Success Story: John Thompson

When we first started working with Mr. Thompson in 2009, to say that that he had fallen on hard times would be an understatement.

He was beyond depressed, in poor health, and did not want to talk to anybody about anything. Shirley Henry would buy him books to read to try to raise his spirits, and eventually he told us about the day that changed his life forever.

You see, Mr. Thompson had been a hard working, law abiding, tax paying citizen, same as you and me. Until one ill-fated Thanksgiving he was forced to stay and work his job, while the love of his life Rosie, traveled with her sister to visit family.

Sadly, his wife and sister were in a car accident, their car flipped and Mr. Thompson’s wife, whom he was working hard through the holiday for, was killed on impact.

Upon hearing the news, he quit his job and walked away from the world. That’s when we found him living in a tent next to the Trinity River bottom. When Mr. Thompson realized we were offering a hand up, not just a hand out, a small spark of hope ignited in him. Suddenly a man of poetry, science, and deep thought appeared where a husk of a person who had lost all hope once stood.

Where is he now?

Sadly Mr. Thompson passed away in 2018 however; before he passed MHSG was able to get him disability benefits which he used to move into and furnish his very own apartment. We will never forget the look of pride and joy on his face as he stood their with the keys in his hand. He had a pantry full of food, a roof over his head, and most importantly a heart in repair from his great tragedy. We’re so very proud of John Thompson and all he accomplished, and grateful for the opportunity and part we played in restoring his hope. He will always be our #1 success story.