatest year of his life.

He returned to the Connections Program, serving at the food bank, and later moved back into Transitions. Eventually, he secured a job at a treatment center, helping others who struggle with addiction just as he once did. With the Dream Center’s support, he rebuilt his credit and was able to move into his own home.

Today, Troy’s story is one of redemption, perseverance, and transformation. From Skid Row and addiction to stability, service, and leadership, his life reflects the power of second chances and sustained community support.