SOS: Sharing our Stories

This week on Sharing Our Stories, we sit down with Gio Chavez, a man whose life is a powerful testimony of change, perseverance, and redemption. After years of substance use and incarceration, Gio made the life-altering decision to start over, and he hasn’t looked back since. With the help of Avenues and Transitions Sober Living, Gio began rebuilding his life from the ground up. Starting out in ro...

    With 19 years sober, Rachel Menchaca is the example of resilience and service. As Vice President of Operations at Empower Recovery Homes, she’s dedicated to helping people find hope and healing through recovery.     A proud 12-step member of Narcotics Anonymous and advocate for women, Rachel proves that recovery isn’t just about staying sober, it’s about empowering others to rise!

   In this inspiring episode of Sharing Our Stories, Ben Cameron opens up about his powerful journey from addiction and drug dealing to finding freedom and purpose.    After serving time in prison, Ben has emerged as a living example that transformation is possible for anyone, no matter how far they’ve fallen. Through faith, perseverance, and a desire to help others, Ben has turned his pain into p...

  In this powerful episode of Sharing Our Stories, Paul Gonzales opens up about his journey from brokenness to breakthrough. Once caught in a life of pain and prison, Paul shares how God completely transformed his life, restoring hope.    Through the work of his Open Gate Prison Ministry family and a renewed faith, Paul shows that freedom isn’t just about walking out of a cell, it’s about walking...

We’re honored to welcome Daniel Okodo to the podcast. 🙌 Daniel’s story is one of transformation, perseverance, and faith in action. He’s walked through some challenging seasons, but through grace, community, and determination, he found the strength to rise above what once held him back. Today, Daniel uses his story to inspire others, to remind us that healing is possible, that purpose can come fr...

Dustin Chavez opens up about his journey through addiction and recovery, a story that weaves together the highs of life in the music business and the hard lessons of trying to fill a “God-sized hole” with unhealthy relationships. Today, Dustin is grateful for the gift of recovery and the healthy, meaningful connections and relationships he has today. Through his work building and creating with Emp...

James’ journey has not been an easy one. For years, he battled addiction, gangs, and the violence that often comes with that life. But through faith and recovery, he found a new path forward. Today, James is not only living in freedom, he’s giving back. His heart is with youth in the justice system, many of whom face the same struggles he once knew.   His life shows us that recovery is more than o...

We’re honored to welcome Jason Aubrey to the podcast. 🙌 Jason’s story is one of resilience, faith, and redemption. From his struggles to his breakthroughs, he’s walked a road that proves change is possible for anyone willing to take the first step, or sometimes multiple steps.  Through honesty, humility, and a deep trust in family, friends, and something greater than himself, Jason found the stre...

We’re honored to share the story of Alexis Laughlin, a story that reminds us no one is ever too far gone for grace. 💜 Alexis opens up about her battle with addiction and the long road that led her out of darkness. She’s honest about the pain, the struggle, and the moments when hope felt completely out of reach. But through surrender, community, and a growing faith in God, Alexis discovered someth...

Joseph Ellis is an Armed Forces Veteran, seasoned leader in the recovery community, and proud graduate of Stout Street in Commerce City, Colorado.  With over 13 years in long-term recovery, Joseph has built a career rooted in service, holding an MA, CPFS, and NCPRSS credentials.  He currently serves as Supervisor for the County Court Peer Specialist team and is Program Administrator for Outreach C...

We’re truly honored to welcome Kathrine Cisneros as our guest. 🙌 Kathrine’s story is one of courage, transformation, and unwavering authenticity. Her journey through addiction wasn’t easy, but it became the foundation for something powerful, a life built on purpose and recovery. Today, she stands as a voice of hope within the recovery community, using her experiences to lift others up through her...

Josh Kitka's journey reminds us that recovery is possible. After years in active addiction and time spent in prison, Josh found something he never thought he would again—hope. Surrounded by a like-minded recovery community, he discovered the power of connection, accountability, and support. Today, Josh stands as a living example that transformation is real. His story is proof that even in the dark...