Michael's Recipe for a Comeback: Recovery, Resilience, and Really Great Food
- Nick Malone
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
In Michael’s world, good food is the language of love. Since childhood, the kitchen has been his escape, spending countless mornings trying to create the perfect breakfast for his four siblings and dozens of cousins. But it had always been a private passion– never something he’d considered doing professionally. That was until life threw him a curveball that brought him to Association House.
When he first walked through our doors, it wasn’t by choice—it was a court mandate. Facing a custody battle and ordered to complete a substance use program, he arrived guarded and skeptical.
“At first, I was just there to meet the court’s requirements,” Michael recalls. “But as I listened to other people’s stories and opened up to the process, I realized I could actually benefit from it. I used to be a hothead, but the program taught me how to think differently, how to cope, and how to be open to suggestions instead of reacting right away. It really helped me become more rational and trusting.”
Inspired by a room full of people willing to be vulnerable, sharing stories and triggers, and learning how to support each other, Michael discovered a new mindset that opened him up to opportunities he’d never considered before. He credits his counselor, Adriana Rivera, with helping him stay on track and believe in his future.
“She helped me more times than I can count—bus passes, court paperwork, random drug testing, even just letting me come in and be around people. She never turned me away.”
Before long, Michael had graduated from Visions, our substance use program, and was looking for a next step. After spending so much time in our building, he’d taken notice of flyers for our culinary training program.
“Cooking has always been my thing. It puts me in a zone where I can just tune everything out and just be myself. No judgement, just me and what’s in front of me. I’m just a completely different person.”
With a shining endorsement from his supporters in Visions, Michael’s application to the culinary program was accepted. On his first day in our kitchen, Michael says it felt like this chapter of his life had been a long time coming.
“It hit me right away. I thought instantly: I could do this for a very long time.”
Over the 9 week course, Michael expanded his flavor palette, picked up pro-grade skills, and felt inspired to get adventurous in the kitchen again. In one of the culinary program’s classic competitions, students were tasked with creating unique sushi roll recipes and presenting them for judging to staff and participants at the House. After the scores were tallied, Michael– who’d never been much of a sushi guy– scored first place. Experimenting with Asian flavors inspired him, and an exciting new idea was born.
After graduation, Michael began the process of opening his very own food truck: Gordo & Sons, a Latin-Asian fusion pitstop serving unique delights like morcilla nachos and sofrito steak-and-egg spring rolls. The “sons” in the name are his six: a way to honor his commitment to his family, which is also about to transform.
“I feel like 2025 is my year. I’ve been engaged for quite some time and I’m getting ready to finally get married this year. My kids love what I do, my wife loves what I do– obviously, ‘cause she doesn’t have to cook!” he says with a laugh. “My kids are my toughest critics. They have no problem letting me know when they don’t like something.”
As he prepares for these transformations, the House has remained a part of his life. During his visit for this interview, faces lit up all over the building as Michael moved through the halls. He still checks in with his Visions counselors to share his successes and his excitement about his sons’ grades and sports achievements.
He maintains a relationship with Chef Tenoch Ang, the leader of our culinary class, who Michael describes as “a genuine soul who was so generous with his personal life as he taught us.” Each summer, Michael and his boys join in our Back 2 School Fair for free backpacks and school supplies, along with a live bubble show.
“Even last year when we got rained on a little bit, my kids didn’t care. The bubble guy put one of my kids’ whole bodies inside a huge bubble and it was the highlight of his day,” Michael shared with a smile.
While Michael cooked up some of his food truck’s star items for Chef Ang and his other culinary mentors, he got serious for the first time after a morning of catching up and wisecracking.
“I’m gonna get kind of personal real quick. I was a person that thought no one was able to help me. I thought I was alone in a lot of aspects of my life until I started coming here,” Michael told us. “People avoid reaching out because they think people will point their fingers and laugh. It’s not like that here: people treat you like family. Reach out, because this place saved my life. It’s the best decision I’ve made.” ▪
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Discover more about the programs that transformed Michael's life.
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