Barry’s journey is a testimony to the transformative power of faith, support, and education. After completing the recovery program at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, he chose to stay on for a second year as an intern — not just to serve, but to grow. That’s when he found City Vision University.
“Before City Vision University, my life was in recovery. Before that, it was addiction. One thing that this place has really helped me do was to gain more confidence in my abilities,” Barry shared.
Encouraged by a career education specialist who believed in his potential, Barry took the brave step of enrolling at City Vision. Though initially hesitant about returning to school, he soon discovered a new sense of capability and purpose. With support from accessible and caring faculty, Barry earned his certification in addiction counseling and found renewed direction in his work with those in recovery.
“What I did like most about City Vision is that all the professors and staff are accessible… they come with a resolve to any issues I have very quickly,” Barry explained.
Now, Barry is pressing forward — with plans to pursue his associate, then bachelor’s, and eventually a master’s degree. His goal? To keep walking alongside those in addiction recovery, equipped with empathy, experience, and education.
Barry’s story isn’t just one of second chances — it’s a story of calling awakened, leadership formed, and hope realized.