Even before Eulalio “Eli” Contreras picked up his high school diploma on June 2, he knew he had already graduated into a life full of promise and dreams fulfilled. Having survived a childhood of abuse and years of drug addiction and homelessness, Contreras now shares his story of joy with anyone who will listen, and especially those in despair.

Eli describes himself as the crazy guy with the Mohawk who used to walk along Highway 4 for many years. Now, he speaks softly and passionately, reaching out to the needy and telling them how a visit to church four years ago changed his life forever.

After that day, Contreras began to believe that God had a plan for him, and he was able to move from the streets and back to his family. He soon obtained a driver’s license, a part-time job and an automobile. Social workers and police officers who hear him speak now can’t believe the change, and often become dumbstruck when they realize that the person before them is the same individual they tried to help so many times in the past.

Since 2007, Contreras has attended LUHSD Adult School, and was awarded honors last year for perfect attendance and good grades. He graduated from LUHSD Adult Education, earning his high school diploma, and has already passed two classes at Los Medanos College. His next step is to earn an associate arts degree in counseling, and continue to spread the news of hope.

Contreras will be speaking at a Bible Conference in Arizona this month, and with help from LUHSD instructor and author Barbara Besera has written the book “And Then I Heard His Voice,” which he hopes will be published in the near future.