At Loaves and Fishes, we are always fascinated and amazed by the clients that have come through our center. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Though, they all have a couple things in common; personal and financial struggles, most strive to have a better life but lack the tools and resources to achieve it. During the intake and registration process, it is important to build a rapport and trust with the client in order to understand their needs.

Client Spotlight: Daniel Dean Castillo

Meet Daniel Dean Castillo, a 61 year-old man who arrived at Loaves & Fishes on February 16, 2023. On February 27, 2023 Daniel walked into the Clinical Department and stated, “I want to be your next success story!” The next day Daniel was on his way to start his journey of recovery. Daniel is the father of 4 children and wants to live a drug-free life, not only for himself, but for his children. In 2 weeks, Daniel will be 6 months sober after 30 years using.

Daniel mentions, “If I can do it, anyone can. Anybody that knows who I was and knew what I was going through can take control of their life as long as they commit to this, follows the process, and stays focused. I would also like to give special thanks to Maria Galvan my Counselor at Loaves & Fishes, Ms. Flores from Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, Dulce from the Recovery Center, and Vianney from TTBH Job Search. Without this support, I would not be where I am today.”

Daniel will be starting college at TSTC this Fall in Construction Technology. “I want to set an example for my children.”

Good job Daniel, we are extremely proud of you and wish you the best!

Client Spotlight: John Joe Butler

Meet John Joe Butler, a 51 year-old man who arrived at Loaves & Fishes on August 4, 2023. “In July 2022, I found myself doing drugs for two months. I had a good job and I ended up losing it due to my drug use. I found myself doing large quantities of meth and I wasn’t eating or drinking water at the time.

One day I bought a large amount of meth and rented a hotel room for two days. If it hadn’t been for the cleaning lady finding me in the hotel, I would have died. I had no idea what had happened until I woke up at Valley Baptist in the Trauma Unit. While I was there, I received detox treatment. One day while I was in my room, I saw a bright light. After speaking with the doctors to ask if anyone had come into the room, I was informed that nobody had been in there.

I knew it was Jesus.

On the day I was discharged from the hospital, I came to Loaves & Fishes to have a meal with a friend. She convinced me to stay for shelter services because she saw that I needed help. It took me a while to overcome, but I slowly found myself getting better.

With the help of Loaves & Fishes, along with the counseling services I am receiving, I was able to find a job. They helped me find a place to live and now that I look back at everything, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself and most importantly, my family.”

John reached a huge milestone in July. John has been sober now for an entire year; 365 days. Great job John, we are very proud of how much you have accomplished!