Nick Found More Than Care — He Found Community at Harbor

Meet Nick

Nick was born in New London, Connecticut, and raised in the San Fernando Valley of California. He grew up in a tough household with his mother and four sisters, navigating the challenges of a difficult stepfather and a lack of guidance. Despite the hardship, Nick found early passions — including a love for the fire department and helping others — though he often struggled with self-esteem and undiagnosed learning difficulties.

“I never felt comfortable in my own skin,” Nick shared. “I think there were probably some mental health issues that just went unnoticed. Broken people make broken people.”

Nick’s Journey

Nick’s life has been a rollercoaster — full of moments of service, hardship, resilience, and rediscovery. After years of hard work, including military service and a fulfilling career in fire service, a freak accident in Hawaii changed everything. He broke his neck in three places, resulting in a long physical recovery and the loss of the career he loved.

“That injury ended everything,” Nick said. “It went from a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane. Even now, I still trip over my right leg sometimes.”

The years that followed saw Nick cycling through maintenance jobs, battling addiction, and even spending time in prison. But despite it all, he found strength in faith, therapy, and family — especially the unwavering support of his sister Feline and the love he shared with his daughters and new granddaughter.

“I’ve been through some dark stuff,” he admitted. “But I can honestly say, I’ll never go back to that life. I already know what’s at the end of that road.”

After staying clean post-prison, Nick faced another unexpected blow: the loss of his mother. Her passing sent him into a deep depression that led to homelessness for the first time in his life. Living in his car for six months, even with some income, he found it nearly impossible to get ahead. When severe illness struck — sepsis, pneumonia, and hundreds of blood clots — Nick was hospitalized and, thanks to a caseworker and a loving nudge from Feline, referred to Harbor Care.

How Harbor Helped Nick

Nick arrived at Harbor Care physically drained, spiritually exhausted, and unsure of what to expect. But the warm welcome from staff like Zeke, who picked him up from the hospital, helped ease his nerves.

“Zeke picked me up and immediately made me feel comfortable — like I was going to the right place.”

He remembers spending the first day just lying in bed, unsure of what came next — but soon found himself making friends, building a community, and feeling truly seen.

“I don’t even want to say friends — you become family with people. Staff included.”

The support at Harbor Care wasn’t just physical — though he gained back weight and left healthier than he’d been in years. He also experienced spiritual healing, emotional support, and a renewed sense of purpose. From compassionate case management with Elsie to engaging in programs like brain scanning therapy, Nick felt uplifted by the Harbor Care team.

“At this point, I was health-wise bankrupt. Spiritually bankrupt. Honestly, I was at death’s door. And now, I’m on a whole new journey.”