Gavin’s Story

At Kingdom Causes Bellflower (KCB), our mission is to mobilize the community and provide transformative services so that all neighbors have a place to live, work, and belong. This week, we’re shining a light on the “work” pillar of our mission through the story of Gavin, a participant in our Good Soil Industries (GSI) program. His journey from the struggles of addiction and anxiety ridden uncertainty to discovering purpose and a community is a testament to the power of stable employment and a supportive program like GSI.

Gavin’s path to GSI wasn’t a quick one. For months, Ray, one of our dedicated GSI route managers (read his story here), encouraged him to join the program. “I was asked to come for months by Ray, but I never felt ready because of my addiction disease,” Gavin shared. As a recovering meth addict, now proudly six months and ten days (as of 4/8/25) clean, Gavin knew he needed something else. “Knowing that I needed something greater than myself and now I pray every day, and it has ultimately guided me here,” he said.

Before GSI, Gavin’s life lacked any kind of real structure. “I had nothing. I would wake up around midday every day, I would attend my meetings, and then I would just take care of my parents. That has been my routine for years,” he said. Struggling with bad habits and a sense of worthlessness, Gavin was ready for change. His eagerness to break free from those challenges led him to GSI, where he found an opportunity to start a good, honest, long game. A true rebuild.

Stable employment through GSI has been a game-changer for Gavin. “Now I wake up at 5:30am every day like clockwork, and it has helped me with my social skills. It has showed how to be humble and not feed my ego,” he said. The structure and purpose of work have given him a new rhythm, and that rhythm fuels his personal growth.

One cool moment came when Gavin was invited to an upcoming camping trip with the GSI team. “I’m so happy I got invited to go camping,” he said with a smile. “It made me feel seen and a part of something.” This simple invitation showed Gavin that he belongs (a huge part of our heart and mission).

George, our Employment Development Case Manager for GSI (you can check out his employee spotlight here), who interviewed Gavin, noted his infectious demeanor: “He’s always smiling and has a positive attitude. He really tries to light up every room he goes into.”

For Gavin, knowing there’s a community ready to support him has been such a blessing in his life. “I felt relief and a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “It means a lot to me because I know a lot of people that need help, and knowing there is a space for them here, I can pull them in here, knowing they are in good hands.” This sense of belonging has completely changed his perspective. “Now I’m accepted as I am with my flaws, and God will always love me and surround me with people that are going to help me.”

Gavin credits Ray for making a big impact in his life. “Ray has made an impact because of how dedicated he is to his job, and his work ethics expand to everything else. Across the board, he is a good leader and goes above and beyond to teach and help,” Gavin said. Ray’s mentorship has been evident in Gavin’s growth, and is showing him in real life what it means to show up with purpose.

Through GSI, Gavin is building skills that will carry him forward. “I’m doing my resume, I know how to socialize now, I know how to work in teams now, I know how to take direction better, so much,” he said. His confidence shows even more through his enthusiasm: “I am ready for anything, let’s go!” Prayer has also become a cornerstone of his journey. “Prayer is important,” he said. We all know how important that is to being grounded.

Gavin’s goals extend beyond himself. He hopes to share the opportunities he’s found with others who feel lost. “For the same reason that I was feeling worthless, but the program and people here guided me to find purpose,” he said.

To the donors and partners who make GSI possible (which you, the reader, can be a part of), Gavin has a direct message: “I’d sit up straight and I’d tell them I am bettering myself by personal development with GSI and the life skills they teach, and I am getting reconnected to God because of all the good habits I am becoming through this support.” That is the “why” behind this program. Your generosity can create ripples of change, and help neighbors like Gavin find purpose and belonging through real work. This has never been a handout program. It’s a hand up program, and it matters because people matter.

Look, Gavin’s story is just one example of how we use the resources entrusted to us to transform lives. We invite you to get involved, too. Whether by donating or even just spreading the word. The funding for these programs are being drastically cut, and without the support of the community, there’s a chance they go away completely.

So if you believe in this mission, please consider becoming a monthly donor. Whether it’s $5, $25, $100, $1000, or any other amount,  every dollar helps, and goes towards neighbors like Gavin having a place to live, work, and belong.

Visit kcbellflower.org/give to give online, or you can deliver a check made out to: Kingdom Causes Bellflower and drop it at our office (16429 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, Ca 90706) Monday through Thursday from 9am-4pm.

Be sure to follow us on IG to keep up with the stories and see important updates regarding everything KCB. (@kcbellflower)

A big thanks to George G. for interviewing Gavin and being a part of this work.

If you made it this far, I (Javvy) want to personally thank you for taking the time to read this.

Until next time..