Bruce lived at Providence House and now serves on staff at Victory House. Working together for Victory House, with Lydia, his NextStep Community Co-Manager, their paired strengths provide the supportive care needed to foster a healthy sober-living community in Denver.
Who are you?
I grew up in Virginia, spent six years in Buffalo, and then moved to Colorado in 2012. I was raised in a Christian home, where my faith began to grow more deeply during college, especially in Buffalo. While in New York, I was part of a close knit group from my church who asked tough questions and all attended seminary. Figures like C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, Brennan Manning, and Timothy Keller, with his book The Prodigal God, had a major impact on my journey.
I’ve always had a deep connection to people, particularly those who need a little extra care. I worked for a residential program for special needs individuals for a while and then spent 12 years in graphic design, including PR and design work. After I married Jamie, we moved into Providence House and later transitioned to Victory House.
Before moving into the house, I had some experience in the city, including volunteering with a community group that provided food for the homeless on 16th Street. I got to know the men at Victory House before moving in and became familiar with the wide range of mental health challenges they face.
What’s life like at FirstStep and NextStep?
At Providence House, a FirstStep home, the community is naturally built-in. There’s dinner together every night and a level of connection you don’t typically find elsewhere. However, that closeness comes with its challenges—when you let people into your life, things can occasionally get complicated or “spicy.”
At Victory House, a NextStep home, the sense of community exists but is entirely voluntary. It’s easier for someone to become a recluse here if they choose. Even so, Lydia and I work hard to make residents feel welcome and ensure there are spaces where they can connect. The independence at Victory inspires satisfaction among the residents. They take the initiative to make it their own, such as by working in the garden or taking part in communal projects.
What does teamwork look like as you provide leadership to NextStep?
I bring experience leading youth programs, small groups, and other community efforts. Lydia and I complement each other. She provides an “open door” mentality, offering a personal touch that resonates deeply, especially with the women in the community. Together, we represent two sides of the spiritual coin. I also focus on managing the property and ensuring safety, while Lydia’s connects with others on a personal level. Her warm, empathetic approach helps her forge meaningful relationships. I really admire that.
What’s it like having a child at Victory House?
Parenting is always a challenge, but also a blessing. During the first six months of my child’s life, I took on the role of a stay-at-home dad, balancing it with freelance work while my wife Jamie (Providence Network’s Case Manager) worked full-time and pursued her master’s degree. It was a huge life change, but now that our child is older, we’ve found joy in having a community around us.
Our child has fully embraced the community, learning everyone’s names, including all the dogs’. She loves playing with the other kids, bringing out her most extroverted self while roaming the courtyard of Victory. Her outgoing nature even helps draw out some of the more reclusive residents. One of the greatest gifts of living here is how my daughter gets to meet people from all walks of life. She’s learning to love and connect with people who look, talk, and live differently from her. I’m grateful we get to be part of Victory’s wonderful community.
