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Gang Member to Rehab Director
Why this Chicago south side pastor is grateful for The Storehouse.

Ramon Castro has been sober for 26 years, which is quite an accomplishment after 16 years of alcoholism and drug addictions. Ramon grew up on the south side of Chicago surrounded by gangs and drugs, and became involved at a young age. But in 1984, Ramon decided to move into a rehabilitation home and make some dramatic changes in his life.

Ramon decided to continue working with Victory Outreach after spending a year in the rehabilitation home. Now, at 50 years old, Ramon is a husband, father, and minister of a Victory Outreach church on the south side. As he went through school and training, many people suggested that Ramon stay in California. But Ramon insisted he return to Chicago. “I have a heart for my own backyard,” he said.

Ramon is now a frequent customer in The Storehouse of World Vision. With a church building in need of repairs and an addition of children’s classrooms, Ramon appreciates the products he can find in The Storehouse. He has used doors, paint, sinks, and carpeting in the church that have “made it look beautiful.” Ramon said that The Storehouse of World Vision is a help to him and all non-profit organizations because of the products it provides at such low cost.

The rehabilitation home, fondly referred to as “The Home” by the residents, also benefits from the products in The Storehouse of World Vision. They have replaced the toilets and sinks in the men’s bathrooms, and also replaced several old doors with new doors from The Storehouse. Victory Outreach also receives personal items from a second leg of The Storehouse that provides products like clothing and hygiene products to its members. “We have men that come off the streets and don’t have anything—The Storehouse is a blessing,” Ramon said.

Victory Outreach has been able to help improve the quality of life for hundreds of men since it opened “The Home.” Ramon Castro is just one example of a man who has gone on to make a significant impact on the south side of Chicago, and many others have similar stories. The Storehouse of World Vision is able to play a small part in the work of Victory Outreach and other similar organizations thanks to product donations from building supply manufacturers and distributors. And as Ramon said, even though the work is difficult at times, “the rewards are so great.”

Who Is World Vision?

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

� 2008 World Vision Inc.

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