Michael Adams has had a hard life, but he’s found solace more than once in the Episcopal Church and its ministries.
Michael grew up “all over Texas,” with his grandmother as the one constant in his life. She took him to services at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Irving when he was young and had him baptized there. Michael said his grandmother – Nanny – taught him prayers that remain in his memory. She wasn’t able, however, to keep him from falling into a cycle of drug and alcohol addiction, and she died during the first wave of the COVID pandemic.  
Michael visited 4Saints for the first time ever on July 1. He recently got out of prison and is staying at a sober living facility while he finishes out his parole. In return for shelter, case management, and other services, Michael picks up trash and performs other odd jobs at different event venues around town. Many times, concerts and games overlap the dinner hour – meaning Michael doesn’t eat.
Michael called the 211 helpline to locate food assistance. He was excited about the opportunity to make himself a peanut butter sandwich or eat a piece of fruit on the nights he misses dinner at the transitional living facility. He also had an idea of how he was led to 4Saints: “maybe my Nanny’s hanging out with me today.”