'First Christmas' for many battling substance abuse

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — While many people celebrate Christmas at home with loved ones, one local organization is helping provide some normalcy to those facing their own battles by providing them with a holiday experience they will never forget.

Ricardo Pequeno is 18 years sober and now serves as a pastor for the nonprofit organization, Outcry in the Barrio in Pharr.

“I tell the guys that this Christmas will be unforgettable," Pequeno said.

He says he does not remember much about previous holidays since he was constantly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

After being arrested several times and trying different programs, he became a resident patient with the local nonprofit.

Now, Pequeno tries to help others through the power of prayer and guidance.

“What we teach them here is that we want them to see how God sees them and love," he said. "When you receive that you start loving yourself and if you love yourself you take care of yourself."

The organization provides housing, clothes and other necessities for six months as residents learn about prayer and reconnecting with society. They are only allowed visitors every 30 days until they get the confidence to not depend on substances.

This Christmas, the residents celebrated with dinner and some gifts, an experience many have never had during the holidays.

Pastor Elliot Garcia says these events allow residents the chance to see that they can still have fun and connect with others when sober.

“Some of the guys that come into the home, they never had a gift," Garcia said. "So we share not only Jesus (Christ) with them, but we give them a little gift. The community provides for different sponsors, brings different things into our home, where we're able to bless them with their first gift.”

He says it also helps those suffering from depression, which he says is one of the biggest issues impacting drug users.

He says the problem is unfortunately getting worse throughout the Valley and it is starting at a very young age.

“At 10, I was addicted to cocaine," Garcia said. "At 12, I was addicted to crack. Now we see that more and more often. We see suicide skyrocket. We see different things going on in our community where we didn't see them before, we see all these different drugs that are manufactured.”

Garcia says that once a resident starts improving, they are allowed to help with fundraising by selling banana bread or doing outreach activities around the community.

They are open daily for any person wanting to change their situation.

Even though the need is big, the pastors remain hopeful.

“God is still in the miracle-making business," Pequeno said.

If you or a loved one are experiencing substance abuse, you can reach out to the organization at (956) 685-5312 or visit 206 E Cherokee Ave. in Pharr.