Fernando Medina
In August of 2001, Fernando Medina was having a hard time finding a job. After several years of drug and alcohol addiction and a recent probation sentence for 2nd Degree Burglary, few employers were interested in hiring him. The troubled economy was adding to his job seeking woes. Then, like a refreshing drink on a hot summer day, an opportunity for a second chance showed up with his sister’s advice that he try Bud’s Warehouse for a job.

“When I stopped by to fill out an application, they said there were no openings,” said Fernando. “But for some reason, they took a chance on me…and it has changed my life.”

Fernando noted that Jared, the program director at that time, took him under his wing and helped him see how he could start laying the foundation for future success. “Bud’s was a place of grace for me,” Fernando said. “I came into the organization living life for myself and defiant of everyone’s rules, but Jared patiently worked with me. He challenged me with high standards but also offered forgiveness when I blew it. Gradually, over time, I got it and understood that I could allow God to change my life.”

In November of 2002, Fernando graduated the program and accepted a job with Greystar Construction. A few month later, he married the love of his life, Naomi. “My life looks so different today,” Fernando said.
This summer, Fernando jumped at the chance to join Bud’s Warehouse as its Warehouse Manager. Since then, Fernando has taken charge of the day-to-day activities of the warehouse including customer service, team leadership and the inventory system. His goal is to create an environment where each program participant cares for and helps each other while providing expert customer service to the public. “Bud’s has meant so much for my life,” Fernando noted. “I wanted to give back a little of Bud’s blessing to others.”

Melo Kitamura
When you ask Mello Kitamura about her life, she’s one to give an answer straight to the point. “I was addicted to crack and if it wasn’t for Baby Bud’s, I’d be dead.”

This past February, Mello found herself in a seemingly hopeless place. She had recently lost custody of her two children and could not find a way to end her addiction. Pastor Bob of Jesus Christ Our Church recommended that she speak to Diane Sager at Baby Bud’s. “I just wasn’t going down the right path,” Mello noted. “But when I met Diane she showed me how there was a better way by following God.”

During their first meeting, Dianne challenged Mello that if she went back to drugs her precarious health might lead to her death. The next day Mello had a stroke in the midst of a drug binge and ended up in the hospital. “I knew right then and there that Diane was right,” Mello said. “I decided it was time to really follow God and change my life.”

Since then, Baby Bud’s has helped Mello through the process of finding transitional housing at Treasure House and then eventually her own apartment in the neighborhood. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl on July 13th and is now working to regain custody of her children.

“I love it here at Baby Bud’s,” Mello noted. “Everyday we’re helping meet the needs of the neighborhood while at the same time I’m learning how to go down the right path for my future.” Mello hopes to begin studies in the near future in order to enter a career in sign language.