Jerald’s journey took him from a promising career in psychology to wandering the country, searching for meaning in life. A prayer and a broken-down car led him to Gospel Rescue Mission, where he found his true purpose. Jerald is learning to serve others with warmth and dignity while transforming lives—starting with his own. Read on to see how you can help make stories like Jerald’s possible.

Jerald lived the life of a nomad—sleeping in campgrounds and drifting from place to place—but he didn’t think of himself as homeless. He didn’t face the same struggles as many others in his situation. Jerald has a master’s degree in psychology and walked away from a promising career as a research psychologist. After going through a difficult divorce and losing custody of his daughter—losing what was most important to him, his career left him feeling empty and unfulfilled—Jerald longed for a more profound sense of meaning and purpose in his life. So he left his home and wandered the United States looking for something he could not find.

After five years on his journey, he developed compassion for the people around him, particularly those he encountered on the outskirts of society or those experiencing chronic homelessness. He embraced a down-to-earth, service-oriented approach to his spirituality but felt he still lacked something. He prayed to find something new.

Then, one day, while driving through Arizona, his vehicle broke down in the middle of nowhere. “The engine block froze, and I had to abandon everything that I owned… right there on the side of the highway in the desert.” Jerald started walking. 

On his way to Tucson, a few good Samaritans pulled over and offered to give Jerald a lift. They drove him 150 miles to Tucson, and eventually, Jerald found his way to Gospel Rescue Mission.

“And it was here that I found the family I had prayed for!”

Jerald entered the Workforce Program, beginning in the kitchen despite chronic shoulder pain. Week by week, he grew physically stronger. When the opportunity arose, Jerald enrolled in a Culinary Arts Management course through Pima Community College, earning a certification that would allow him to enter restaurant management.

“I couldn’t believe what was going on here! I am continually blown away by this place!”

Today, as an intern, Jerald serves guests and employees from GRM’s Opportunity Cafe coffee truck every morning. But, for him, it is more than just giving warm smiles and drinks—it’s an opportunity to connect with people—to serve and build into the lives of others who may be going through tough times.

“I had a guest recently tell me that having coffee served to them makes them feel like a regular human again,” Jerald said. “That feedback has inspired me to keep serving. I want to be a part of this! I want to help people!”

With his current skills and certifications, Jerald knows he can obtain a well-paying job. But his heart remains with the mission.

“The people here have such amazing hearts! They care, and every day they treat you with love, grace, dignity, and respect. I didn’t know a place like this could exist.”

We know the journey from Homeless to Wholeness doesn’t stop at sobriety or certifications. Self-sufficiency requires hard work, a strong and supportive community, and time and space to rebuild confidence. That’s why Opportunity Coffee and Cafe is so much more than just a cafe—it’s a launchpad for transformation.

In the months since we launched the Mobile Coffee Cafe (in preparation for the cafe), participants have gained hands-on experience mastering customer service, inventory management, and barista training. These skills, combined with certifications through Pima Community College, are helping guests build a foundation for not just jobs but careers.