Timothy’s Story

This week is “belong” week and today I sat down with Timothy, a former participant of Good Soil Industries (GSI) and a regular at the KCB Community Center. Timothy’s life is a journey through darkness and into light. From a life spent behind bars to building a future filled with hope, Timothy’s story was amazing to hear.

Like I previously mentioned, the majority of Timothy’s life was spent behind bars. He actually lived more years locked up than free—16 years in prison and 11 more in juvenile detention to be exact. “I’ve only been a part of actual society for 11 years of my whole life,” he said. After his release, life didn’t get much easier for him. Homelessness became his new reality, as he began navigating a world that often felt unforgiving.

“COVID happened, and I didn’t choose to be homeless,” Timothy shared. Despite working two jobs, the pandemic stripped him of his income, his trailer, and ultimately, his sense of stability. “I lost everything,” he said.

It was during this time of uncertainty that Timothy’s life took a turn. A friend mentioned Kingdom Causes Bellflower (KCB), and Timothy decided to give it a shot. He admitted to being nervous but being desperate for change, he decided to walk through the doors of KCB. What Timothy didn’t know was that he was stepping into a community that would ultimately become a part in transforming his life. It was at that time that I met Timothy, and eventually ended up connecting him to shelter while trying to get him into the GSI program.

Naturally, when Timothy joined the waiting list for Good Soil Industries (GSI), he wasn’t sure what to expect, but he figured we’d never call like all the other places he was trying to get in to. But when George called him and told him that a spot had opened, his outlook changed. “My whole world lit up,” he said. And that’s where the real work began. Through the program, Timothy learned more than just job skills—he found a family. “When I first came to the community center, I was nervous,” Timothy said. “But they gave me food, sat with me, talked with me, and treated me like a person. That meant everything to me.”

KCB and GSI staff like Gene, George, and Andrew became anchors of support. “These guys are my family,” Timothy said. “They helped me grow into a better version of myself.” I grew with Gene and Andrew, and I’m so thankful for their help.

One of Timothy’s most impactful memories came during a camping trip with the GSI team. “I connected with people I’d never thought I’d get along with,” he shared. On that trip, Timothy made an unlikely friendship with someone from a rival barrio. “Those barrios were enemies on the streets, but through that trip, we became like best friends,” he said. “That’s when I knew I left that old life behind.”

This sense of belonging extended beyond the program. Timothy now feels at home in spaces that once felt intimidating. “I can hang out at Steelcraft, get food, and not feel like everyone is looking at me different,” he said. “Belonging means feeling like I’m part of something bigger—like family.”

Now two years clean, Timothy’s life looks very different. He’s moving into his own studio apartment next week and is finally excited about what’s coming. “I used to look down on myself,” he said. “Now, I’m building and living a life I’m proud of.”

Timothy’s determination is evident. “I want to be the lion in my own kingdom,” he said. “I’ve lost weight, taken care of myself, and I’m focused on my goals.” With a supportive community behind him, Timothy’s vision for his future feels like something he can actually achieve now.

When he was asked what advice he would give others who may be in similar situations, he said—“Give it a chance. Open your mind. There are people who want to help you.” He also made it clear that asking is usually the first step. “Closed mouths don’t get fed, and a closed mind is considered dead,” he said. “Keep climbing the ladder to achieve the success that lies ahead.”

Timothy’s story reminds us that no matter how dark life may seem, belonging and real change are possible with the right community. It’s a living reflection of our mission to continue creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and belong. “KCB is like my family,” he said. “I went from not knowing myself to knowing all of you. I grew with you. With KCB and GSI’s help, I’ve become a whole different person.”