When Michael Goodwin arrived at City Union Mission’s Christian Life Program, a long-term recovery program in Kansas City, he was carrying battles he had not yet fully understood.

Raised in Knob Noster, Missouri, Michael spent much of his life wrestling with inward struggles, uncertainty, and questions about who he was and who he was becoming. He had lived in different places and experienced different environments, but the same internal barriers kept following him.

Over time, Michael began to recognize that pain from his past had shaped the way he moved through life.

“What brought me to the CLP were those battles,” Michael shared. “I didn’t know the effects of childhood trauma. I didn’t know those things had a hold on me.”

For Michael, the long-term recovery program offered more than temporary help. It provided structure, spiritual care, practical classes, accountability, and a supportive community where he could begin facing the deeper issues that had affected his life.

Finding Help Through a Long-Term Recovery Program

At first, Michael was unsure about the Christian Life Program. He had questions. He was guarded. And he was not used to being surrounded by a supportive community that wanted to help him succeed.

But when Larry, his case manager, looked him in the eye and assured him he would not let him fail, Michael began to trust the process.

“I’ve heard that many times in my life, but for some reason the look in his eyes let me know that I could trust him.”

Through City Union Mission’s Christian Life Program, Michael began engaging in daily devotions, church services, Bible studies, conversations with other men in the program, and classes that helped him build practical life skills.

Since fully committing to the program, he has been learning about trauma, financial literacy, digital literacy, and other tools that support growth and stability.

More importantly, Michael has been learning to see himself differently.

Growing in Faith, Stability, and Purpose

Michael’s faith has grown deeply since first arriving at the Mission. He remembers coming to the Men’s Emergency Shelter by Greyhound bus, unsure of what would come next.

Now, when he sees the station nearby, it reminds him of how far God has brought him.

Through faith, structure, and steady encouragement, Michael is discovering that healing is possible. The Christian Life Program has given him space to grow spiritually, emotionally, and practically as he continues taking steps toward a new future.

Looking Toward a New Future

Today, Michael is focused on what comes next.

He is working through the Excel program to earn his high school diploma, and he hopes to continue into social work. His long-term goal is to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, using his own life experiences to help others find healing and direction.

“I am hopeful that I will embrace this journey, grow, and become a better version of myself, one that I have never seen, one that I want my children to see.”

A Story of Growth, Development, and Life

When asked what City Union Mission means to him, Michael simply said: growth, development, and life.

He sees the Mission as a place where gifted and talented people choose to pour into people who need it most. Through structure, spiritual care, partnership, and steady encouragement, Michael is discovering that healing is possible, growth is real, and God is still writing his story.

For those who may be struggling and unsure where to turn, Michael offers this advice: seek God first.

There will be hard days. There will be moments of doubt. But with faith, support, and a willingness to keep going, there is a path forward.

Help More Men Find Long-Term Recovery and Hope

Stories like Michael’s are still being written every day. Through City Union Mission’s long-term recovery program, men are finding faith, structure, encouragement, practical support, and hope for the future.

Your support helps provide safe shelter, spiritual care, life skills, accountability, and Christ-centered guidance for men working toward healing and stability.

Help more men like Michael take their next step toward long-term recovery, growth, and a new direction.