From Darkness to Hope: Michael's Journey to Volunteer at Thrive Center
By Nara Shin
Thrive has 200 volunteers who dedicate their time to engaging with the refugee/immigrant communities in Spokane. Every volunteer's story shines as a testament to the transformative power of second chances and the healing potential of the community, and Thrive is grateful for our volunteers. Meet Michael, a true inspiration and a volunteer of the Thrive family since February 2023.
In 2021, Michael came to Spokane from Hawaii to start his new journey from the determination to leave his life of alcoholism. Having a new position at Union Gospel Mission, Michael decided not to go back to his old life of partying and drinking. However, miscommunication with his apartment leasing office and living with his old friend (according to Michael, whom he used to party with) led Michael back into the clutches of alcohol.
Lost and broken, Michael found himself homeless with alcohol addiction, ultimately facing the consequences of drunk driving. The organization he belonged to was a religious center to help the poor and addicted and raised this concern about having Michael, a staff member, involved with alcohol use. Therefore, they recommended Michael join the LIFE recovery program, an intensive assistance program to deal with addiction. From then, Michael stayed in the on-site housing for the program and took part in the program.
During the LIFE Recovery program, Michael faced challenges in overcoming his alcohol addiction and struggled to reconcile his faith with feelings of self-worth. On the other hand, after several months in the program, Michael discovered the power of vulnerability and the need to be honest with himself. From then on, his life was totally changed. Michael started not only embracing his vulnerabilities but also reaching out to others who felt lost and hopeless, much like he had when he first arrived in Spokane.
As part of his practicum volunteer activities for the LIFE Recovery program, Michael researched local organizations to get involved with. Thrive's heartwarming stories about refugees starting anew in a foreign land, facing limited resources and connections, resonated deeply with him. “It’s just hard. I understand that feeling. I’m not a refugee or immigrant, but when I came from Hawaii without any hope and motivation, I felt so left out in the community,” Michael said.
From February 2023, Michael joined Thrive as a volunteer. Volunteering at Thrive, Michael helped the service team to change light bulbs, paint, and help set up events. Although his role primarily focused on physical tasks, the connections he built with staff members and refugees at the Thrive Center were deeply impactful. Listening to their life stories and forming genuine bonds with the community, he found strength in the power of shared experiences and empathy. “Just people sharing their lives with me, like that touch, just to know that they are willing to open up and share their stories…it’s powerful,” Michael said.
After graduating from his LIFE Recovery program, Michael now works for the organization as a mentor. Even though he ended his required volunteer hours for the LIFE Recovery program, Michael keeps volunteering at the Thrive Center with his passion and dedication.
“I think Thrive is an amazing space. People who work here have hearts for people in general. They are doing it because they care about the people in our community. And so just hearing those stories, seeing how much time people put in here, and how much of themselves they pour out for people, it is beautiful,” Michael emphasized.
Michael's story serves as an inspiring call to action for anyone seeking to make a difference in the lives of others.
“If you have a heart to serve, get involved with Thrive, come alongside, stand side by side with people, and hear their stories. You’ll be helping them, but it’s also a blessing to your soul like an opportunity to be used for God’s divine plan to help these people. People need other people, and we thrive in a community where people build a multicultural community.”
Today, Thrive celebrates Michael's thriving journey and the countless stories of hope that shape our community. When we are together, we build a brighter tomorrow, one filled with compassion, unity, and the power of shared humanity.
If you're inspired to be a part of this transformative mission, join us at Thrive Center to volunteer and let us thrive together.
